Veath, too. Oh, Hugh, it is a miracle--a
real miracle!"

"Old Veath saved her! I knew he would if he had a ghost of a chance.
Tennys, Tennys, I can't believe it is true." He was beside himself in
his excitement. Captain Hildebrand, the clerk, and the other attaches
looked on with happy smiles. In this moment of relief they forgot
completely that, in leaving the island, they had been filled with a sort
of dread lest they should find her who might come between them.

"We must find Veath," went on Hugh rapidly. "Is he in Manila?"

"He is in the Government Building, sir," answered the clerk. Already
Hugh was edging toward the door, holding Lady Tennys by the arm. "Is Mr.
Veath a relative?"

"No; he's more than that. He's a friend. We were on the _Tempest Queen_
together when she went down."

"You were--on--the--what did you say, sir?" gasped the clerk.

"He doesn't know who we are, Hugh."

"That's so. Add two more names to the list of saved and scratch 'em off
the other. Put down Lady Huntingford and Hugh Ridge."

The clerk's eyes bulged. Every man in the office came forward in
amazement.

"It's the truth," volunteered the _Winnetka's_ captain. "I picked them
up last week."

"Where's the cable office? I must send a message to Miss Ridge. When did
she sail for the United States?"

"She hasn't sailed, sir. Her name is Vernon, and she's been waiting in
Manila for news of you ever since. Get some water there, Cleary! He's
going to faint." Ridgeway collapsed against the counter, his face going
deadly pale. Lady Tennys sank into her chair, huddling limply as if to
withstand a shock, while from her stricken face two wide blue eyes
centred themselves hopelessly on her lover.

"Needn't mind the water. I'm all right," stammered Hugh, moving away
with legs as stiff as rods. "Where is she now?"

"At the home of her uncle, Mr. Coleman. There were seven of them saved,
after being buffeted about by the sea for three days in the boat in
which they left the wreck. When they were picked up by the _Sea Gull_,
they were almost dead with hunger, thirst and madness. It seems Miss
Vernon had written her uncle before sailing; and the letter, coming by
way of San Francisco, got here two or three weeks before she was
expected. Afterward, Mr. Coleman got the government to send ships out to
find the wreck. It was many weeks before Miss Vernon was fully
recovered."

"Thank you," muttered he. "Come, Lady Huntingford, we will go to a
h