To the shiftless vagabond, who had been tossing about the ocean for a quarter of a century, five hundred dollars was a large sum, though we may consider it a trifling compensation for an act of villany. So he readily promised the squire his co-operation.
“It is best that you should leave Vernon at once,” said the squire, when the arrangements between them were concluded.
“Why?” asked Brandon, rather disappointed, for he fully expected to be the squire’s guest till the next day.
“Because it won’t do for you to be seen by the boy. He would recognize you when you meet in the city, and this might lead him to suspect something wrong.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“I will have my horse harnessed to the carryall, and will take you over to the Wrexham station, where you can take the cars for the city.”
“What time do the cars start?”
“In a couple of hours. We have no time to lose.”
“Have you got anything eatable in the house? I’m almost famished. Haven’t eaten anything since early this morning.”
“I will look to that. Stay here, or rather I will lead the way upstairs. Some one might be in. How will some beefsteak suit you?”