Captain Eben was close beside him, talking excitedly.
They entered the yard.
"Grace! Grace!" screamed Captain Eben.

"Gracie, girl, look who's come! Look!" The tall man ran forward.
"Hi, Grace!" he cried in a deep, hearty voice.

"Is that you?
Ain't you got a word for your old messmate ?" The girl stepped out into the rain.
"Why! why, NAT!" she cried.
The big man picked her up bodily in his arms and carried her into the house.

Captain Eben followed and the door closed.
John Ellery picked his way homeward through the puddles and the pouring rain.
He found Keziah in the sitting room, seated by the table, evidently writing a letter.

She looked tired and grave--for her.
"Well!" she exclaimed as he entered.