“Michael!” he exclaimed, and the two brothers rushed in each other’s arms.
Kathleen and Lily were standing by. Uncle Michael turned from his brother, and gazed at Lily: he advanced towards her.
“I am not mistaken!” he said; “come to my arms, my child; I thought you lost with your poor mother, or I should have searched the world over for you. Do not be alarmed, I will not take you from those who have cherished you so lovingly.”
Lily returned her new-found father’s embrace, but it was some time before she could recover from her astonishment, which was still further increased on finding that he was our Uncle Michael of whom she had so often heard. My father now took him in to see my mother, who was not yet well enough to come out of doors. Dio quickly made his appearance, and showed his joy at my return by bursting into tears as he exclaimed—
“Dis nigger just ’bout de happiest man in de ’ole world.”
I did not fail to inform my father of the coolness and bravery the black had displayed in overcoming his desire to remain with me, and making his way to the fort for the sake of bringing assistance to my mother.
It was not the last time that Dio rendered us essential service, as he ever remained faithfully attached to my father and family.
My two uncles were not only reconciled, but became as affectionate as brothers should be, and before long set off for the settlements, from whence they returned with two suitable wives, who proved admirable helpmates to them, and kind aunts to us.
Lily ere long became my wife, by which time, thanks to my father’s assistance, I had a house and farm of my own.
The Dominie, to our great surprise, soon after the arrival of Uncle Michael took his departure.