"They must believe you. I'll go with you, Noddy!" exclaimed she, smiling at the happy thought. "I will tell them all about you."
"That will be jolly; and the sooner we go the better."
Their good friend the captain found a gentleman who was going to New York, and they accompanied him, though Noddy felt abundantly able to take care of himself and his fair charge. They arrived the next morning, and took an early train for Woodville.
Noddy conducted Mollie down the road to the lawn in front of the house. His heart bounded with emotion as he once more beheld the familiar scenes of the past. As he walked along he pointed out to his interested companion the various objects which were endeared to him by former associations. He talked because he could not help it; for he was so agitated he did not know whether he was on his head or his heels. He heard a step on one of the side paths. He turned to see who it was, and Bertha Grant rushed towards him.
"Why, Noddy! It that you?" cried she, grasping him with both hands. "I am so glad to see you!"
"You'd better believe I'm glad to see you again," said he, trying to keep from crying.
The poor fellow actually broke down, he was so much affected by the meeting.
"I didn't expect to see you again for years, after the letter you wrote me."
"Been cast away, Miss Bertha, and lived two months on an island where nobody lived," blubbered Noddy.
"Who is this little girl with you? Is this Mollie, of whom you spoke in your letter?"