And Fred did so, as we have already told the reader, adding that he never so far forgot himself as to dishonor his father by bearing his name. He was known everywhere as Frederic Sanders, whereas his full name was Frederic Sanders Strathmore––which 269 he was now proud to assume, and which, with God’s help, he meant to honor.
They sat a long time in loving converse, and, finally, Captain Strathmore told the story of Inez Hawthorne, who came to and went from him in such an extraordinary manner, and for whom he sighed and longed as he had for his own child, taken from him years before.
Fred smiled in an odd way, while this story was being told, and then asked his father to walk down to the Occidental Hotel with him.
“I have some very particular business,” he added, “and will take it as a great favor if you will so so.”
“Of course I will,” responded the cheery old captain, springing to his feet. “I will walk if I can, but I feel more like flying; and if there’s any more good news, I’ll set up a dancing and yelling carnival.”
“Well, there is good news awaiting you, so you had better get ready to put on the brakes.”
“What do you mean, Fred?”
“Wait, and you will see.”
A few minutes later there was a gentle tap on the door of Inez Hawthorne’s room at the Occidental. She was busy sewing, and she called out in a somewhat startled voice:
“Come in!”