"More secrecy!" thought Mrs. Brandon. "Grit tells me that his mission is a secret one, and now Mr. Brandon says he, too, is engaged in something that cannot be revealed. I know that it is all right with Grit, but I do not feel so sure about Mr. Brandon."
The day passed as usual. Grit plied his boat on the river, and did a fair day's work. But about four o'clock he came home.
"You are home early, Grit," said his mother.
"Yes, for I must get ready to go."
He had not yet mentioned to his mother when he was to start.
"Do you go to-morrow morning?" asked Mrs. Brandon.
"I go to-night, and may be away for a couple of days, mother."
Mrs. Brandon uttered an exclamation of surprise.
"I suppose I must not ask you where you are going," said his mother.
"I cannot tell, for it is somebody else's secret. One thing more, will you take care to say as little as possible about my going away? I would rather Mr. Brandon should not know of it."