His eyes had got bigger and bigger as Eean proceeded, and as he finished his jaw had actually dropped.
He found his tongue at last, however. Then three times in succession he thumped his red round fist on the deal table in front of him, and three times in succession he muttered the words:
"Bless my soul, sir! Bless my soul!"
"Why, what is it?" said Eean. "Do you know anything?"
"Do I know any thing, man? Bless you and me both, I know every thing. I declare I'm half afraid wonders will never cease."
"Well," said Eean, "it is all very wonderful, but tell us all you know; for I am certain my little girl here is quite as anxious to hear about her early history as I am. And I pray God this moment, Captain Cawdor, that you will tell us nothing that can result in parting me and my more than child."
"Nay, nay," cried Captain Cawdor, earnestly and thoughtfully, as Toddie had thrown herself on old Eean's lap, and was nestling close to his breast.
"I'm certain sure you won't be parted; for Señor Sarpinto—and he really is Toddie's uncle—is one of the kindest men that ever breathed, and an ill-used man he has been."
"But," said Eean, "the paper here calls him a villain. See! Read for yourself."
Captain Cawdor adjusted his glasses, and glanced at the frayed and worn manuscript Eean placed in his hands.