It was eight o’clock when the coach rattled up the streets of Dover.  Major Barlow had already offered Ralph to take him to Colonel Bryant’s quarters, and to ask the colonel to go with him to call on Mrs. Conway and prepare her for Ralph’s coming.

CHAPTER VII.

A COMMISSION.

Colonel Bryant was just rising from dinner at the mess when Major Barlow and Ralph arrived at the barracks, and after congratulating the lad on his return he willingly agreed to accompany them to Mrs. Conway.  A quarter of an hour’s walk took them to her house.  Ralph remained outside when the two officers entered.  Colonel Bryant lost no time in opening the subject.

“I have brought my friend Major Barlow to introduce to you, Mrs. Conway, because he has happened to hear some news that may, I think, bear upon the subject that you have most at heart.”

“Ralph!” Mrs. Conway exclaimed, clasping her hands.

“We think it may refer to your son, Mrs. Conway,” Major Barlow said.  “I have just returned from town, and happened to hear that a vessel had been spoken with that reported having picked up a lad from a smack run down in the channel some five months ago, which corresponds pretty well, I think, with the time your son was missing.”

“Just the time,” Mrs. Conway said.  “Did they not say the name?”

“Well, yes.  The name, as far as I heard it, for as I had not the pleasure of knowing you I was not of course so interested in the matter, was the same as yours.”

“I think that there is no doubt about it, Mrs. Conway,” Colonel Bryant said kindly.  “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.