ons which I had to answer.

On hearing that Judge Shurtleff and his wife and little boy had
returned, they both declared that they must, as soon as possible, go and
pay a visit to the lady, who was a great friend of theirs, though
Juanita said that she could not admire her taste in marrying the old
judge.

"But then she has such a charming little boy; he is a great pet of
ours," exclaimed Rita.

When I told her how nearly he had been lost, and how Rochford had leaped
overboard to save him, she exclaimed--

"Oh, I should so like to see your friend! He must be a fine fellow."

"What if he were a little hump-backed man, with one eye?" I observed,
laughing. "Still the gallantry he displayed would be the same, and
probably he would have run still greater risk of being drowned.
However, as he is staying with the judge, you will be able to form an
opinion about him if you go over to see your friends."

The conversation was here interrupted by the entrance of Carlos to
summon us to his father's room. My uncle, who had risen from a network
hammock in which he had been reclining, stretched out both his hands,
and grasping those of my father, exclaimed as he looked him in the
face--

"I knew, Michael, that we loved each other as boys, and that age would
not diminish your affection more than it has mine. Your coming proves
that I was right; and I thank you, I thank you." As he spoke, he threw
his arms round his brother's neck and burst into tears.

My father then introduced me to my uncle, who gave me an affectionate
reception. In a short time Carlos returned, and invited me to come with
him, which I gladly did, that I might leave the two brothers to
themselves.

"Would you like to inspect our castle, and see my guns, and dogs, and
fishing-tackle? Or do you wish to go back to the girls, to whom you
appear to have had plenty to say just now when I interrupted you?"

He spoke in a somewhat sarcastic tone, which I did not altogether like.

"I shall be happy to return to the young ladies if you think they wish
it," I answered.

"Oh, of course; they cannot fail to be delighted with a young gentleman
who can give them all the news of the old country," he answered, leading
the way back to the drawing-room.

"Here, girls, Cousin Maurice puts himself at your disposal; talk away as
long as you like, and when you have done with him send for me. I in the
meantime have matters of importance to attend to." Having made t