nest countenance he possessed, the tide
of feeling at once began to turn.

"I am greatly disposed to believe the boy," said the elderly man after
he had heard Donalblane's story. "But we must keep him in ward until
we can find this Mr. Paterson of whom he speaks."

So Donalblane was securely locked up until the morning, when he not
only had the joy of being vouched for by Mr. Paterson, and honourably
released, but the relief of learning that the highwaymen's victim had
been only stunned, not killed, and would soon recover from his injuries.

He proved to be a prosperous merchant, who felt profoundly grateful for
the timely service, and, as it chanced, had a vessel sailing for
England in a short time. On learning of their desire to cross the
ocean, he at once placed the cabin of the vessel at the disposal of Mr.
Paterson and Donalblane, adding to this kindness a substantial advance
of money, which the former might repay at his convenience.

Thus the way home was providentially opened up, and in far greater
comfort than they had set out for the New World, the two friends
returned to Scotland. Here Donalblane was received with characteristic
coolness by his uncle, who felt very sore over the loss of his five
hundred pounds; and Mr. Paterson had to bear the undeserved reproaches
of those who had lost not merely money, but relatives, in the
unfortunate enterprise.

Yet there were far brighter days in store for both. Mr. Paterson
cleared himself of all blame for the catastrophe, and filled the
remaining years of his life with honourable work, while Donalblane,
sobered by his experience, devoted himself to his uncle's business with
such ardour and intelligence that ere long he came to be his right-hand
man.

The step from that to a partnership was an easy and natural one, and,
combining in a rare degree daring enterprise with far-sighted caution,
Donalblane of Darien became in time one of the merchant princes of
Scotland, winning, through the right use of his wealth and influence,
high honour among his fellow-men, and the favour of Divine Providence.

THE END.

_Richard Clay & Sons, Limited, London & Bungay._

End of Project Gutenberg's Donalblane of Darien, by J. Macdonald Oxley

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DONALBLANE OF DARIEN ***

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