If it did not quite upset them, it certainly did greatly agitate the stout, ruddy-cheeked Irishman, and his equally stout but pleasant-faced wife, whom Wolfe introduced as his father and mother, to meet the person who had saved their son’s life. The latter started when she saw Breeze, and after shaking hands with him, and thanking him profusely for all that he had done for her boy, she sat down and gazed at him keenly whenever he was not looking at her. Her husband, too, appeared to be greatly interested in the lad’s face, and although cordial and hospitable in the extreme, he seemed uneasy in his presence. When he learned that Breeze had come in on the _Saga_, he remarked to his wife that she was Lord Seabright’s yacht. “You know him?” asked Breeze, innocently. “To be sure I do,” answered the other. “I’ve known him since the day he was born. Sir Wolfe was his grandfather on his mother’s side, and it’s likely our boy has told you how intimately we were connected with Sir Wolfe’s family.” Breeze acknowledged that Wolfe had told him. About this time the “squire” disappeared for a few minutes, and when he returned he was followed by the maid bearing a tray, on which were a plate of biscuit and some bottles and glasses. Filling the glasses with wine from one of the bottles, the master of the house said, “I want to propose the health of the distinguished visitor from across the ocean, who honors our humble home with his presence to-night. I refer to Mr. Breeze McCloud.” As Wolfe instinctively stretched out his hand towards one of the glasses, Breeze said, in a low tone, “Point true, Wolfe.” Wolfe’s face flushed, as he quickly withdrew his hand, saying, “Thank you, Breeze. I own I had almost forgotten.” At the same time, both the squire and his wife set down their untasted glasses, and the latter, turning to Breeze, said, in a trembling voice, “May I ask you, sir, where you heard them words?” “I did not hear them,” answered Breeze, “but I saw them; and if you are at all interested I can show them to you; for, oh, Wolfe!” he added, turning to his dorymate, “I have learned the secret of the golden ball.” With this he unclasped the slender chain from about his neck, opened the locket, and handed it to Wolfe’s mother. She cast one glance at it, uttered an exclamation of joy, and very nearly fainted from the excess of her emotion. CHAPTER XXV. STARTLING DISCOVERIES. Breeze stared in amazement at Wolfe’s mother, and wondered what could possibly have affected her so greatly. Wolfe sprang to her side and helped her into a chair; while the squire, who had caught the golden ball as it was about to drop from his wife’s hand, now gazed at it as intently as though it were some charm that fascinated him. “What is it, mother?” inquired Wolfe, anxiously.