Reverend Percy Langdon has been conversing with his wife about the
future career of their only boy. Conscious of Oswald's brilliant powers
and high ambitions, both feel a natural sense of parental pride in this
son who is their one earthly hope. The fond mother talks of this manly,
stalwart youth, using childhood's endearing terms, and expresses
solicitude for his present welfare, while the father, with habitual
sense of superior perception, positively but tenderly allays her fears.

"Oswald is safe anywhere. Our boy can be trusted in any emergency. He
will make his mark. I wonder what position Oswald will occupy in a few
years! How proud he is of his mother!"

"But, Percy, dear, Ossie has his father's temper and is so self-willed
at times!"

"Now go to sleep, little mother!"

A hurried knock is heard at the front door. Startled by such early,
unexpected call, there is no response. The knock is repeated loudly,
and the bell rings. Springing up, the rector cautiously opens the door,
when a dusty figure hastily pushes into the dark hall.

Reverend Percy Langdon grapples with the intruder, who holds on, but
attempts no violence. "Father!" is the low-spoken greeting. "Don't
frighten mother, and I will explain."

After some hurried talk, sobs, and heart-breaking good-bys, a figure
steals out in the dawning light, and starts for Southampton.

Oswald walked rapidly. After about two hours he was overtaken by a man
driving a horse attached to a buckboard. He received a hearty invitation
to take a ride. He learned that the man was going ten miles, to meet a
friend on business. To all questions Oswald gave evasive replies. At
nine o'clock they arrived at the place named. Oswald walked on until
noon, when he sat down in a secluded spot and ate a meal. Resuming his
journey, he soon reached a small station. Here he boarded a train for
Southampton, arriving at his destination without noteworthy incident.

He lodged at a cheap sort of an inn. Finding that a steamer left the
next morning for Calcutta, he gave orders to call him in proper time.

Having purchased passage, Oswald is at the wharf, disguised in
ill-fitting duster and broad-brimmed hat, ready to embark. Some
rough-looking men are at the dock, to whom this seedy stranger is a
butt of much coarse comment. Incensed at their ridicule, Oswald longs to
chastise them, but moves away.

Noting the evident wish of their victim to escape further abuse, these
follow. Oswald