"There's many a team," said he, "and like enough there's many a sleigh. And I've spoken to many a man who knows the very roads you have in mind. But where are they now? is the question, and could they be engaged if found?" He frowned and looked doubtful. "But you might try Churchman in Cobbler's Place," said he. Churchman was located; he was the exact opposite of the Scot; he took life as a pleasant experience, and seemed to have the fullest confidence in everything. "I have just the span you want, and exactly the sleigh," said he. "But the driver is another matter. Couldn't you drive yourself? Your way is as plain as a-b-c." Anthony had traveled the roads with Christopher Dent as far as the Delaware line, on more occasions than one, and he felt sure that he'd manage to keep to the way. So he gave his orders and went back to the counting-room. Charles had not yet arrived, for it was still a fairly early hour. However, Captain Weir was there; he stood with his back to the fire, his hands behind him, and greeted Anthony pleasantly. "You are still going on with the books, I suppose," said he, after a space. "Yes," said Anthony. "Mind you don't overdo it; too much candle-light is a bad thing. But with all this attention you must be making progress." "Yes," said the young man, "things are becoming plainer to me, I think." He took up a poker and shoved a billet, which was throwing a thin spiral of smoke into the room, back into the fireplace. "Though, I must admit, there are some I don't understand." "To be sure," said Weir. "That is to be expected. But, perhaps, I could help you?" But Anthony shook his head. "Not yet," said he. "For I haven't made up my mind about the matters, except to think them curious, and to note that they stand out singularly." "Books are kept for a firm's information," said Weir; "but, speaking for myself, I get little out of them. After a little they are a kind of a maze, and often mislead me." "So far, I can't complain of that. But, as I've said, I've come upon an odd flavor here and there in the ledgers; it's made me curious, and I hope to come upon the reason for the oddness further on." Here Charles came in, cheery and rosy from the nip of the cold. "I have made arrangements to go to New Castle to-day," said Anthony. Charles threw his cloak to a porter, and looked at his nephew in surprise. "Why?" he asked. "To look at the roads, to get the position of the ship, and study the chances of getting the cargo up to the city." Charles laughed good-humoredly. "Well, thank God, you've got an active mind," said he. "But here's a thing, I'm afraid, that's bigger than you think for." "That can't be told until the conditions are known to a certainty," said Anthony. "If the roads are as I have been assured they are, and sledges are to be had, I can bring the important details of the _Stark's_ cargo into the warehouse in ten days' time." Charles looked at him for a moment, and then turned to Weir.