In the big hall a strange meeting was taking place. So many explanations had to be made; so many questions asked and answered; so many stops and pauses for Aunt Clarissa to overcome her tears and bursts of self-deprecation, that it was a long time before quiet and calm could be restored; but when this had happened, the impossible seemed to have been accomplished, for there sat the twins as they had years and years before, hand in hand, and grouped around them were Aunt Clarissa, Colonel Hewes, Grace, and Carter, for the young Captain had considerately been given charge of the remarkable prisoner, and many a long chat and silent hand-grasp had they indulged in between Morristown and Stanham. William's depression was rolling off him. Somehow it seemed very natural to be here with his own people again, so much happier than being with the roistering, swaggering officers that he had so long been thrown in with. At last good-nights were said, and Aunt Clarissa, with a final burst of weeping, had gone up stairs on the arm of her tall young niece. George and William stepped to the door as they watched Carter and his father mount their horses, for the latter was now living in a small house with the troops at the foundry. A figure was standing leaning against one of the pillars. It advanced as the twins came out upon the piazza. "How!" was the greeting in a deep chest tone. "How, Adam!" William responded, taking the old Indian's extended hand. Again the latter repeated this exclamation, and turning, shuffled off. In his belt shone a great horse-pistol. It had once belonged to Cloud, the Renegade. "Brother mine," said George, placing his arm across William's shoulder, "it has been the finger of the Lord." William rested his head on his arm. "But they say I am a traitor," he replied. [Illustration: "BROTHER MINE," SAID GEORGE.... "IT IS FOR KING OR COUNTRY."] George laughed. "You are a patriot, then," he said. "You could not help what grew up in your heart. It is for King or country." "For country, then," said William, firmly. "God prosper us," said George, "we will help deliver it together." [THE END.] RICK DALE. BY KIRK MUNROE. CHAPTER VII. CAPTAIN DUFF OF THE SLOOP "FANCY."