deserving of the
protection I have afforded. When you have known me longer, you may
perhaps find me more worthy of your confidence."

St. Ledger felt relieved by their departure, though hurt at the reproach
he thought the Captain's last words implied.

For that gentleman, he sunk into a reverie as soon as he was seated in
the barge; which Frederick, whose imagination was equally employed in
conjectures respecting St. Ledger, never thought of interrupting; and on
being landed they silently pursued their way till they arrived at the
quay, when Frederick suddenly exclaimed--"I cannot form an idea who, or
what St. Ledger is. Above the generality of mankind I must think him."

"I have indeed," said the Captain, "rarely seen his equal, and would
freely give a hundred guineas to know who he is, or his reason for
wishing to be concealed. If he would intrust me with the secret, it
might perhaps be in my power to prove a greater friend to him than I am
at present."

The concluding sentence brought them to the place of their destination.
On being announced, a gentleman, who was seated with their invitor,
hastily rose, and, eagerly surveying the Captain, exclaimed--

"Does my memory deceive me; or is it my friend Crawton I have again the
pleasure of beholding?"

"I was once known by that name," answered the Captain, with emotion;
"but at present bear that of Howard."

"Tell me," said the other, with quickness, "were you ever acquainted
with one Talton, of Brighthelmstone?"

"Brighthelmstone!--Talton!" repeated the Captain, taking his
hand--"Surely it is.--It is my old friend Talton himself! Yet scarcely
can I credit the existence of one I thought long since numbered with the
dead."

"I wonder not at your entertaining the idea," said Mr. Talton. "The
years that have intervened since last we beheld each other, and a
variety of circumstances, might justly give rise to such a
supposition."

The pleasure experienced by the Captain at thus meeting a man whose
friendship had once constituted a considerable portion of his happiness,
diffused itself to the bosoms of all, and some time elapsed ere he
thought of asking an explanation of the occurrences by which he had been
induced to believe the death of his friend.

On Frederick and their entertainer likewise expressing a wish to hear
his relation, Mr. Talton readily consented to gratify their curiosity.

"Though I would not, my friends," he continued, "have you expect to hear