The stranger joined lustily in the cheers; and when they had finished, Uncle Ben fired again. When the Zephyr came alongside the Sylph, the veteran congratulated the little hero of the day on his escape from the snares of his foes.
"You are a good boy, and I wish I had a bigger gun. You desarve a salute from a forty-two pounder," said Uncle Ben, as he rammed down the charge for another gun.
"Thank you, Uncle Ben, that gun is big enough for so small a boy as I am."
The Zephyr continued on her course to the widow Weston's, followed by the Sylph, the old sailor saluting all the way.
The party landed, and marched up to the house, followed by the stranger. Tony embraced his sister and his little brother, and with tears of joy told them that he was acquitted. Mrs. Weston and Captain Sedley had not yet arrived.
In half an hour they came. Mrs. Weston welcomed her guests, and among them the stranger.
"I don't know you, sir, but you are welcome to my poor cottage," said she, with a courtesy.
"Thank you, ma'am. I have just come from California. I believe you had a son who went out there."
"I did. Poor George! I suppose he is dead," answered the widow, wiping a tear from her eye.
"I come to tell you about him, ma'am."