With decision reached, they were both galvanized into action. The Swartwout home in New York was opened to them. The brothers Swartwout had never wavered in their faith and affection. Aaron arrived at night and was smuggled to an upstairs room which he dared not leave during the weeks of negotiation for a passage to Europe.

The lack of money, as usual, made the situation even more uncomfortable than it would otherwise have been. The Swartwouts gave what they could; a handful of the disbanded Burrites were entrusted with the secret and contributed, but the total was not enough to pay his passage and allow him to live decently on the other side.

'If only the people who owe you money—would pay,' wailed Theo one evening, as they bent together over the table in Aaron's room mulling yet again over the inexorable figures.

'Why should they?' asked Aaron cheerfully. 'I do not pay the people to whom I owe money either. '

' All the same, I'm going to try again'. She rose and put on her cloak. It was one of many discreet and humiliating calls which she made in New York. She must infallibly conceal his presence here, and yet sound out his former friends, and, while trying to extract money from his debtors on the one hand, avoid his creditors on the other.

Nor was she very successful. Intimates from Richmond Hill days sent down word by their servants that they were not at home. Or, if they received her, it was with cold politeness which changed to glassy silence at any mention of her father.

'I know, my dear,' said Aaron. 'It's quite useless. Your efforts have been wonderful, but it is useless.'

She sat down beside him with a weary sigh. If only Joseph could help! But that resource was cut off; for even if he were willing, he was no longer able. He had given fifty thousand dollars to the cause and it had melted away. Moreover, Jefferson's recent Embargo Act had crippled him badly. Rice might no longer be shipped abroad, and, without that plentiful revenue, he was much embarrassed for ready cash. Every letter informed Theo of the unpleasant fact.

'Well,' she said, sighing again, 'there's only one thing left to do. We must sell the necklace.'

Aaron silently put his arm around her and drew her head to his shoulder. He had reached that conclusion some time before.

Samuel Swartwout undertook the commission. A Spanish Jew on Pearl Street, crying to Heaven that it was robbery, nevertheless handed over a hundred guineas. It was not a quarter of its worth, but Aaron accepted it with thanks.

Passage was booked on the packet Clarissa, bound via Halifax for Falmouth. It was booked for G. H. Edwards. The vessel would sail June first.