The cries and loud talking had attracted a crowd, and all pushed forward to learn the cause of the disturbance.
“It’s the greatest thing ye ever heard tell on,” said Sam Barringford. “This man is Maurice Hamilton, and the father o’ the twins.”
“Can it be possible!” exclaimed Dave.
“But where—where are my children?” asked Maurice Hamilton.
“They are safe—leas’wise they war, the last I heard o’ ’em,” answered Barringford. “But this gits me! I never dreamed o’ sech a thing.”
“Nor did I,” added Joseph Morris.
After that there remained nothing to do but to tell Maurice Hamilton all about his little ones, how Barringford had found them, and how they had been cared for ever since by the Morrises. The sick man could not take it all in, but he understood enough and the tears of joy streamed down his wan face.
“How I long to see them—my darling boys!” he murmured.
“And you shall see them,” said Joseph Morris. “But first you must get well.”
“And what of—of that rascal who robbed me?”