“You do? Then, who is he?”
“Paisley told me to-night that Watson had reminded him of somebody, and only lately did he recollect who. Paisley says that Watson’s real name is Watts, and Watts has five thousand dollars of my sister’s money. He stole it, McTavish; stole it from a dead mother and a helpless baby. I’ll tell you the story.”
Hallibut seated himself and related the story which had been told him by the Sandwich fisherman.
“What are you goin’ to do to him, Colonel?” asked McTavish after Hallibut had finished.
The Colonel drew in his breath quickly. His eyes were on the tall, dark-faced girl who had just entered like a breath of spring. The set look faded from his face and the flashing eyes grew tender as he held out his arms. She came to him and patted his face caressingly.
“I heard you speaking,” she said. “I heard what you said about Watson. Uncle, dear, let’s forget all about Watson. Let’s just be happy now, all of us.”
“But, child——” commenced the Colonel.
“How much am I worth to you?” she smiled, throwing her arms about his neck.
“All the world, Gloss,” he answered.
“If he had not sent me away with Noah you would never have found me,” she whispered.