The young leader, after his fashion, stood silently regarding the other for a time. An instant served him.
"Very well, George," said he. "If your parents consent, you shall go with me. Your pay will be such that you can save somewhat, and I trust you will use it to complete your schooling after your return. There will be adventure and a certain honor in our undertaking. If we come back successful, I am persuaded that our country will not forget us."
And so that matter was completed. Strangely enough, as the future proved, were the fortunes of these two to intermingle. From the first, Shannon attached himself to his captain almost in the capacity of personal attendant.
At last the great bateau lay ready, launched from the docks and moored alongside the wharf. Fifty feet long it was, with mast, tholes and walking-boards for the arduous upstream work. It had received a part of its cargo, and soon all was in readiness to start.
On the evening of that day Lewis sat down to pen a last letter to his chief. He wrote in the little office-room of the inn where he was stopping, and for a time he did not note the presence of young Shannon, who stood, as usual, silent until his leader might address him.
"What, is it, George?" he asked at length, looking up.
"Someone waiting to see you, sir--they are in the parlor. They sent me----"
"They? Who are they?"
"I don't know, sir. She asked me to come for you."
"She. Who is she?"
"I don't know, sir. She spoke to her father. They are in the room just across the hall, sir."
The face of Meriwether Lewis was pale when presently he opened the door leading to the apartment which had been indicated. He knew, or thought he knew, who this must be. But why--why?
The interior was dim. A single lamp of the inefficient sort then in use served only to lessen the gloom. Presently, however, he saw awaiting him the figure he had anticipated. Yes, it was she herself. Almost his heart stood still.
Theodosia Alston arose from the spot where she sat in the deeper shadows, and came forward to him. He met her, his hands outstretched, his pulse leaping eagerly in spite of his reproofs. He dreaded, yet rejoiced.
"Why are you here?" he asked at length.
"My father and I are on a journey down the river to visit Mr. Blennerhasset on his island. You know his castle there?"
"Why is it that you always come to torment me the more? Another day and I should have been gone!"