Tell me your name, young master, and let us
talk this matter over together. I have ever sought to mingle mercy
and discretion with the need for making a livelihood out of my
fellowmen."
Tom was surprised into a short laugh at this unexpected address.
"I am Tom Tufton of Gablehurst," he began, but was quickly
interrupted.
"What! the son of the good Squire of Gablehurst! Lad, is this the
truth?"
"Ay, verily," answered Tom, somewhat taken aback. "Did you know my
father? Alas! he is dead."
"Dead! What! Is that so? Then the world is the poorer by one good
man. And you are his son, and called by his name! What are you
doing away from home? Are you not master there?"
"No," answered Tom, with a flush on his cheek. "I am to see the
world first. My mother will rule for me till I be five and twenty.
I have money given me, and I am to seek fame and fortune afar. That
is what I said to you. Take my money from me, and I must needs
return to the life I have left--and I would sooner die!"
"Tut, tut, boy. Speak not so wildly; nor think that I will touch a
penny of your good father's gold. I am not sunk so low as that. Did
he ever speak to you of Captain Jack, whom he once saved from the
gallows?"
Tom shook his head.
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