He galloped all the way to Horsehead, where he arrived at noon, took an early dinner, procured a fresh horse and continued his journey.
He rode all the short, bright winter afternoon, and at dusk reached his second stopping-place, where he took an early tea, changed his horse, and started afresh.
Four more hours of riding through the leafless forest, and under the starlit sky, brought him in sight of the water; and a few minutes brought him to the door of the Beacon.
Here he sprung from his saddle; secured his horse to a post; and rushed up the front steps to the hall door and rang. An old servant opened it.
"Oh, Mr. Ishmael, sir! what a surprise! I am so glad to see you, sir."
"Thank you, Ben. How are the family?"
"All well, sir. Walk in, sir. Won't they be delighted to see you!" said the old man, opening a side door leading into the lighted drawing room, and announcing:
"Mr. Worth!"
There was a general jumping up of the party around the fireside, and a hasty rushing towards the visitor.
Mr. Middleton was foremost, holding out both his hands, and exclaiming: