“Mother,” he said, “I’ve got very particular reasons for not doing this, and for not even mentioning that I was in the wood. Now, I want you to promise me not to say a word about it, for a week at least.”
“But if I see Philip,” said his mother, “I can’t keep silent.”
“You must, for my sake, mother. You don’t know how much depends upon it.”
“I don’t understand,” said Mrs. Gilbert, thoroughly bewildered.
“No, I suppose not; but I have a strong reason that I can’t mention just yet.”
“I hope there’s nothing wrong going on,” said his mother, alarmed.
“If there is, it isn’t anything that I’m to blame for. Only there’s a secret that I can’t tell just yet. You’ll know it in good time. I want to consult Uncle Obed to-night about it, and you won’t mind if I don’t tell you just yet?”
“Give the boy his way, ma’am,” said Mr. Wilkins. “If there is anything very bad about it he wouldn’t tell me.”
His mother was somewhat reassured, and left the two to themselves. Then Harry began and told his story. Mr. Wilkins listened with attention, and not without surprise.
“Really, Harry, it’s quite an adventure, I call it,” he said. “Do you know this man Temple?”