"Yes, blessed news," then as there came over him a strong desire to talk of the good news with some one, he continued:
"Tell me, Captain Murdock, have I talked of Jessie Graham?"
The captain started, for he had not thought of Jessie as the daughter of Richard Graham.
"Yes," he answered, "you said that she was married."
"But she isn't," interrupted Walter. "It was a lie imposed upon me by that false-hearted William Bellenger."
"You spoke of him, too," said the captain, "and I fancied he might be your cousin. You see I am tolerably well posted in your affairs," and the pleasant smile which accompanied these words, disarmed Walter at once from all fear that his secrets would be betrayed.
"What else did you learn?" he asked, and the captain replied:
"There is some trouble about your father. He robbed a bank, didn't he?" and there was a strange look in the keen eyes which did not now rest on Walter's face, but sought the floor as if doubtful of the answer.
"Never, never!" Walter exclaimed, with an energy which brought the blood to his pale cheek, and tears to the eyes riveted upon the carpet. "He never did that."
"He has been proved innocent, then?" and in the voice which asked the question there was a trembling eagerness.