"What I once did, was only justice--or I then believed so.
What I have done, and am about to do, is still mere justice.

John, how old art thee now ?" "Twenty." "Then, for one year from this time I will take thee as my 'prentice, though thee knowest already nearly as much of the business as I do.

At twenty-one thee wilt be able to set up for thyself, or I may take thee into partnership--we'll see.

But"-- and he looked at me, then sternly, nay, fiercely, into John's steadfast eyes--"remember, thee hast in some measure taken that lad's place.

May God deal with thee as thou dealest with my son Phineas--my only son!" "Amen!" was the solemn answer.
And God, who sees us both now--ay, NOW! and, perhaps, not so far apart as some may deem--He knows whether or no John Halifax kept that vow..