Let
me know when you return, for I must see you as soon as it is safe."
I read the note three or four times, and each time I was more
bewildered than before. I had left the boy in Livermore, but certainly
he was not the one she meant. He was the "wrong boy," and my employer
must be well aware that I had taken him at her orders. Or could that
expedition be a jest of the enemy to divert my attention? I dismissed
this theory as soon as it suggested itself.
But where was the "right boy"? I had for a moment a sinking feeling of
terror in the thought that the enemy had captured him. Mother Borton's
warning that they had found his place of hiding returned to confirm
this thought. But in an instant I remembered that the enemy had
followed me in force to Livermore in chase of the wrong boy, and had
attacked me in pure chagrin at the trick that had been played on them.
That showed me beyond question that they had not obtained possession of
the right boy. And the "key" that I was to send to Richmond, what was
that?
The closing portion of the note set my heart beating fast. At last I
was to have the opportunity to meet my mysterious employer face to
face. But what explanation was I to make? What reception would I meet
when she learned that Henry Wilton had given up his life in her
service, and that I, who had taken his place, could tell nothing of the
things she wished to know?
I wrote a brief note to Richmond stating that I had no key, inclosed
the Unknown's note, with the remark that I had returned, and gave it to
Owens to deliver.
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