"We can't do him any good by walking around the streets, and I don't want to go out to Germantown, because I might not be able to get back in time to meet Lord Gordon. Suppose I sleep at your mother's house to-night?"
"I'll be glad to have you, and she will make no question. Are we to tell her?"
"I think we shall be obliged to. It may be we can do something to help Seth, and she must know why you are absent from the house, in case it so happens we want to be away."
If Enoch had feared his mother would reproach him for having taken even a passive part in what might lead to Seth's death, he was mistaken. She spoke only of her sympathy for Mrs. Graydon, and the hope that Lord Gordon would aid the unfortunate boy in some way.
"If I was in Seth's place, mother, should you blame me for having tried to aid the cause?"
"No, my son. You are old enough to know your own mind, and should be at liberty to do that which you think right."
"Then you would make no question if I wanted to enlist?"
"That is for you to decide, my boy. Your mother's heart would be very near breaking if you were killed; but her sorrow could be no greater than is borne uncomplainingly by many mothers in this country where brave men are struggling for freedom."
Never had Enoch appreciated his mother's love as he did at this moment, and when he and Jacob bade her good-night both boys kissed her with unusual tenderness.
Fully an hour before the time appointed Jacob and Enoch were at the rendezvous waiting for Lord Gordon.