He must see more of the world, he must enjoy more of life, before he could ever dream of going back to Gablehurst to live.
But what could he do?
He fell asleep pondering upon this problem, and when he awoke it was the first thought in his head.
But, as is so often the case when one has gone to sleep pondering upon a problem, the solution had come to him during the hours of unconsciousness, and he awoke with a new inspiration.
"Why not offer for the secret service ?" Tom pondered this question all the while that he was dressing.
There were difficulties in the way, of course.

The Duke of Marlborough--the only man to whom he could apply with any hope of success--was out of the country; Tom knew not where he would be found just now, though that could easily be ascertained.

He himself was ignorant of foreign tongues, although he had picked up a little understanding of French, and could speak a few simple phrases.

But he had plenty of confidence in his strength and courage.

He felt that his energies demanded now a wider field of exercise; and if he could but get his chance, he had full assurance that he would make a brilliant name for himself in some way or another.
This idea brought back all his high spirits.