God for his mercy. Then with a great effort she aroused herself.

"You will excuse my emotion, gentlemen, and I am sure you can
understand my feelings. I am thankful indeed for the news you have
brought me. I have never ceased for a moment to hope that my boy would
be restored to me; but the knowledge that it is so, and that God has
spared him to me, is for the moment overpowering. And where was the
ship met with, Major Barlow, and where was she bound for? How long do
you think it is likely to be before Ralph comes home?"

"Well, Mrs. Conway," Major Barlow said, hesitating a little, "the ship
was bound for India; but I understood from what was said that the
vessel, that is the vessel that brought the news, had also brought
home the lad who had been carried away."

"Then, in that case," Mrs. Conway cried, "he may be home in a day or
two. Perhaps--perhaps--and she paused and looked from one to the
other.

"Perhaps he is here already," Colonel Bryant said gently. "Yes, Mrs.
Conway, if you feel equal to it you may see him at once." No word was
needed. Major Barlow opened the door, went through the hall, and
called Ralph, and in another moment the lad was clasped in his
mother's arms, and the two officers without another word went quietly
out and left them to themselves. It was some time before a coherent
word could be spoken by mother or son, and it was not until they had
knelt down together and returned thanks to God for Ralph's restoration
that they were able to talk quietly of what had passed. Then Mrs.
Conway poured out question after question, but Ralph refused to enter
upon a narrative of his adventures.

"It's a long story, mother, and will keep very well till to-morrow. It
is past nine o'clock now, and I am sure that you want a night's rest
after this excitement; and after fourteen hours on a coach, I sha'n't
be sorry to be in bed myself. Beside, I want you to tell me first how
you have been getting on while I have been away, and all the news
about everyone; but even that will keep. I think, mother, a cup of tea
first and then bed will be best for us both."

The next morning Ralph related all his adventures to his mother, who
was surprised indeed at his story.

"I suppose poor old Joe was never heard of, mother?"

"No, Ralph. His son has been up here a good many times to inquire if
we had any news of you. He has gone into another fishing boat now, and
his sister has gone out to service. Their mother died y