“To be sure I do,” answered the other. “I’ve known him since the day he was born. Sir Wolfe was his grandfather on his mother’s side, and it’s likely our boy has told you how intimately we were connected with Sir Wolfe’s family.”
Breeze acknowledged that Wolfe had told him.
About this time the “squire” disappeared for a few minutes, and when he returned he was followed by the maid bearing a tray, on which were a plate of biscuit and some bottles and glasses.
Filling the glasses with wine from one of the bottles, the master of the house said, “I want to propose the health of the distinguished visitor from across the ocean, who honors our humble home with his presence to-night. I refer to Mr. Breeze McCloud.”
As Wolfe instinctively stretched out his hand towards one of the glasses, Breeze said, in a low tone, “Point true, Wolfe.”
Wolfe’s face flushed, as he quickly withdrew his hand, saying, “Thank you, Breeze. I own I had almost forgotten.”
At the same time, both the squire and his wife set down their untasted glasses, and the latter, turning to Breeze, said, in a trembling voice, “May I ask you, sir, where you heard them words?”
“I did not hear them,” answered Breeze, “but I saw them; and if you are at all interested I can show them to you; for, oh, Wolfe!” he added, turning to his dorymate, “I have learned the secret of the golden ball.”
With this he unclasped the slender chain from about his neck, opened the locket, and handed it to Wolfe’s mother.
She cast one glance at it, uttered an exclamation of joy, and very nearly fainted from the excess of her emotion.