s. There was no use, no
service, in any secrecy. But in speaking to the school not a word was
said of Mrs. Peacocke. The Doctor explained that he himself would take
the morning school, and that Mr. Rose, the mathematical master, would take
charge of the school meals. Mrs. Cane, the house-keeper, would look to
the linen and the bed-rooms. It was made plain that Mrs. Peacocke's
services were not to be required; but her name was not mentioned,--except
that the Doctor, in order to let it be understood that she was not to be
banished from the house, begged the boys as a favour that they would not
interrupt Mrs. Peacocke's tranquillity during Mr. Peacocke's absence.

On the Tuesday morning Mr. Peacocke started, remaining, however, a couple
of days at Broughton, during which the Doctor saw him. Lefroy declared
that he knew nothing about his brother,--whether he were alive or dead.
He might be dead, because he was always in trouble, and generally drunk.
Robert, on the whole, thought it probable that he was dead, but could not
be got to say so. For a thousand dollars he would go over to Missouri,
and, if necessary to Texas, so as to find the truth. He would then come
back and give undeniable evidence. While making this benevolent offer, he
declared, with tears in his eyes, that he had come over intending to be a
true brother to his sister-in-law, and had simply been deterred from
prosecuting his good intentions by Peacocke's austerity. Then he swore a
most solemn oath that if he knew anything about his brother Ferdinand he
would reveal it. The Doctor and Peacocke agreed together that the man's
word was worth nothing; but that the man's services might be useful in
enabling them to track out the truth. They were both convinced, by words
which fell from him, that Ferdinand Lefroy was dead; but this would be of
no avail unless they could obtain absolute evidence.

During these two days there were various conversations at Broughton
between the Doctor, Mr. Peacocke, and Lefroy, in which a plan of action
was at length arranged. Lefroy and the schoolmaster were to proceed to
America together, and there obtain what evidence they could as to the life
or death of the elder brother. When absolute evidence had been obtained
of either, a thousand dollars was to be handed to Robert Lefroy. But when
this agreement was made the man was given to understand that his own
uncorroborated word would go for nothing.

"Who is to say what