Scarlett here leaned forward.
“And was the gentleman to whom you entrusted the paper,” asked he, “of a like inclination?”
“He was.”
“Why, in that case,” and the soldier of fortune laughed good-humoredly, “I don’t think it any great matter. Let us but get word to the gentleman and he’ll take it to Boston himself, perhaps.”
Pennington’s eyes searched Ezra’s face, and the boy replied:
“Perhaps so; I have heard him say that he meant to make his way into Boston before long.”
The hidden meaning of this must have left its trace in Ezra’s voice, for Pennington’s gaze, if it were possible, grew keener.
“That may, perhaps, serve,” said the man. Then he continued: “It so chances that I am left in a most peculiar position by your unexpected connection with this affair, Master Prentiss.” There was concern in his voice as he went on. “It will be difficult for me to explain it to those to whom I must make explanation. And it will be equally difficult for them to understand.”
A thrill ran through Ezra. As plainly as day he read the purpose of the man in his crafty eyes. And, so it flashed upon him, as that purpose would help him in his own, he at once fell in with it.
“If I could but make my own explanation,” he said, “it would greatly lighten your labor.”