“Don’t mention it,” mumbled Peterson. “I never dreamt you were near by, or I’d been more cautious in my conversation.”
“I am glad I heard it,” replied Herbert, with glistening eyes. “It has uncovered the truth for me. I have had an offer from New York. I hesitated about leaving Cleverly. I like the Banner, and I like the place; but I find now that my duty is elsewhere. The man who gave that money to my father left here and went straight to New York. He has been swallowed up amid millions of other men; but I’ll find him somewhere and in some way if it takes the rest of my life. I thank you, gentlemen, for the things you have said. Before I heard them I was in doubt; now everything is clear to me. My decision is made; I am off to New York.”
With flushed face and eager step the young man hurried from the post office and walked rapidly down the main street. Mr. Brooks was preparing to go to his lunch when Herbert hurried into the Banner office.
“I’ll see you in about an hour, Herbert,” he said smilingly.
“If you will wait a moment I would like to speak to you now,” replied Herbert quickly.
“What is it?” asked the other, with an anxious look in his face. “If it’s about New York I’d like to tell you that you can take your own time in coming to a decision. Take a week if you need it.”
“I don’t need a minute,” replied Herbert impetuously, “I am grateful to you for your kindness; but my decision is already made. I am going to New York, and I am going at the earliest possible moment.”
Mr. Brooks expressed the regret that he felt and then left the young man. Herbert’s next task was to inform his mother of his decision. He knew that the change would be a violent one for her, but felt in his heart that he was only doing his duty to her as well as to the memory of his dead father. He walked slowly to his home, and when he entered, found his mother seated in an armchair by the window engaged in some knitting. He walked into the room on tiptoe, and going back of her, threw his arms about her neck.
“Mother,” he said softly.
“Well, Herbert,” she replied, in a gentle voice. “What is it?”