dilated eyes, at Captain Rudstone. Had we heard aright? Was he
really the missing Osmund Maiden? Folding his arms on his breast he
returned our scrutiny with a cynical smile.

"He is mad--mad!" gasped Christopher Burley.

The law clerk pointed with trembling hand, and the veins stood out on
his forehead like whipcords. His face was of a purple hue.

"Captain Rudstone, is this a jest?" cried the factor, as he rose from
his kneeling position. "On my word you will find it a sorry one--"

"It is not a jest, sir."

"What, do you insist that you are speaking the truth?"

"Certainly," was the haughty reply. "I repeat it. I am Osmund Maiden!"

"And this is your trunk?"

"I have told you it was."

"Bless my soul, I never knew the equal of this!" exclaimed Macdonald.
"But you can't expect us to accept such a statement without clear
proof."

"Yes, he must prove it!" Christopher Burley cried hoarsely. "His word is
not sufficient; I fear the captain trifles with us. I demand the
proofs--quick!"

"They are easily produced," said Captain Rudstone.

We watched him expectantly as he thrust a hand into an inner pocket of
his coat, I with a growing conviction that the right man was found,
while on Flora's face was an expression of aversion and mistrust. He
drew out a yellow slip of paper and gave it to the factor.

"I claim my property, sir," he said curtly.

"The receipt!" cried Macdonald, after a hasty glance. "'April the 19th,
1788; trunk No. 409'!"

"Is it correct?" exclaimed the law clerk.

"Yes, quite so. Mr. Burley. I know the signature."

"Perhaps you would like further satisfaction gentlemen," said the
captain; "though, indeed, I think the receipt is all that is called for.
But, with your permission, I will open my trunk."

"Do so, I beg of you," replied the law clerk. "Show me more proof--more
proof!"

"Mr. Burley, did you ever see Osmund Maiden?" asked the captain.

"Only a portrait of him, sir--painted before he left England."

"Then look sharply at me!"

The law clerk came forward a little, and stared for a moment into
Captain Rudstone's face.

"Good Heavens!" he cried. "I see it--I see it now! You are much changed,
but the features are the same. And you have Osmund Maiden's eyes!"

"Are you satisfied?" said the captain, with a short laugh. "But, wait; I
will open the trunk. Do you admit my right to it, Mr. Macdonald?"

"I do, sir. It is certainly your property."

Captain Rudstone took a small