"Yes, and I can witness the papers easily enough, and get several others to, too, if it's necessary. Have you got them here in the city?"
"No; they are home. But I can soon get them, and either bring them or send them on."
This was agreed to, and it was with a much lighter heart that Richard, a quarter of an hour later, bade Frank good-by at the ferry.
"Send the papers to me," said Frank at parting. "I haven't anything to do at present, and will attend to the affair with pleasure."
"Thank you, Frank, I will," was Richard's reply.
The journey to Mossvale was an uneventful one. When Richard reached the Wood cottage all the family ran out to meet him, and in a second his mother's arms were about his neck.
"I'm so glad you have come, Richard!" she cried. "We need you sadly."
Presently he was seated in the doorway, with little Madge on his knee, and the others gathered around, and there he listened to all they had to tell.
The insurance papers had been found, but Mrs. Dare was undecided whether to rebuild or accept the cash.
"We could not get back such a nice home as we had for nine hundred dollars," she said. "And, besides, Sandy Stone has offered me two hundred dollars for the land, and that's a good price, Mr. Wood says."