CHAPTER IV

THE GROWTH OF AN IDEA Those who had known Jabez Potter for long must, like Tom Cameron, have felt surprise at the change in his appearance. The vigorous old miller had suddenly become haggard, worn, and—although not senile—certainly weaker of mind as well as of body than he had been. He talked for a while with the young ex-soldier. But the doctor had at last impressed Uncle Jabez with his real condition. He must rest. And business worries of any kind were forbidden him. “It’s mighty tough on you, Ruth,” Tom said, w…