With grateful and loving glances Alaric watched Phil Ryder until he disappeared in the direction of the hotel, and then hastened to keep his appointment with Bonny. On the road leading to the wharves he passed a tall, lank figure, whose whole appearance was that of a sailor. His shrewd face was weather-beaten and wrinkled, but so kindly and smiling that Alaric could not help but smile from sympathy as they met.
He found Bonny impatiently awaiting him, and in such cheerful spirits as to be hardly recognizable for the despondent, half-starved lad of two hours before.
"Hello, Rick!" he shouted, as his friend approached. "I know you've had good luck, for I see it in your face."
"Indeed I have!" replied Alaric; "and, what's more, I've had the best breakfast I ever ate in my life."
"That's what I meant by luck; and I've had the same."
"What's more," continued Alaric, "I have brought something that was sent especially to you, for fear you hadn't found anything to eat."
Thus saying, he handed over a big bright silver dollar.
"Well, if that don't beat the owls!" exclaimed Bonny at sight of the shining coin, "for here is his twin-brother that was handed to me to give to you, or rather to the first fellow I met who needed it more than I did."
"I must be the one then," said Alaric, joyously, "for I haven't a cent to my name, and as you now have two dollars, I'm willing to divide with you. But who gave it to you, and how did he happen to?"