"Heaven be praised, you have returned!" cried the widow.
"And my father is dead?" said George Weston sadly.
"Yes, George, you have no father now."
The young man trembled with emotion.
"I had hoped to smooth the last years of his life; but God's will be done."
"Amen!" said the widow solemnly, as she wiped her eyes.
"Tony, my brother, come here," said George, as he shook the hand of the little hero. "You cannot think how badly I felt this morning, when, on my arrival at Rippleton, I heard that you were to be tried for stealing. If it had not been for our mother, I think I should have fled from the place without making myself known."
"But, George, I was innocent."
"I know it, Tony; and I was the happiest man in the court-house when I heard that Joe Braman confess the truth."
"And, George," interrupted Mrs. Weston, "you must join with me in thanking Captain Sedley here for all he has done for poor Tony. I am sure, if it had not been for him, he would have been found guilty."