There seemed to be some trouble about ending the letter, for two attempts at erasure with a penknife were visible; but it finally concluded with the girlish signature of
"Your loving friend,
"Rose Mason."
The captain read this letter over and over again, till the tears rose to his eyes and his chest began to heave.
"Will you give me this letter, boy?" he said, in a broken voice.
"Couldn't," said Tom. "Money hasn't got power to buy it. You'd think so if you only knew how much time it took for me to write the answer."
"And you think Rose is in this place now?"
"Think! Don't I know it. Haven't I reckoned up how much it would cost to get there fifty times! Only to think of hearing her talk French! My!"
The captain reached forth his hand, and shook that of Tom, with deep emotion.
"What can I do for you, my boy?" he said.
"Nothing; only if you go to the Hollow, don't forget to give my best respects to Miss Rose Mason, and tell her—no, you needn't say nothing about it—what's the use?"