These are troubled times, gentlemen, and full of peril.
We dare not trust to the mails, and a lad, carrying letters, would arouse the least suspicion.

He is strong and resourceful.

I, his father, should know best and I am willing to devote him to the cause." Harry started when he heard the words of his father, and his heart gave a great leap of mingled surprise and joy.

Such a journey, such an enterprise, made an instant appeal to his impulsive and daring spirit.
But he did not speak, waiting upon the words of his elders.

All of them looked at him, and it seemed to Harry that they were measuring him, both body and mind.
"I have known your boy since his birth," said Senator Culver, "and he is all that you say.