CHAPTER XX. — GILBERT ON THE ROAD TO CHESTER.
Being now fully prepared to undertake his journey to Chester, Gilbert remembered his promise to Alfred Barton. As the subject had not again been mentioned between them,—probably owing to the excitement produced by Sandy Flash's visit to Kennett Square, and its consequences,—he felt bound to inform Barton of his speedy departure, and to renew his offer of service.
He found the latter in the field, assisting Giles, who was hauling home the sheaves of corn-fodder in a harvest-wagon. The first meeting of the two men did not seem to be quite agreeable to either. Gilbert's suspicions had been aroused, although he could give them no definite form, and Barton shrank from any reference to what had now become a very sore topic.
“Giles,” said the latter, after a moment of evident embarrassment, “I guess you may drive home with that load, and pitch it off; I'll wait for you here.”
When the rustling wain had reached a convenient distance, Gilbert began,—
“I only wanted to say that I'm going to Chester tomorrow.”
“Oh, yes!” Barton exclaimed, “about that money? I suppose you want all o' yours?”
“It's as I expected. But you said you could borrow elsewhere, and send it by me.”
“The fact is,” said Barton, “that I've both borrowed and sent. I'm obliged to you, all the same, Gilbert; the will's as good as the deed, you know; but I got the money from—well, from a friend, who was about going down on his own business, and so that stone killed both my birds. I ought to ha' sent you word, by rights.”
“Is your friend,” Gilbert asked, “a safe and trusty man?”