If you could send here a confidential messenger who could ascertain the hiding-place of the bonds, I would thankfully consent to his taking them back to you, and I would make no conditions with you. If you felt that you could repose confidence in me once more. I would willingly return to your employment, and make arrangements to pay you by degrees the value of the money thus far expended by Bowman and myself. There are still thirteen thousand five hundred dollars' worth of securities left untouched in their original packages. We are living in a small village called St. Victor, thirty miles from the American line. We occupy a small cottage rather out of the village, and go by our own names. Do not write to me, for the letter would be seen by Paul Bowman, and defeat my plans, but instruct your messenger to seek a private interview with me. I am detained at home by sickness at present, but Bowman is away most of the day. He is fond of hunting, and spends considerable of the day in the woods, while his evenings are spent at the inn, where there is a pool table. I have managed to send this to the post office by a small girl who comes here in the morning to make the bed and sweep. Hoping earnestly that this communication may reach you, I sign myself Your repentant clerk, JAMES SINCLAIR. Fred read this letter with great interest. "He seems to write in good faith," he said, as he handed it back. "Yes; Sinclair is not so wicked as weak. I quite believe him when he says that it was Bowman who instigated him to the deed." "Do you think there is any chance of recovering the securities?" asked Fred. "That depends upon whether I can secure a discreet and trustworthy messenger." "Yes, sir; I suppose that is important." "Perhaps you can suggest some one?" said the broker, eying Fred attentively. Fred shook his head. "I have too few acquaintances to think of anyone who would be fit," he answered. "Would you undertake it yourself?" asked Mr. Wainwright. "I?" stammered Fred in genuine surprise. "Yes." "But don't you think I am too young?" "Perhaps your youth may be a recommendation." "I don't see how, sir." "By drawing away suspicion from you. Should I send a man, the appearance of a stranger in a small place like St. Victor--I think it has little more than a thousand inhabitants--would very likely excite the suspicions of this Bowman, and so defeat the chances of success." "Yes, sir, I see that." "Of course your youth presents this objection--that you may not have the requisite judgment and knowledge of the world for so delicate a mission." "That is what I am afraid of, sir." "Still, I have observed you closely, and have found you prompt, self-reliant, and possessed of unusual good sense. So, upon the whole, having no other person in my mind, I have decided to send you to St. Victor if you will consent to go."