"How are politics, Billy ?" "Don't know, sir." "Anything new at Westways ?" "Yes, sir," replied Billy with emphasis.
"Well, what is it ?" "Josiah's run away." "Run away! Why ?" "Don't know--he's gone." Penhallow was troubled, but asked no other questions, as he was late.

He might learn more at home.

He rode through the town and on to the mills.
There he transacted some business and went thence to the bank.

The board of well-to-do farmers was already in session, and Swallow--a member--was talking.
"What is that ?" said Penhallow as he entered, hearing Josiah mentioned.
Some one said, "He has been missing since Monday." "He drew out all his money that morning," said Swallow, "all of it." "Indeed," said Penhallow.

"Did _he_ draw it--I mean in person ?" "No," said the lawyer, who was well pleased to make mischief and hated Penhallow.
Penhallow was uneasily curious.