He pointed silently to the
fire, toward which the figure advanced, although the multitude of his
garments, which seemed more calculated for disguise than comfort,
rendered its warmth unnecessary. A second mild and courteous gesture
motioned to a vacant chair, but the stranger refused it with a modest
acknowledgment. Another pause followed, and continued for some time. At
length the officer arose, and opening a desk that was laid upon the
table near which he sat, took from it a small, but apparently heavy bag.
"Harvey Birch," he said, turning to the stranger, "the time has arrived
when our connection must cease; henceforth and forever we must be
strangers."
The peddler dropped the folds of the greatcoat that concealed his
features, and gazed for a moment earnestly at the face of the speaker;
then dropping his head upon his bosom, he said, meekly,--
"If it be your excellency's pleasure."
"It is necessary. Since I have filled the station which I now hold, it
has become my duty to know many men, who, like yourself, have been my
instruments in procuring intelligence. You have I trusted more than all;
I early saw in you a regard to truth and principle, that, I am pleased
to say, has never deceived me--you alone know my secret agents in the
city, and on your fidelity depend, not only their fortunes, but
their lives.
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