I briefly narrated how we had escaped, and when I told him that we had visited Mr Newton, and left Miss Kitty well, only a few months before, I judged by the agitation and interest he showed that she had not misplaced her confidence in him.
“I am bound out to the South Seas, where I have hitherto in vain attempted to go,” he observed. “As soon as I reached England, I obtained a berth on board a ship bound for the Pacific, but she was unhappily wrecked not far from Cape Horn. I, with some of the crew who had reached the land, was taken off by a homeward-bound ship, in which I returned to England. I should immediately have again sailed, but hearing that my father was ill, I went to visit him. I had the happiness of being reconciled to him before he died, when I found myself the possessor of a small fortune. It is not, however, sufficient to enable me to live without a profession, and through the recommendation of the late captain of the Harmony, which her owners were about to send again to the Pacific, I obtained command of her, and trust before long of again having the happiness of seeing Miss Raglan.”
“I am sure, sir, she will be very glad to see you,” I could not help saying; and I told him that none of his letters had been received.
Captain Falconer kept me on board all day, and nearly the whole time was spent by him in asking me questions, and hearing all I could tell him about Miss Kitty. In the evening, he sent me and Dick back to the Phoebe in one of the Harmony’s boats.
Next morning a westerly breeze sprang up, and the two ships stood on their respective courses.
After this we had a quick run to England, and, arriving in the Thames, Captain Renton took me with him to the owners, Messrs Dear and Ashe, to whom he gave an account of my adventures. Mr Dear, the head of the firm, was a mild-looking pleasant old gentleman. He called me into his room, and asked me a number of questions, and then desired Captain Renton to send Dick Driver next day up to the office.
“If you can spare the lad, I will take him home with me, as Mrs Dear will like to see him,” he observed.
“I intended to have taken you to my house, Charley,” said Captain Renton, as he wished me good-bye, “but I am sure it will be to your advantage to accept Mr Dear’s invitation.”
In the afternoon, I drove out with Mr Dear to his country house, in the neighbourhood of London. It appeared to me a perfect palace. I had never before since I could recollect been in any house larger than Mr Newton’s cottage.
Mrs Dear, a very kind lady, soon made me feel perfectly at home.