“You will soon be old; the prime of your days is already past; what have you to subsist on?�
“These!� said the peddler, stretching forth his hands that were already embrowned with toil.
“But those may fail you; take enough to secure a support to your age. Remember your risks and cares. I have told you that the characters of men who are much esteemed in life depend on your secrecy; what pledge can I give them of your fidelity?�
“Tell them,� said Birch, advancing, and unconsciously resting one foot on the bag, “tell them that I would not take the gold!�
The composed features of the officer relaxed into a smile of benevolence, and he grasped the hand of the peddler firmly.
“Now, indeed, I know you; and although the same reasons which have hitherto compelled me to expose your valuable life will still exist, and prevent my openly asserting your character, in private I can always be your friend; fail not to apply to me when in want or suffering, and so long as God giveth to me, so long will I freely share with a man who feels so nobly and acts so well. If sickness or want should ever assail you, and peace once more smile upon our efforts, seek the gate of him whom you have so often met as Harper, and he will not blush to acknowledge you in his true character.�
“It is little that I need in this life,� said Harvey; “so long as God gives me health and honest industry, I can never want in this country; but to know that your Excellency is my friend is a blessing that I prize more than all the gold of England’s treasury.�
The officer stood for a few moments in the attitude of intense thought. He then drew to him the desk, and wrote a few lines on a piece of paper, and gave it to the peddler.
“That Providence destines this country to some great and glorious fate I must believe, while I witness the patriotism that pervades the bosoms of her lowest citizens,� he said. “It must be dreadful to a mind like yours to descend into the grave, branded as a foe to liberty; but you already know the lives that would be sacrificed, should your real character be revealed. It is impossible to do you justice now, but I fearlessly intrust you with this certificate, should we never meet again, it may be serviceable to your children.�
“Children!� exclaimed the peddler; “can I give to a family the infamy of my name!�