But see, Halcott is coming at last. He is leading James by the hand and helping him towards the boat, and in a few minutes’ time both are over and standing on the bank of the lake.
“Tandy, this is James. But you know the strange story, and this is the strangest part of all.”
Tandy took the hand that was offered to him. How cold and thin it felt!
“God sent you here,” said James slowly, and speaking apparently with some difficulty. “His name be praised. It was for this happy meeting I was kept living on and on, though I did not know it. It has been a weary, terrible time. It is ended now, I trust.” Here a happy smile spread over his sadly-worn face, and once more he extended his hand to Halcott. “Heaven bless you, friend—nay, brother!”
“Yes, James, and we shall always be brothers now—always, always.”
Book Three—Chapter Four.
Prisoner among Savages—Shipwreck.
Not a word about gold was spoken that night. To Halcott had been restored that which is better far than much fine gold—the friendship of a true and honest heart.