"They could not wait.

The opportunity would have been lost." "Are they really off, and safe ?" "Off they are, but whether safe--." He shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows.

However, seeing my chagrin, he added, "I imagine they are in the river Thames by this time." "Do you mean they are ascending the river to London ?" "Precisely.

It may not be so, but we may hope the best.

And you ?"--eyeing me inquiringly.
"What am I to do, sir?
Did my father leave me no word of direction ?" "He left you his blessing, and bade you be a good boy, and submit yourself to my direction." "That I will gladly do, if you will direct me." "Well, I am pledged to do the best I can for you.