"Yes, I must go back.

Some one is waiting for me.
You are heartily welcome to ride behind." How long would it take?
A matter of five days.

Meanwhile he had told me how to reach there independently: by stage to a place 90 miles south on the Illinois River, then by boat to a town on the river called Bath, then cross country to Jacksonville.

I began to balance the respective disadvantages.

"My name is Reverdy Clayton," he said, extending his hand in the most cordial way.