"A clew! Of course it is!" fairly shouted the engineer. "Hurrah, Dave it is a clew. Put her there, old man! Shake! I said a while ago that we were brothers in misfortune! We're more than that.
"We're real brothers, Dave Carson—no, not Dave Carson any longer! Dave
Bellmore! We're brothers, I tell you! brothers!"
CHAPTER XXV
THE NEW RANCH
For a moment the two remained with clasped hands, looking deep into the eyes one of the other. Then Dave, with a deep breath, murmured:
"Brothers! Is it possible?"
"Not only possible, but probable!" cried Mr. Bellmore. "We are brothers, I tell you, Dave! Your mention of that cork life-preserver almost proves it to me."
"Why so?"
"Because, before I went away to the East, to visit, I made one just like that with which to learn to swim. I did learn, too, with it. Of course I'd have to see this one to be dead sure, but it isn't likely that there would be two cork life-preservers made in that way. I'm sure it was mine you had on when you were rescued. Come on, we'll gallop to the ranch and find out."
They set off at top speed, Dave's heart beating madly with hope.