Nevertheless the old man's heart sank at last, when month after month, and at last two full years, had passed without any letter from Tom.
At last, when full four years were past and gone since Tom started for South America, he descended from the box of the day-mail, with a serene and healthful countenance; and with no more look of interest in his face than if he had been away on a two days' visit, shouldered his carpet-bag, and started for his father's house.

He stopped, however; as there appeared from the inside of the mail a face which he must surely know.

A second look told him that it was none other than John Briggs.

But how altered! He had grown up into a very handsome man,--tall and delicate-featured, with long black curls, and a black moustache.

There was a slight stoop about his shoulders, as of a man accustomed to too much sitting and writing; and he carried an eye-glass, whether for fashion's sake, or for his eyes' sake, was uncertain.