John was already a lost cause in Bill's eyes, but he wisely kept that opinion to himself. He did wonder where they had gone wrong. Bill had been strict with his children. Always making sure they chose the right path and knew there were consequences when they didn't. It had worked while they were younger, but John had become rude and rebelious. Ruth had eloped, and now Joe was working himself into trouble as well.

"Well, we'll see what he has to say for himself when he gets home," he said grimly. "The Whitby Gazette. Bloody hell. I'll skin t' lad."