pride of his life was the history of the American
Revolution, and the success of the patriots in that cause.

But outside of his being an enthusiast and a lover of liberty, he was
not known, and had never taken any prominent part in any of the social
or political movements of the day, beyond sympathizing with the
struggles of the working men and women of the world in their struggles
to better themselves.

These facts were not only known to his friends, but to many men
belonging to the secret societies of Ireland, Germany, and Russia. That
is to say, they knew him only as a bright young fellow, possessing
brains and pluck, together with enthusiasm, which, if rightly directed,
would make him a valuable member of any secret organization having the
liberty of the people at heart. But beyond this nothing particular was
known of him.

His friends gathered around and wished him a prosperous voyage and a
happy return, and with refreshments and flowers they expressed
themselves as only New Yorkers do on such occasions.

And as he stood there on deck, surrounded by his friends, he looked
indeed like a representative American young gentleman.

He was light-complexioned, nearly six feet in height, and proportioned
like an athlete; bright, smart, and intelligent.

And while the excitement of "sailing-day" was at its height, and young
Barnwell was in the midst of his friends, a strange man approached and
tapped him on the shoulder.

The young man turned to see who it was, but he did not know him.

"Can I speak a word with you?" the stranger asked, with a strong foreign
accent.

"Certainly. Excuse me a moment, my friends. I will join you presently,"
said Barnwell, walking away with the stranger, a little way forward of
the main hatch, out of the crowd.

"You are William Barnwell, I believe?" said the stranger.

"Yes, that is my name," said Will.

"I was sure of it. You are going abroad for pleasure, I understand?"

"Yes."

"You are an American?"

"I am proud to acknowledge it," said Will, drawing himself up to his
full height.

"And let me tell you, young man, I know you thoroughly--know you for a
thorough-bred American gentleman."

"Thank you."

"You would do almost anything in the cause of human liberty?"

"I would."

"I wish I had known you before."

"Why?"

"I might have bound you closer."

"To what?"

"The heart of human liberty."

"What do you mean?"

"I cannot tell you now. But when will yo