"No; but mental shadows do not always indicate the proximity of
material substance. If Mr. Lyon wrote to you that he was about
starting for Mexico, depend upon it, he is now speeding away in that
direction. He is not so sorry a trifler as Mr Lamar's hasty
conclusion would indicate."

"A few days for reflection and closer scrutiny will not in the
smallest degree affect the general issue, and may develope facts
that will show the way clear before us," said Mr. Brainard. "Let us
wait until we hear again from Mr. Lyon, before we become involved in
large responsibilities."

"I do not see how I can well hold back," replied Mr. Markland. "I
have, at least, honourably bound myself to Mr. Fenwick."

"A few days can make no difference, so far as that is concerned,"
said Mr. Brainard, "and may develope facts of the most serious
importance. Suppose it should really prove true that Mr. Lyon
returned, in a secret manner, from the South, would you feel
yourself under obligation to go forward without the clearest
explanation of the fact?"

"No," was the unhesitating answer.

"Very well. Wait for a few days. Time will make all this clearer."

"It will, no doubt, be wisest," said Mr. Markland, in a voice that
showed a slight depression of feeling.

"According to Mr. Lamar, if the man he saw was Lyon, he evidently