"No," replied Earl, "I know nothing about him except that he is vouched for by three parties who are true, and they say he is all right."
"I don't like this idea," said Webster, doubtfully; "I guess you had better tell this man that you will deliver it safely for him, and then you can hand it to me."
"I did suggest that, but he said his orders were to intrust it to no one but John Hart himself."
After considering for some time, Webster finally concluded to see the individual in person. He was satisfied that no harm could come to him if the man was a Federal detective, as, by application to the authorities or to me he could readily extricate himself from any difficulty, and if he was a rebel, he would incur no risk whatever.
"Very well," he said, after he had fully deliberated the question, "you can bring him to my room and then we will see what is to be done. Meanwhile I will take a short walk and smoke a cigar."
On his return he found John Earl awaiting him.
"The gentleman is up-stairs in my room," said Earl; "will you go up now and see him?"
Webster signified his willingness, and the two men ascended the stairs. As they entered the room the stranger arose to greet them, and Webster scrutinized him carefully. The result of his scrutiny was decidedly unsatisfactory. The new-comer was a tall, well-formed man, of about forty years of age. His hair was dark, and he wore long side-whiskers of the same color. In appearance he was what would be ordinarily considered a handsome man, but there was a look of quiet curiosity about the eyes, and a peculiar curl about the mouth, which struck Webster very unpleasantly, and caused him to instinctively regret having accorded him the interview which he desired.
"Mr. Hart," said the stranger, pleasantly, after they had been formally introduced to each other, "I have a letter here, inclosing a draft, which I am desirous of having safely delivered to my sister-in-law in Richmond. You will find the address upon the envelope inside. Can you attend to this?"
"I guess so," replied Webster. "I can try, at all events."