"'Yes, sir; we will make it a point to do so. How soon will the child
be placed in our hands? Shall we send for it?'

"'No, no,' he said, hastily. 'I cannot tell you exactly when, but it
will be brought here probably in the course of a day or two. I myself
shall bring it, and if at that time you wish to say anything additional
you can do so.'

"He went away, leaving us surprised and somewhat excited at the change
that was to take place in our lives. The next evening the sound of
wheels was heard, and a hack stopped at our gate. The same gentleman
descended hurriedly with a child in his arms--you were the child,
Frank--and entered the house.

"'This is the child,' he said, placing it in my arms, 'and here is the
first quarterly installment of your pay. Three months hence you will
receive the same sum from my agent in New York. Here is his address,'
and he placed a card in my hands. 'Have you anything to ask?'

"'Suppose I wish to communicate with you respecting the child? Suppose
he is sick?'

"'Then write to A. M., care of Giles Warner, No. ---- Nassau Street.
By the way, it will be necessary for you to send him your postoffice
address after your removal in order that he may send you your quarterly
dues.'

"With this he left us, entered the hack, and drove off. I have never
seen him since."