t Doull exclaimed--

"I remember well a mark on the laddie's hand; a spike or a nail had run
through it just between the bones of the fore and second finger. It was
a curious mark to be in the hand of so small a child, and I mind well
thinking that mark will never wear out, and I shall know the boy
whenever I meet him again."

While the old man was speaking, Rolf was examining his hand. He held it
out with the back up; there, sure enough, was visible, through the
brown, hairy skin, a deep mark, evidently produced as Doull had
described.

"Father, there can be no longer any doubt about the matter," exclaimed
Ronald with more excitement than he usually exhibited.

"I am afraid that the evidence will not be considered very strong in a
court of law," observed Rolf. "However, it leaves no doubt on my mind
that these two men assisted to carry me off. But that is all! they
cannot say, more than I can, to what family I belong; and as for this
paper which they say they signed, that of course is irretrievably lost.
Ronald, I have made up my mind what I will do--I will go back to Whalsey
and take possession of my farm. I no longer fear Sir Marcus Wardhill--
he can do me no harm, and I will try to live at peace with the old man.
I will take these two men, Doull and Eagleshay, with me. Lord Claymore
will give them their discharge. They are no longer fit for duty. They
shall be well looked after, for I bear them no ill-will for the injury
they did me. All has been for the best, I doubt not: we can but do our
duty and trust in Providence."

Ronald heartily entered into his father's plans, though he felt much
more sanguine than he did as to the result. He said that he had little
doubt but that Lord Claymore would grant a superannuated discharge to
the two old men.

"All will be right," said Rolf, cheerfully. "I must, however, take a
cruise with you first, my lad. It will be time enough to think of going
home when we fall in with a ship bound that way."

Rolf had gone into the gun-room soon after his arrival on board, and did
not return on deck till the evening. When he made his appearance, the
marquis and his daughter and the priest were assembled there. All the
officers, and especially Glover, welcomed him cordially, and Lord
Claymore came up and spoke to him in the kindest way. Rolf looked
across the deck at the Spanish party, and could not help fixing his eyes
on the priest.

"I am sure it is him," he exclai