It came as a great surprise to every one.' "I groaned.

'And his business,' I inquired--'the timber business, who carries that on ?' "'Oh, that!' answered Josiah.

'Oh, that had to be sold to pay his debts--leastways, to go towards 'em.' "I remarked what a terrible thing it was for his family.

I supposed the home was broken up, and they were all scattered.
"'No, sir,' he replied simply, 'they ain't scattered much.

They're all living with us.' "'But there,' he continued, seeing the look upon my face; 'of course, all this has nothing to do with you sir.