"Denham foreclosed? Have you then lost the home? I wish I had known of it, I might have prevented that." "Some kind friend learned of it and paid the mortgage; neither mother nor I know who it was. I thought he might have been your agent." "I am glad you think I would have assisted had I known, but this is the first I have heard of the matter. You see I have been very busy and away from home much, and not in a way to hear. I'm very glad you were rescued from the clutches of Denham." "He seemed determined to have both the place and the horse. Both Thello and Mam offered to sell themselves, even suggested that to Denham, but he told them he didn't want any old, worn out niggers on his hands. I'm glad I wasn't there," and the lad's eyes blazed with indignation as he thought of the old miser's greed. "Denham is said to be as ardent a Tory as he dares to be," remarked Mr. Jefferson, as though to himself. Then, turning to the boy, he looked into his face, and Rodney felt as though his inmost thoughts were being read. That he stood the test well appeared in the next words of Jefferson. "I believe your experience with the Indians has greatly matured you. How old are you?" "I am well on to sixteen, sir." "In other words," replied his host with a smile, "you are fifteen with ardent hope of soon being sixteen, and I'll warrant extremely desirous of active and honourable employment. The colt, too, looks as though he wanted to exercise his faculties as well." "Sir, I am very anxious for employment. There is not much I can do at home this winter. Indeed, the little place will barely afford existence and I need to earn money." "What I have in mind will demand discretion and judgment beyond your years, as well as fidelity to a trust. Of your fidelity I have no question, and am inclined to believe that, with your intelligence and the experience you have had, you will be able to meet the requirements." "Won't you give me a chance, Mr. Jefferson?" There was pleading in the boy's eyes and in the tone of his voice. "Rodney, I will, with your mother's permission. You explain to her, but tell no one else, that the work will consist in carrying messages to different parts of the colony. Supervision of the work being done by the various committees of safety, and quick and reliable communication between the men taking the lead in this business, require such service as you will be expected to perform. Nat looks as though he might be depended on for the quickness, and to you must be left the discretion. You must have eyes as well as ears and use both more than the tongue. The employment will not be without slight danger, for, after a time, our opponents will inevitably discover what you are doing. Then, in the present unsettled state of things, the long rides, some of the time at night, will demand courage and prudence." "I'm sure mother will consent. There certainly won't be the danger there was living among the Indians."