"No, young gentleman, they have gone to their farm for a few weeks on the eastern shore," was the answer.
At once Will determined to follow them there, and after getting the directions, he asked: "Has Mr. Rossmore ever heard of his missing child?"
"No, indeed, not a word, and it's my opinion he never will, as I think little Willie is dead; but master thinks he'll find him yet; but Lordy! you hain't Master Willie, are you, for you do look 'mazing like him."
"My name is Willie, but I am not Mr. Rossmore's son, though others have said I look like him."
"You do, for a certainty, sir, and master and his wife will see the likeness, I'm sure, if you are going there."
"Yes, I am going there, for it is important that I should see them," and bidding the old gardener good-bye, Will returned to the hotel and discovered that a boat left the next afternoon for the town nearest the Rossmore farm.
So he went down to the wharf and secured his berth, and amused himself looking about the city until time to go on board the next day.
He had a pleasant state-room, and, as he made himself at home in it, he felt that he was becoming quite a traveller.
Enjoying the run down the Chesapeake, it was late when he retired, and he dropped off quickly to sleep, lulled by the motion of the boat.
He was awakened by the hum of voices, and saw a light in his face, strangely like the glare of a bull's-eye lantern.