lk about him all the way home.

"I can't think where I've seen him before. His eyes looked as familiar
as possible."

Before they started for the school they had drawn down the curtains
and locked the door, Mrs. Carleton taking the key in her pocket. Now,
as they approached the house, they were surprised to see the curtains
up, and the shed door wide open.

Hatty darted forward to see who was within, and presently, with a
joyful scream, was held fast in the arms of the mysterious stranger.

"Husband!" murmured Mrs. Carleton, instantly recognizing him.

"Thank God," he said, "that I see you all once more!"

"When did you come? How changed you are! I was sure I had seen your
eye somewhere," exclaimed Hatty, full of joyful excitement.

"I was proud of you, my boy," said Captain Carleton, again embracing
him. "I was proud of you and proud of your mother, who has trained you
to such good manners. I pray God you may always honor her as you did
to-day."

Mrs. Carleton, having laid aside her bonnet and shawl, rose to make
preparations for supper.

"Now, ma, you sit right down," exclaimed Hatty, gently putting her
back into the chair. "I can do everything. You sit and talk with pa."

"You will find a lobster in the closet," said the captain. "We can
well afford to have a little feast, for the Adolphus, my new vessel,
is completed, and will be ready for sea before I am, I fear."

"Good news! good news! Pa is captain again."

"Yes," added the gentleman; "the owners have been very generous. They
have allowed me a sum in advance, which, with what I have made in the
last voyage, will buy a share in her. I hope for a prosperous trip."

"You have returned safely; and I could be satisfied with that,"
faltered Mrs. Carleton, her eyes full of tears, though hope prevailed
in her heart.

CHAPTER VII.

FINDING A PLACE.

We must now pass over several years, during which Captain Carleton was
very much prospered. He had become rich, and loved to share his wealth
with others.

Hatty was married to a merchant from the neighboring city; and she,
who had been so dutiful a daughter and so loving a sister, bid fair
to be an affectionate wife.

Frederick at sixteen graduated from the High School with the first
honors. For a time he had been anxious to go to sea with his father;
but, as his mother was unwilling, he concluded to be a merchant.

As Mrs. Carleton still remained in her old home, she wished her son to
obtain