nothing awaited them and that
only death would unite them with those dearest beings who were
everything for them in the world.

In the meantime unexpected joy, almost beyond their strength, fell upon
them. But it was linked with uncertainty and amazement. Neither could
by any means comprehend in what manner news of the children came from
that part of Africa, that is, Mombasa. Pan Tarkowski supposed that they
might have been ransomed or stolen by some Arabian caravan which from
the eastern coast ventured into the interior for ivory and penetrated
as far as the Nile. The words of the despatch, "Thanks to boy," he
explained in this manner: that Stas had notified the captain and the
doctor by letter where he with Nell could be found. Nevertheless, many
things it was impossible to unravel. On the other hand, Pan Tarkowski
understood quite clearly that the information not only was favorable,
but very favorable, as otherwise the captain and the doctor would not
have dared to awaken hopes in them, and above all would not have
summoned them to Mombasa.

The preparations for the journey were brief, and the second day after
the receipt of the despatches both engineers, with Nell's teacher, were
on the deck of a great steamer of the "Peninsular and Oriental
Company," which was en route for India and on the way stopped at Aden,
Mombasa, and Zanzibar. At Aden awaited them the second despatch:
"Children are with us. Well. Boy a hero." After reading it Mr.
Rawlinson walked about almost out of his senses from joy, and,
squeezing Pan Tarkowski's palm, he repeated: "You see, it was he who
saved her. To him I owe her life." Pan Tarkowski, not desiring to
display too much weakness, answered only, setting his teeth, "Yes! The
boy acquitted himself bravely," but when he retired to the privacy of
his cabin he wept from happiness. At last the hour arrived when the
children fell into the embraces of their fathers. Mr. Rawlinson seized
his recovered little treasure in his arms and Pan Tarkowski long
clasped his heroic boy to his bosom. Their misfortune disappeared as
pass away whirlwinds and storms of the desert. Their lives were filled
anew with serenity and happiness; longing and separation had augmented
their joy. But the children were surprised that the hair of their
"papas" had whitened completely during the separation.

They returned to Suez on a splendid French steamer belonging to the
"Messageries Maritimes Company," which was full o