"There's nine of us."
"And all alive?"
"All alive yet, thank God; though Boodle, poor lad, is wellnigh gone."
"Where is Derrick Sterling?"
"Here I am, sir," came a weak but well-known voice from back in the darkness.
Before Mr. Jones could locate it, the young man who had followed him so closely into the breast sprang to the side of the lad, and seizing his hand, exclaimed,
"Derrick Sterling, you are a splendid fellow, and this is one of the very happiest moments of my life!"
"Who are you?" asked Derrick, faintly.
"My name is Allan McClain," was the answer, "and if you will give me your friendship I shall consider it an honor to be proud of."
Trying weakly to return the hand-pressure of the young stranger, Derrick answered,