"Don't you remember your Cousin Ben, Charlie?" asked our hero.
"Ben!" exclaimed Charles, in the greatest astonishment. He looked eagerly in our hero's face for a moment, then impulsively threw his arms around Ben's neck, and kissed him.
"I am so glad to see you, Ben," he said. "Where have you been all the time?"
"Then you didn't forget me, Charlie?" said Ben, returning the embrace.
"No, Ben. I've thought of you many and many a time. We used to be such good friends, you know. We will be again,—will we not?"
"I hope so, Charlie. That was one of my reasons for coming back."
"How did you know I was here?"
"I will tell you some time, Charlie; but not now. Is my sister at home?"
"Yes. I will call her. She will be very much surprised. We all thought you—"
"Dead, I suppose."