Cephas did not seem to hear her.
"Mr.Barnard!" she said, again.

There was that tone of command in her voice which only a woman can accomplish.

It was full of that maternal supremacy which awakens the first instinct of obedience in man, and has more weight than the voice of a general in battle.

Cephas did not turn his head, but he spoke.

"What is it ye want ?" he said, gruffly.
"I want to know what my son has done, an' I want you to tell me in so many words.