"I don't know but I shall refuse my consent to your going," said his stepmother.
"In that case you will have me at home doing nothing."
"I might send you back to Mr. Tubbs."
"He has already engaged Richard Childs in my place."
"I wish I were going with you," said Abel. "It is awfully stupid in Portville."
"I will bring you home a present, Abel," said Gerald.
Abel brightened up. He was naturally an avaricious boy, and was ready to accept whatever came his way.
"Then I hope you'll come back soon," he said.
"Thank you!"
The train on which Gerald was to be a passenger was to leave Portville at ten o'clock. Gerald had an invitation to breakfast at Mr. Nugent's in order to receive final instructions and to be provided with money.