"Do you come from the tavern?" asked Mrs. Brandon coldly.
"Yes, Mrs. B., I expected to meet a gentleman there on business, but he disappointed me. Where's Grit?"
"He has gone to bed. He has got to get up early in the morning, to help me, and then he spends the day in ferrying passengers across the river."
"That's a bright idea of Grit's. I approve it. He makes considerable money, doesn't he?"
"Considerable for a boy. I don't know what I should do if it were not for Grit."
"Just so. But now I'm home, and shall soon get into business. Then you won't need to depend on him. Of course, I shall need a little money to start with."
Mrs. Brandon did not reply to this obvious hint. She prepared for bed. An hour later, Brandon, having ascertained that his wife was asleep, left the room cautiously, and stole into Grit's chamber.
CHAPTER XI. THE MIDNIGHT VISIT.
Grit was not aware that Brandon had discovered his secret, but still was not unprepared for a night visit. As we already know, he had but ten cents left of the two dollars he had reserved, and this coin he put into a small leather purse, which he usually carried.