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.