Then I remembered the woman. It was Martha, to whom Emily had given the money that night in the kitchen. Martha Endell⁠—side by side with whom, he would not have seen his dear niece, Ham had told me, for all the treasures wrecked in the sea.

We shook hands heartily. At first, neither of us could speak a word.

“Mas’r Davy!” he said, gripping me tight, “it do my ’art good to see you, sir. Well met, well met!”

“Well met, my dear old friend!” said I.

“I had my thowts o’ coming to make inquiration for you, sir, tonight,” he said, “but knowing as your aunt was living along wi’ you⁠—fur I’ve been down yonder⁠—Yarmouth way⁠—I was afeerd it was too late. I should have come early in the morning, sir, afore going away.”

“Again?” said I.

“Yes, sir,” he replied, patiently shaking his head, “I’m away tomorrow.”