"'What are they, sir?'

"'In the first place, you must not try to find out the friends of the
child. They do not desire to be known. Another thing, you must move from
Brooklyn.'

"'Move from Brooklyn?' I repeated.

"'Yes,' he answered, firmly. 'I do not think it necessary to give you a
reason for this condition. Enough that it is imperative. If you decline,
our negotiations are at an end.'

"I looked at my husband. He seemed as much surprised as I was.

"'Perhaps you will wish to consult together,' suggested our visitor.
'If so, I can give you twenty minutes. I will remain in this room while
you go out and talk it over.'

"We acted on this hint, and went into the kitchen. We decided that
though we should prefer to live in Brooklyn, it would be worth our while
to make the sacrifice for the sake of the addition to our income. We
came in at the end of ten minutes, and announced our decision. Our
visitor seemed to be very much pleased.

"'Where would you wish us to move?' asked your father.

"'I do not care to designate any particular place. I should prefer some
small country town, from fifty to a hundred miles distant. I suppose you
will be able to move soon?'