View; whilst the returned prodigal, all aglow with gladness, smiled, laughed,

and kept nodding his head and saying:

'Go on, brother, go on, and fear not; thou'lt find nor limb nor feature that

Cannot bide the test. Scour and scan me to thy content, my dear old Hugh — I

am indeed thy old Miles, thy same old Miles, thy lost brother, is't not so? Ah,

'tis a great day — I said 'twas a great day! Give me thy hand, give me thy

cheek — lord, I am like to die of very joy!'

He was about to throw himself upon his brother; but Hugh put up his hand in

Dissent, then dropped his chin mournfully upon his breast, saying with

emotion:

'Ah, God of his mercy give me strength to bear this grievous disappointment!'

Miles, amazed, could not speak for a moment; then he found his tongue, and

cried out:

' What disappointment? Am I not thy brother?'

Hugh shook his head sadly, and said:

'I pray heaven it may prove so, and that other eyes may find the resemblances

that are hid from mine. Alack, I fear me the letter spoke but too truly.'

'What letter?'

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'One that came from oversea, some six or seven years ago. It said my brother

died in battle.'

'It was a lie! Call thy father — he will know me.'

'One may not call the dead.'

'Dead?' Miles's voice was subdued, and his lips trembled. 'My father dead! —