"I have a token to deliver to you," continued the stranger, addressing her.
"To me?" gasped Winifred.
"This locket," he said, taking a little ornament attached to a black ribband from his breast, and giving it her,—"do you remember it?"
"I do—I do!" cried Winifred.
"What's all this?" exclaimed Wood in amazement.
"Do you not know me, father?" said the young man, advancing towards him, and warmly grasping his hand. "Have nine years so changed me, that there is no trace left of your adopted son?"
"God bless me!" ejaculated the carpenter, rubbing his eyes, "can—can it be?"
"Surely," screamed Mrs. Wood, joining the group, "it isn't Thames Darrell come to life again?"
"It is—it is!" cried Winifred, rushing towards him, and flinging her arms round his neck,—"it is my dear—dear brother!"
"Well, this is what I never expected to see," said the carpenter, wiping his eyes; "I hope I'm not dreaming! Thames, my dear boy, as soon as Winny has done with you, let me embrace you."