"I consider you may quite set your mind at ease, for I
have no doubt whatever it is your son who has been picked up." Mrs.
Conway was so much overcome that she sank into a chair and sat for a
short time with her face in her hand, crying happy tears and thanking
God for his mercy. Then with a great effort she aroused herself.
"You will excuse my emotion, gentlemen, and I am sure you can
understand my feelings. I am thankful indeed for the news you have
brought me. I have never ceased for a moment to hope that my boy would
be restored to me; but the knowledge that it is so, and that God has
spared him to me, is for the moment overpowering. And where was the
ship met with, Major Barlow, and where was she bound for? How long do
you think it is likely to be before Ralph comes home?"
"Well, Mrs. Conway," Major Barlow said, hesitating a little, "the ship
was bound for India; but I understood from what was said that the
vessel, that is the vessel that brought the news, had also brought
home the lad who had been carried away."
"Then, in that case," Mrs. Conway cried, "he may be home in a day or
two. Perhaps--perhaps--and she paused and looked from one to the
other.
"Perhaps he is here already," Colonel Bryant said gently. "Yes, Mrs.
Conway, if you feel equal to it you may see him at once." No word was
needed.
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