“Oh, but I want to go!” exclaimed Mrs. Sturdy, disappointment coming into her face.
“Of course, you naturally would,” rejoined her brother-in-law. “But all the same I don’t think it would be wise. You agree with me, don’t you, Amos?” he asked, turning to Mrs. Sturdy’s brother.
“I certainly do,” rejoined the latter. “You see, Alice, with all you’ve gone through, you’ve nearly reached the breaking point. Even if you were perfectly well and strong, it would be inadvisable; and as things stand, it would be almost suicidal. We’ve made inquiries at the shipping office, and a liner is sailing to-morrow. You need to recuperate in the rest and quiet of home. And then, too, Ruth needs you.”
The last proved the strongest argument in breaking down Mrs. Sturdy’s reluctance, and she finally consented.
The few hours she still had left with Don were golden ones for both mother and son, and they spent every moment they could together before the vessel sailed.
Her family saw her provided with every possible comfort on the vessel that was to bear her to the waiting arms of Ruth, and after loving leave-takings, stood on the shore and waved to her until her dear form at the steamer’s rail could no longer be distinguished.
Don’s eyes were wet as he turned to go back to the hotel after the parting from his mother, but there was a measure of peace and happiness in his heart to which it had been a stranger for years. At least, he had found his mother and held her in his embrace.
God had been good and restored to him his mother and sister. Surely he could depend on Him to help him find his father. The boy took new courage and mentally girded up his loins for the coming struggle.
Those left behind stopped at the telegraph office on their way back to the hotel and found a cablegram awaiting them from Mr. Allison. Captain Sturdy tore it open while Don and Teddy waited with bated breath.
The captain read the message aloud: