I am all ears, Lieutenant.
The Lieutenant then related Walter’s history in full, not forgetting the fight on the wharf and the way he was injured.
Cora remained silent for a few moments, then said:
Lieutenant, can this be? If so, truth is stranger than fiction But how do you know that his statement is true!
By the best of proof, replied Powers. First, his appearance shows that he is the soul of honor. Secondly, Webb found him on the Callicoon. Thirdly, my agents reported that the families of Powers and Wallace had resided there, and lastly, we know that many years ago, before you were born, your sister married William Wallace, and your brother Thomas married Mary Powers; that each of them had a child. Thomas Powers’s child was named Amy, and William Wallace’s child was named Walter, after his grand-father, Walter Wallace. The cat you saw, and of which you were jealous, belongs to Walter. It was a present to him from Amy, and bears her name.
But where is Amy Powers? asked Cora.
It is supposed that she was drowned. But Walter thinks otherwise, and the object of this voyage was to discover her and his friends.
And discovered them before he got started, replied Cora.
No, you are in error there. He is ignorant of the fact that he has an uncle and aunt on this ship. Now return to the cabin, and as soon as I can get the Captain’s consent, I will be with you.
Cora left, and was soon at the side of her patient. Mrs. Davis motioned her away, saying: