Of course, it was necessary to speak to his employer about leave of absence. Probably, also, Mr. Ferguson would be able to give him some valuable advice, and he was likely to stand in need of it, for the undertaking on which he had entered was of no light character. Single-handed, he could hardly hope to overcome so experienced and determined an opponent as James Grey. He sought Mr. Ferguson, and gave him a full account of what had happened thus far. He concluded by stating the departure of his uncle.
"Well, Gilbert," said Mr. Ferguson, after he had finished, "have you thought of anything further, or will you let the matter rest?"
"Never!" exclaimed our hero, with energy. "I will not rest till I have recovered the property of which my uncle has deprived me."
"That will be difficult."
"I know it, but I am not afraid of difficulty. It is not impossible. He thrust me into the streets of New York to earn my living as a bootblack; and I might have been there now, if Jacob had not revealed to me the story of my birth."
"You don't express yourself much like a street-boy now, Gilbert."
"No, sir. I hope I have improved since then."
"I used to be amused, sometimes, by the expressions you used."
"I don't wonder, sir. I must have talked like a young barbarian; but I am grateful to God for having raised me above my former ignorance."
"It is determined, then, that you will prosecute your claims. How do you propose to do it?"