"Now what mischief are you brewing, Aunt Sarah? I am Hazard's friend, and bound to see him through. Don't make me a party to any scheme against him!"
"You are not very bright, George, and just now you are rather ridiculous, because you do not in the least know what you are about."
"Go on!" said Strong with irrepressible good nature. "Play out all your trumps and let my suit in!"
"Could you be ready to start for Niagara by to-morrow morning?" asked his aunt.
"To-morrow is Saturday. Yes! I could manage it."
"Could you get some pleasant man to go with you?"
"Not much chance!" he replied. "I might ask Wharton, but he is very busy."
"Try for him! I will send you a note to your club early this evening to say whether I shall want you or not. If I make you go, I shall go too, and take Esther and Catherine."
"I will do any thing you want," said Strong, "on condition that you tell me what you are about."
Mrs. Murray looked at her nephew with a pitying air, and said: