CHAPTER XXXIII
PREPARING FOR A JOURNEY
After receiving certain instructions from Mr. Percival in regard to the manner of carrying on his inquiries, Frank said:
"There is one thing I have thought of, Mr. Percival, that may interfere with my success."
"What is it, Frank? I shall be glad to receive any suggestion from you."
"I have been thinking, sir, that it may excite surprise that I should come to Jackson, and remain there without any apparent motive. Perhaps Mr. Fairfield might suspect that I came from you."
"I hardly think so, Frank. He would not suppose that I would select so young a messenger. Still, it will be well to think of some pretext for your stay. Can you help me?"
"I have been thinking, sir, that I might fit myself out as an agent, or peddler, or something of the kind. It would not only give me an excuse for my journey, but enable me to call from house to house and pick up information about Mr. Fairfield."
"A capital idea, Frank. I see that you are better fitted for the task than I supposed. I give you authority to fit yourself out in any way you choose. I shall have to leave a great deal to your own judgment."