Before entering he straightened his shoulders; he did not,
however, quicken his pace.
"Cornelius," said his father promptly, "I wish to send you upon an
errand of some importance, but of possible inconvenience to you. I have
not time to give you instructions, but you will find them in this
envelope. I ask you to keep the matter and your movements strictly to
yourself. May I have from you your word of honour that I can trust you
to follow the orders to the smallest detail?"
Cornelius put on a pair of eyeglasses, and held out his hand for the
envelope. His manner was nonchalant to the point of indifference.
Mr. Woodbridge withheld the packet and spoke with decision:
"I cannot allow you to look at the instructions until I have your word
of honour that you will fulfil them."
"Isn't that asking a good deal, sir?"
"Perhaps so," said Mr. Woodbridge, "but no more than is asked of trusted
messengers every day. I will assure you that the instructions are mine
and represent my wishes."
"How long will it take?" inquired Cornelius, stooping to flick an
imperceptible spot of dust from his trousers.
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