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.

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.