and
wrote far better than I did. Every moment that I was off duty I was at
my studies, and when Dick found what progress I made, he declared his
intention of setting to work to learn to read himself. I did my best to
help him, and the captain kindly lent him some books that he might
instruct himself. In about four months I could read with perfect ease
and write very fairly, besides having gained some knowledge of
arithmetic and geography. As to history, I found I had a very confused
knowledge, and jumbled events together in a curious way.

I had not forgotten dear Miss Kitty, and I often talked about her, and
wondered whether she and the mate had made their escape. Dick always
said that he thought they had, as Mr Falconer was a good navigator, and
that they were very likely to have fallen in with some whaler, as he was
sure to have steered his course over the ground most frequented by them.

At length, after sailing for some time south, and passing several
islands, we sighted one at which the captain said he intended to touch,
as the natives were Christians, and they could supply all his wants on
equitable terms, without the risk of treachery, which he must run at the
heathen islands. As we drew near I recognised the scenery, and on
asking Dick, he told me it was the very island at which the _Dolphin_
had touched when Miss Kitty and Mr Falconer had gone on shore to the
house of the missionary.

As soon as the anchor was down, the captain ordered a boat to be
lowered, and told me that I might accompany him.

Mr Newton, the missionary, who knew Captain Renton, came down to the
landing-place to welcome him, and conduct him up to his house. I
followed, but as he did not recognise me, I felt unwilling to address
him. They entered the house together.

"Come in, my lad," said Mr Newton, seeing me standing outside. "You
are heartily welcome."

I followed the captain into the sitting-room, where I saw two ladies.
One, whom I guessed was Mrs Newton, came forward to greet him as an old
acquaintance; the other rose, and as she did so and turned her face
towards me, my heart leaped with joy, for there I saw Miss Kitty,
looking as bright and blooming as ever.

"Miss Kitty!" I exclaimed; "is it you? is it you?"

The first moment she did not know me, for I was greatly changed. She
took both my hands, and looking into my face, she said--

"Charley, Charley Laurel, are you indeed alive and well? I had greatly
fear