"I should like to tell you, mother," said the young boatman, "but there are reasons why I cannot. It is a secret mission, and the secret is not mine."

 

"That is perfectly² satisfactory, Grit," said Mrs. Brandon. "I have full confidence in you, and know I can trust you."

 

"After I return I shall probably be able to tell you all," said Grit. "Meanwhile, I shall, no doubt, be paid better than if I were ferrying passengers across the river."

 

"At any rate, I shall be glad to see you back. We have not been separated for a night for years, or, indeed, since you were born."

 

[Pg 183]

 

The next day, Mr. Brandon, taught by experience that he need not look for his meals at home, went over to the tavern³ to breakfast. He felt unusually independent and elated, for he had money in his pocket, obtained from Colonel Johnson, and he expected soon to receive the handsome sum of five thousand dollars. A shrewder man, in order to avert⁴ suspicion, would have held his tongue, at least until he had performed the service for which he was to be so liberally paid; but Brandon could not forego the opportunity to boast a little.

 

"It is quite possible, Mrs. B.," he said, in the morning, "that I may leave you in a day or two, to be gone a considerable time."

 

Mrs. B. did not show the expected curiosity, but received the communication in silence.

 

"You don't inquire where I am going," said Brandon.

 

"Where do you propose to go?" asked his wife, whose chief feeling was that she and Grit would now be left to their old quiet and peace.

 

"I may go to Europe," said Mr. Brandon, in an important tone.

 

"Isn't this a new plan?" asked Mrs. Brandon, really surprised.

 

"Yes, it is new. I shall go on business,[Pg 184] Mrs. B. My friend Travers and I will probably go together. You and Grit made a great mistake when you treated him with rudeness. It is through him that I am offered most

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