Edith and Miss Barton prepared to take their departure. Both were standing before Mr. Jarney in low conversation, when John turned around, as a new thought came to him, and said, to Miss Barton:
"Miss Barton, do you have a brother?"
"I have several brothers, Mr. Winthrope," she replied; "but one of them disappeared months ago."
"What was his given name?"
"Michael."
"Meeting you today. Miss Barton, reminds me that I met a young man about two weeks ago who gave the name of Mike Barton."
Then John related to her the incident of meeting her brother, and of the words that had passed between them, without making it clear to the young ladies, however, that the nature of the business that he followed was of the most questionable.
"Poor brother! that must be Michael," said Star, when John had concluded his story. "Wish I could see him; I know I could prevail on him going home."
"Would you help us find him?" asked Edith, directing her question to John.
"It would give me pleasure to aid you," replied John.