It gave John a positive right to govern the mill, to decide all disputes, and to stand in his place as master.

It gave to Henry the same financial standing as his brother, but strictly denied to either son who deserted the mill any sum of larger amount than five thousand pounds; "to be made in one payment, and not a shilling more." A codicil, however, three years later, permitted one brother to buy the other out at a price to be settled by three large cotton-spinners who had long been friends of the Hatton family.

These directions appeared to be plain enough but there was delay after delay in bringing the matter to a finish.

It was nearly a month before Harry had his five thousand pounds in his pocketbook, and during this time he made no progress with his mother.

She thought him selfish and indifferent about the mill and his family.