Part 51 (1/2)
”Not unless it becomes worse,” grumbled Trimble.
”Would you consider it good luck if some one should pay you over a thousand dollars?”
”Would I? I'd think myself a rich man.” exclaimed Trimble. ”But who's a goin' to do it?” he added, in a more subdued voice.
”I will, on certain conditions.”
”You will give me a thousand dollars?” exclaimed the backwoodsman, opening wide his eyes in astonishment.
”On conditions.”
”Name 'em.”
”First, you must promise that what I tell you shall be kept secret.”
Hugh Trimble made the promise.
Mr. Grey now rose and closed the door, which was partially open, and, drawing his chair near that of his visitor, conferred with him, in a low voice, for some twenty minutes. At the end of that time he dismissed him with a parting injunction.
”Remember what I have told you, and, above all things, be secret.”
When the visitor had departed, he stood with his back to the fire, and smiled unpleasantly, as he repeated:
”I think it'll work--I think it'll work.”
CHAPTER x.x.xIV.
A RIDE THROUGH THE WOODS.
The next morning, when the three were seated at the breakfast table, Mr. Grey said:
”Jasper, I think I shall leave you to amuse yourself this morning. I propose to invite Gilbert to accompany me on a drive.”
”All right, father. Where do you intend driving?”
”I scarcely know, yet. There are many pleasant places in the neighborhood which it is worth while to visit.”
”I wonder what the old man's up to?” thought Jasper. ”No good to Gilbert, I'll be bound. Well, I've had my turn, and it's no more than right that he should take his. I won't ask any inconvenient questions.”
”Will that arrangement be agreeable to you?” asked James Grey, turning to his young visitor.
”I shall be happy to accompany you, Mr. Grey,” answered our hero, politely.
”Then it is settled. I will order the chaise round to the door at ten o'clock.”
”I will be ready, sir.”
Jasper looked at his father curiously, as Gilbert left the room. His look was returned by one equally significant.