cleared from Boston for southern ports with a cargo of general
merchandise."

"And she has not been reported since?"

"No."

"There can be little hope then?"

"We must not despair yet."

"There could have been no mistake in the name of the steamer that picked
them up?"

"I hardly think so. I saw the captain of the steamer that reported them
and he is positive that he could have made no mistake in reading the
signal."

"Then she should have arrived at some port long ago."

"Yes; but these tramp steamers are sometimes very slow and it is not
unusual for them to be many days overdue and turn up all right. I think,
Mary, it is best that you should go home. This anxiety is killing you
and the surroundings here keep you constantly overwrought. I have every
point covered from which a report of the steamer might be received, and
then, who knows, if Harry should land in the South, he might go West at
once."

Mrs. Hamilton shook her head and pointed out over the sea.

"No, Edward, that is the way he went and I shall wait for him here."

A boy on a bicycle rode up to the house.

"Telegram for Mr. Hamilton," he called, as he jumped from his wheel.

"Quick, Edward, it may be news from Harry," said Mrs. Hamilton, rising
eagerly as her husband took the yellow envelope from the boy and broke
the seal hastily.

"The _Mariella_ is bound in," he almost shouted, as he passed the paper
to his wife. She took it in her trembling hands and read:

EDWARD HAMILTON,
Cliff Cottage,
Cottage City, Mass.

Tramp steamer _Mariella_ just reported passing in. Bound for Boston.

WILLIAM COFFIN, Nantucket.

Mrs. Hamilton sank back into her chair, an expression of eager hope
lighting up her wan face.

"Do you suppose that Harry is on board, Edward? Can it be that he is
coming home at last?"

"I hope so, Mary, but I cannot understand it. Where has the steamer been
and why has she not been reported out?"

"Can this be a mistake?" asked the woman plaintively, holding out the
telegram.

"No, I think not."

"Then let us go to Boston at once and meet him."

"That would be unwise. By the time we could reach there, Harry--if he is
aboard--might be on his way here. It is best to wait, Mary, and hope for
the best. In the meantime, I will wire to my agent in Boston to meet the
steamer."

With a sigh of resignation, Mrs. Hamilton resumed her weary vigil.
Suddenly she started up with a new idea.

"Edward," she said, "if she