Gaff had often thought of the possibility of such a thing during his prolonged residence on the island, and the thought had cost him many a bitter pang, but he had never mentioned it to Billy, on whom the idea fell for the first time like a thunderbolt. He almost staggered, and put his hand quickly on the window-sill.
“But come, lad, let’s bear up like men. I’ll go in first. Don’t let on; see if they’ll remember us.”
So saying, Gaff lifted the latch of the door and stood before his wife and child. Billy also entered, and stood a pace behind him.
Mrs Gaff and Tottie, who were both engaged about the fireplace at the time, in the preparation of supper, turned and looked at the intruders in surprise, and, for a few seconds, in silence.
The light that fell upon father and son was not very strong, and the opening of the door had caused it to flicker.
“Come in, if ye wants a word wi’ me,” said Mrs Gaff, who was somewhat uneasy at the rugged appearance of her visitors, but was too proud to show it.
“Hast forgotten me, Jess?”
Mrs Gaff rushed at once into his arms.
“‘Bless the Lord, O my soul,’” murmured Gaff, as he smoothed the head that lay on his shoulder.
Tottie recognised her brother the instant he advanced into the full light of the fire, and exclaiming the single word “Billy,” leaped into his open arms.