"Did you find peace in the churches by the way?" asked Leary. "In one of the temples we found peace and plenty," answered the Governor as though reciting from a ritual. Leary nodded and gave a hitch to his trousers. "You found the waters of Champlain tranquil, and no hawks followed the landward passage?" "The robin and the bluebird sang over all the road," he answered; then with a glance at Archie: "You gave no warning of the second pilgrim." "The brother is young and innocent, but I find him an apt pupil," the Governor explained. "The brother will learn first the wisdom of silence," remarked Leary, and then as though by an afterthought he shook Archie warmly by the hand. They went into the house where Mrs. Walker, a stout middle-aged woman, greeted them effusively. "We've got to put you both in one room, if you don't mind," she explained, "but there's two beds in it. I guess you can make out." "Make out!" cried the Governor with a deprecatory wave of his hand. "We should be proud to be permitted to sleep on the porch! You do us much honor, my dear Mrs. Walker." "Oh, you always cheer us up, Mr. Saulsbury. And Mr. Comly is just as welcome." The second floor room to which Walker led them was plainly but neatly furnished and the windows looked out upon rolling pastures. The Governor abandoned his high-flown talk and asked blunt questions as to recent visitors, apparently referring to criminals who had lodged at the farm. They talked quite openly while Archie unpacked his bag. The restless activity of the folk of the underworld, their methods of communication and points of rendezvous seemed part of a vast system and he was ashamed of his enormous interest in all he saw and heard. The Governor's cool fashion of talking of the world of crime and its denizens almost legitimatized it, made it appear a recognized part of the accepted scheme of things. Walker aroused the Governor's deepest interest by telling of the visit of Pete Barney, a diamond thief, who had lately made a big haul in Chicago, and had been passed along from one point of refuge to another. The Governor asked particularly as to the man's experiences and treatment on the road, and whether he had complained of the hospitality extended by any of the agents of the underground. "You needn't worry about him," said Walker, with a shrug. "He asks for what he wants." "Sorry if he made himself a nuisance. I'll give warning to chain the gates toward the North. Is he carrying the sparks with him?" "Lets 'em shine like a fool. I told 'im to clear out with 'em." "You did right. The brothers in the West must be more careful about handing out tickets. Now trot Red up here and we'll transact a little business." Leary appeared a moment later and Archie was about to leave the room, but the Governor insisted stoutly that he remain. "I'm anxious for you and Red to know that I trust both of you fully." "What's the young brother,--a con?" asked Leary with a glance at Archie.