"—Aunt? Don't take me seriously, my boy. Accept my congratulations, wish you joy, and thank Heaven it isn't that pompous baronet."
"Amen!" says John, warmly.
"Now that you allow me a chance, Philander, I want to say just this: it suits me to a dot. I'm delighted—enchanted. Of course you'll live in Chicago. That's another blow against John Bull. We'll be mistress of the seas yet. Here, let me kiss you both, my children, and take the blessing of a woman who has not lived fifty years for nothing."
CHAPTER XXII.
THE WEAVER—FATE!
Even in the midst of his happiness John Craig has not forgotten the one important fact that brought him to Algiers.
While he can devote himself to laying a plan for the accomplishment of a certain object, and with the assistance of Lady Ruth arrange to surprise Sir Lionel Blunt, he is at the same time anxiously awaiting news.
Will old Ben Taleb carry out his promise? The heart of the young man beats high with hope.
Unconscious of a great surprise in store for him, John enters the hotel with Lady Ruth.