“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.  Major Barlow opened the door, went through the hall, and called Ralph, and in another moment the lad was clasped in his mother’s arms, and the two officers without another word went quietly out and left them to themselves.  It was some time before a coherent word could be spoken by mother or son, and it was not until they had knelt down together and returned thanks to God for Ralph’s restoration that they were able to talk quietly of what had passed.  Then Mrs. Conway poured out question after question, but Ralph refused to enter upon a narrative of his adventures.

“It’s a long story, mother, and will keep very well till to-morrow.  It is past nine o’clock now, and I am sure that you want a night’s rest after this excitement; and after fourteen hours on a coach, I sha’n’t be sorry to be in bed myself.  Beside, I want you to tell me first how you have been getting on while I have been away, and all the news about everyone; but even that will keep.  I think, mother, a cup of tea first and then bed will be best for us both.”

The next morning Ralph related all his adventures to his mother, who was surprised indeed at his story.

“I suppose poor old Joe was never heard of, mother?”

“No, Ralph.  His son has been up here a good many times to inquire if we had any news of you.  He has gone into another fishing boat now, and his sister has gone out to service.  Their mother died years ago, you know.”

“I was afraid that he had gone straight down, mother.  Nobody on board the brig heard any cry or shout for help.  He must have been injured in the collision.”

“I must write to-day to Mr. Penfold.  He has written to me several times, and has been most kind.  He has all along said that he believed you would turn up one of these days, for as the weather was fine and the sea fairly calm when you were run down, the probabilities in favor of your being picked up were great, especially as you were such a good swimmer.  I am sure he will be delighted to hear of your return.”

“I hope he will not be wanting me to go straight off down there again,” Ralph said ruefully.  “I was only back with you one day, mother, after my visit to them, and now I have been five months away it will be very hard if I am to be dragged off again.”

“I am sure Mr. Penfold will not be so unreasonable as to want to take you away from me,” Mrs. Conway said.

“And am I to go back to school again, mother?”

“Not now, certainly, Ralph.  The holidays will be beginning in a fortnight again; beside, you know, we were talking anyhow of your leaving at the end of this half year.”

“That’s right, mother.  It’s high time I was doing something for myself.  Beside, after doing a man’s work for the last five months I shouldn’t like to settle down to lessons again.”