Bob caught his sister, and, having dropped his burden, threw an arm around her.
"Now, tell us at once," he said, in his commanding way; "was it a letter?"
"Yes, yes!" she answered, with a happy gasp, and merry eyes that seemed suspiciously moist with tears of very joy. "A letter from the lawyer in Richmond, telling father that at last, after these years of waiting, the great case has been decided, and in his favor. He is to come and receive the money of which his wicked cousin robbed him ever so long ago. Is it not splendid news, brothers?"
CHAPTER XII
THE CRUEL PARTING
"Oh! I'm so glad—for mother's sake!" exclaimed Bob, his first thought being of that beloved, patient little woman, who had stood shoulder to shoulder with her husband through all the hard times of the past.
"Yes, now she can have some of the things other women own," said Sandy, gleefully; "for father will have to go to Richmond, and can bring back with him many comforts that we never expected to get here."
"If only he does not have to cross the big water!" sighed Kate, proving that there was a fly in the ointment, after all, and that this possibility loomed up mountain high even in the midst of her joy.
Crossing the ocean in those days was a tremendous undertaking, with the sailing craft subject to all whims of the fickle weather for many weeks; and few contemplated such a voyage lightly.