from
sea he sought me out and made a little present to me or Cap.

"Cap, marster, was Capitola, the child. The reason I gave her that name
was because on that ring I had drawn from the masked mother's hand were
the two names--Eugene--Capitola.

"Well, marster, the last time Herbert Greyson came home he gave me five
dollars, and that, with what I had saved, was enough to pay my passage
to Norfolk.

"I left my little Cap in the care of the people of the house--she was
big enough to pay for her keep in work--and I took passage for Norfolk.
When I got there I fell ill, spent all my money, and was at last taken
to the poor-house. Six months passed away before I was discharged, and
then six months more before I had earned and saved money enough to pay
my way on here.

"I reached here three days ago and found a wheat field growing where my
cottage fire used to burn, and all my old cronies dead, all except Old
Hat, who has received and given me shelter. Sir, my story is done--make
what you can of it," said the invalid, sinking down in her bed as if
utterly exhausted.

Old Hurricane, whose countenance had expressed emotions as powerful as
they were various while listening to this tale, now arose, stepped
cautiously to the door, drew the bolt, and, coming back, bent his head
and asked:

"What more of the child?"

"Cap, sir? I have not heard a word of Cap since I left her to try to
find out her friends. But any one interested in her might inquire for
her at Mrs. Simmons', laundress, No. 8 Rag Alley."

"You say the names upon that ring were Eugene--Capitola?"

"Yes, sir, they were."

"Have you that ring about you?"

"No, marster. I thought it was best in case of accidents to leave it
with the child."

"Have you told her any part of this strange history?"

"No, marster, nor hinted at it; she was too young for such a
confidence."

"You were right. Had she any mark about her person by which she could be
identified?"

"Yes, marster, a very strange one. In the middle of her left palm was
the perfect image of a crimson hand, about half an inch in length. There
was also another. Henry Greyson, to please me, marked upon her forearm,
in India ink, her name and birthday--'Capitola, Oct. 31st, 1832.'"

"Right! Now tell me, my good soul, do you know, from what you were able
to observe, what house that was where Capitola was born?"

"I am on my oath! No, sir; I do not know, but----"

"You suspect?"

The woman nodded.