Remember your risks and cares. I have told you that the characters of
men who are much esteemed in life depend on your secrecy; what pledge
can I give them of your fidelity?"
"Tell them," said Birch, advancing and unconsciously resting one foot on
the bag, "tell them that I would not take the gold!"
The composed features of the officer relaxed into a smile of
benevolence, and he grasped the hand of the peddler firmly.
"Now, indeed, I know you; and although the same reasons which have
hitherto compelled me to expose your valuable life will still exist, and
prevent my openly asserting your character, in private I can always be
your friend; fail not to apply to me when in want or suffering, and so
long as God giveth to me, so long will I freely share with a man who
feels so nobly and acts so well. If sickness or want should ever assail
you and peace once more smile upon our efforts, seek the gate of him
whom you have so often met as Harper, and he will not blush to
acknowledge you."
"It is little that I need in this life," said Harvey; "so long as God
gives me health and honest industry, I can never want in this country;
but to know that your excellency is my friend is a blessing that I prize
more than all the gold of England's treasury."
The officer stood for a few moments in the attitude of intense thought.
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