Bernard went up-stairs and reported to Mr. Penrose.
“Do you know this young man Wentworth?” asked Penrose.
“Yes, sir. He is a very reliable young man.”
“Then I accept his offer. Take this five-dollar bill, and ask him to pay Brooks out of it and keep the balance himself.”
“I will, sir.”
Bernard delivered his commission, and Freedom Wentworth started on his drive.
After he had got off Bernard bethought himself of a mistake he had made.
“I ought to have told Freed not to mention his meeting me. If it gets to the ears of Mr. Snowdon, he may take it into his head to come after me.”
It was certainly a pity that Bernard had not bethought himself of this prudent precaution, as it proved.
Septimus Snowdon was standing in front of Brooks’ stable as Wentworth drove up.