"Are you going to school?"
"No, sir. I was sent here to see you."
"To see me? I don't understand."
"Do you remember writing a letter to Mr. John Nugent, of Portville?"
"Yes; but surely——"
"I have a copy of your letter here, which I will show you. You wished Mr. Nugent to send a messenger to represent him and assist you in any way you might desire."
"But," exclaimed the old man, in astonishment, "I didn't expect him to send a boy."
"This letter will explain to you why he sent me."
"Read it to me. I cannot see without my glasses."
Gerald drew the letter from the envelope, and read as follows: