“What?” gasped Frank.
“Yes, she is my wife.”
Pomp and Barney collapsed at the expression upon Frank’s face.
“Your wife?” gasped the young inventor. “When were you married?”
“Just now, and the ceremony was performed by the chaplain of the regiment.”
Frank thrust forth his right hand, and gave Barrows a grip which made him wince.
“You must pardon my conduct,” he cried, “but it was such a surprise. I wish you both worlds of happiness.”
Some hours later the new Steam Man was on its way homeward. A week later it was in Omaha, Nebraska, and not long thereafter was at home in Readestown.
The young inventor was received at home with an ovation, and his father, the distinguished Reade Senior, was overjoyed to learn that the evidence had been procured to clear Travers.
As for the latter he came from prison like one coming into a new life and from that time on regarded Frank Reade, Jr. as his greatest earthly benefactor.