The schooner began making its way through the maze of other ships. In the distance, more ships lay in wait to be loaded with goods bound for England. With winter quickly approaching, the leaves were off the trees, the land was turning brown and Matthew was chilled and tired of standing. Placing three chairs in the bow where they could still watch, Matthew urged Caleb and Uriah to sit down. He took the chair between them, folded his arms and studied each of their faces. "I've a proposal."

Uriah accepted the blanket a seaman handed him and wrapped it around his legs, "What sort of proposal?"

"One of mutual benefit. You wish to remain in America undetected and I wish my daughter to marry an honorable man. 'Tis no secret Caroline stands to inherit a considerable fortune and I'll not see her marry another LeRoy. I think to give my fortune away."

"What?" Uriah and Caleb asked at the same time.

"What I mean is, if my fortune were governed by . . . say the two of you, my daughter's next husband could not touch it. Am I right?"

Uriah wrinkled his brow, "Matthew, you hardly know us."

"Ah, but I know this. I have seen the way you look at your wife, my boy. A man with such a look would not bring shame to her. And should you swindle my Caroline, Mary would not be pleased She might well have you flogged or shot."