"I'll do my best, Captain Clark. I continue my journey homeward to-morrow, and shall begin the work of enlistment at once."
"You ride my way, Captain McElroy, I think," said Mr. Jefferson pleasantly, "and I also go to-morrow; with your consent we'll keep each other company."
I thanked him, and we fixed sun rise as the hour for our departure from the Bell Tavern.
"You are the son of Justice McElroy, of the Stone Church neighborhood, I suppose, Captain? The name is not a common one even in your valley of Macs."
"I am his only son, sir."
"Once when you were a lad I dined at your house; you scarcely remember the occasion, I suppose?"
"Perfectly, sir, and I should have recognized you anywhere. We cherish with pride the memory of your visit."
Mr. Jefferson was evidently pleased—few men are so great as to be indifferent to appreciation.
"By the way, Clark," continued Mr. Jefferson, "the ex-scout hermit we were talking of this morning lives on McElroy's direct homeward route, near the top of the south slope of the mountain between Monticello and Staunton. It might be well to engage McElroy to see him; that would save delay and me a journey at a busy season."
"I am at your service, Mr. Jefferson," spoke I. Then made my bow and left them. They might wish to talk matters over before taking me further into their confidence.