"That is true; but you have shown a sagacity and good judgment which justify me in selecting you, young as you are. Of course, I shall take care that you are paid for your time. Now, are you willing to go?"
Willing to go to Boston, where he had not been for five years? Grit did not take long to consider.
"Yes," he answered promptly. "If you are willing to trust me, I am willing to go."
"That is well," said the president. "I need hardly caution you to keep your errand a profound secret."
"You must not even tell your mother," continued Mr. Graves.
"But she will feel anxious if I go away without a word to her."
"You mistake me. I would not for the world have you give her unnecessary anxiety. You may tell her that you are employed on an errand which may detain you from home a day or two, and ask her not to question you till you return."
"Yes, I can say that," returned Grit. "Mother will very likely think Mr. Jackson has employed me."
"Mr. Jackson?"
"A gentleman now staying at the hotel. He has already been very kind to me."