The whole party then congratulated him upon his appointment, and urged him to accept. But it was not until his friends Tom and Jack put in their oar that he would consent, and then it was only conditionally.
I accept this office for the present, but I shall resign it if it in any way interferes with my plans in searching for the absent one in America.
I do not ask, neither do I consent that you should abandon the search you have in view for that lost child, for something tells me that my lost child will be found at the same time.
Bang! went the gun to give warning to those on shore to come on board, and to those on board that the time for parting had come—when wives must bid their husbands good-bye, and lovers renew their troth.
The parting between Walter and his grand-father was of the most affectionate character. He conducted his grand-mother to the boat and passed her to Lieutenant Powers. Lord Wallace followed, but before entering the boat said:
I regret, my boy, that we must part on so short acquaintance, yet I appreciate and approve of the motive that actuates you, and hope that you will be successful. And in case you succeed in finding the girl, you can assure her that she will be welcomed and received as my grand-daughter. I doubt not but that your search will be thorough, and to that end, I ask you to receive this package, and use the contents to further the enterprise. And now good bye for the present.
Depend upon it, said Walter. The whole country between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers shall be searched, and Amy shall be found if alive. But I must detain you no longer. The vessel is moving.
As they sailed down the Thames toward the Atlantic, Walter’s mind naturally reverted to the contrast between his past and present condition. But a few weeks before, he was a penniless boy. Now he was the acknowledged son and heir of two of the first families of the nation. Then he was an invited guest on board of the Reindeer, dependent upon the bounty of Captain Davis. Now he was a Lieutenant in His Majesty’s Service. Then there were grave doubts whether he would be received by his kindred. Now the relationship between them was established. Now he had the opportunity and means to prosecute his search for Amy. Yet, he thought, all this work and wealth without her is a bubble, that floats for a moment and then disappears. But I forget the package handed me. I wonder what it contains.
He breaks the seal, and within finds a £1,000 note on the Bank of England, and on a piece of paper is written: