“Father, there can be no longer any doubt about the matter,” exclaimed Ronald with more excitement than he usually exhibited.
“I am afraid that the evidence will not be considered very strong in a court of law,” observed Rolf. “However, it leaves no doubt on my mind that these two men assisted to carry me off. But that is all! they cannot say, more than I can, to what family I belong; and as for this paper which they say they signed, that of course is irretrievably lost. Ronald, I have made up my mind what I will do—I will go back to Whalsey and take possession of my farm. I no longer fear Sir Marcus Wardhill—he can do me no harm, and I will try to live at peace with the old man. I will take these two men, Doull and Eagleshay, with me. Lord Claymore will give them their discharge. They are no longer fit for duty. They shall be well looked after, for I bear them no ill-will for the injury they did me. All has been for the best, I doubt not: we can but do our duty and trust in Providence.”
Ronald heartily entered into his father’s plans, though he felt much more sanguine than he did as to the result. He said that he had little doubt but that Lord Claymore would grant a superannuated discharge to the two old men.
“All will be right,” said Rolf, cheerfully. “I must, however, take a cruise with you first, my lad. It will be time enough to think of going home when we fall in with a ship bound that way.”
Rolf had gone into the gun-room soon after his arrival on board, and did not return on deck till the evening. When he made his appearance, the marquis and his daughter and the priest were assembled there. All the officers, and especially Glover, welcomed him cordially, and Lord Claymore came up and spoke to him in the kindest way. Rolf looked across the deck at the Spanish party, and could not help fixing his eyes on the priest.
“I am sure it is him,” he exclaimed. “I never saw a stronger likeness; years have only dried him up a little.” And without another word he walked up to the old man, and said—
“What, Father Mendez! it is long since we met; but don’t you know me?”
The priest cast a calm glance at him, totally free from astonishment, as he answered—“Time changes all people. If it is long since we met, you must excuse me if I do not recollect you.”
“I forgot that,” said Rolf, frankly. “My name is Morton—we met in Shetland. Were you not then called Father Mendez?”
“I am called Father John,” said the priest in the same calm tone as before.