The party arrived in full time to purchase their tickets and take their seats.
CHAPTER XII
ON TO WASHINGTON
“Everybody is happy but me! Oh, Uncle Gideon, I have looked all over, up and down, and everywhere in the papers, and I cannot see one word about Roland! Oh, Roland! Roland!” moaned little Rosemary, as she sat on the seat beside the old skipper in the crowded car.
“My poor little girl, such a small item as the rescue of a single prisoner from the pirate ship would scarcely be noticed in a first hurried account of the capture by the Eagle. Have patience, my dear little one. In a few hours we shall hear from Le himself whether Roland is with him. And remember, my girl, that you are going to meet your dear mother and aunt, and all your near relations, whom you have not seen for so many years, and who are counting the hours until you come to them. Think of your own kindred, my child.”
“Oh! I do, I do! And I do love my dear mother and dear aunt, dearly, dearly! But they are both safe and well, and so I am not anxious about them. But, oh! Roland! Roland!” she wailed, in a little, low tone.
Mrs. Force, who sat beside her husband immediately in front of Rosemary and her uncle, heard the little, low moan, and turning to the squire, said.
“Abel, dear, will you change seats with little Rosemary, and let the child sit with me for a while?”
“Certainly,” replied Mr. Force, and the change was effected at once.
Mrs. Force put one arm around Rosemary’s waist, and drew her in a close embrace, as she whispered:
“You must pray, and hope, and trust, my dear. We have no reason to fear that any evil has happened to Roland.”