"Of course--but--but--the truth is that I am in no way prepared to make any offer now. I can communicate with you in a few days, or a week." "Don't come here. You must not be seen here again. Send it to me or better still meet me." "Can you trust the Shippens?" "Absolutely." "Why not there?" "You mean to confer with me there?" "If it is safe, as you say, where would be more suitable?" "True. But I must have some money as soon as possible. The nation is bankrupt and my pay is long overdue. I cannot, however, persuade the creditors any longer. I must have money." "You shall have it. At Shippen's then." He rose and walked directly to the door. "Next week." He shut the door after him and hurried along the corridor. As he turned he came face to face with a countenance entirely familiar to him but momentarily lost to his consciousness by its sudden and unexpected appearance. In a second, however, he had recovered himself. "Captain! I am pleased indeed." He put out his hand. Stephen thought for a moment. Then he grasped it. "Mr. Anderson. What good fortune is this?" "Complimentary. Simply paying my respects for kindness rendered." "Have a care lest your zeal overwhelm you." Anderson colored at the allusion. "Thank you. I shall exercise all moderation." Stephen watched him as he moved away, deliberating hurriedly on the advisability of starting after him. Whatever his mission or his purpose, he would not learn in this house certainly, nor from him nor from Arnold for that matter. If he was intent on securing information concerning this man he must do it in a surreptitious manner. There was no other method of dealing with him, he thought, and in view of such circumstances he deemed it perfectly legitimate to follow him at a safe distance. The more he thought over it the more readily did he resolve to take action to the end that he might see more of him. Whatever mischief was afoot, and he had no more than a mere suspicion that there was mischief afoot, must reveal itself sooner or later. His object in all probability had already been accomplished, nevertheless his errand, if he was engaged on an errand, might be disclosed. He would follow him if for no other purpose than to learn of his destination.