"I think that is it," said Judd, thoughtfully; "for whenever I asked about her relatives, she never would tell me anything about them."
The newly-discovered relationship was discussed for a time, and facts and dates were brought forward to substantiate it. Then Judd said, with much the same grimace he had used months before:
"I told you some time ago, Budd, that we were second-rate twins, and now it has turned out that we are first-rate cousins!"
[CHAPTER XXII.--AN EXCITING ADVENTURE.]
"Good morning, father! Would you like to go with us to the fish-traps, or will you remain here and rest?"
It was the morning after Mr. Boyd's arrival at the island, and as yet barely six o'clock. Budd had come to the door of his father's room, and finding him awake had thus accosted him.
Mr. Boyd looked up at his boy with a cheerful smile.
"Good morning, Budd!" he responded. "You are around early here, aren't you? Well, I like to see promptness and industry in any one; and as an encouragement, if not an example, to you and Judd, I'll go right along with you. How soon shall I be ready?"
"Breakfast will be on the table in ten minutes, and in course of a half-hour we must be off," answered Budd. "Is there anything I can do for you, father?"
There was manifest affection in the lad's tones as he asked this question, and his face beamed with an irrepressible joy. The great purpose of his heart had been accomplished; his father was not only at liberty, but with him, and he had nothing more to ask.