All at once he
was embarked with good comrades upon a journey of tremendous interest.
Jarvis noticed the change upon his face, but said nothing. He pulled
with a long, slow stroke, suited to the solemn refrain of Juanita,
which he continued to pour forth with his soul in every word.
They went on, deeper into the Bluegrass. The blue sky above them was
now dappled with golden clouds, and the air grew warmer, but Jarvis and
his nephew showed no signs of weariness. When Harry judged that the
right time had come he asked to relieve Ike at the oar. Ike looked
at Jarvis and Jarvis nodded to Ike. Then Ike nodded to Harry, which
indicated consent.
But Harry, before taking the oar, drew a small package from his pocket
and handed it to Jarvis.
"My father asked me to give you this," he said, "as a remembrance and
also as some small recompense for the trouble that I will cause you on
this trip."
Jarvis took it, and heard the heavy coins clink together.
"I know without openin' it that this is money," he said, "but bein' of
an inquirin' turn o' mind I reckon I've got to look into it an' count
it."
He did so deliberately, coin by coin, and his eyes opened a little at
the size of the sum.
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