"All night, till dawn, he managed to keep on the surface, swimming and floating. And at daylight a sailing-vessel picked him up, numb and weary, and ready to go to the bottom at the next stroke. The ship on which he found himself was bound for China, and of course he had to 'tag along,' working his passage as a common sailor in return for his keep. It was then, I suspect, that he made up his mind to change his name. I think, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Archibald Ferris and Sydney Benedict are one and the same person!" At this Aunt Minerva, who hadn't spoken a word since her speech of introduction, put on her glasses and swept the assembly with a triumphant gaze. The girls and Captain Brett were so absorbed that they could not utter a syllable, and Miss Benedict sat back in her chair in a stunned silence. Only Cecily seemed unconscious enough of the strain to do the natural thing. She rose from her chair and went over to Miss Benedict, dropping down on her knees beside her, and snuggling her head on the older woman's shoulder with a confiding movement. "I'm Cecily _Benedict_ now," she said simply, "and I--I love you--Aunt Alixe! I'm glad there _was_ a good reason why I was sent over here to you!" Miss Benedict looked down at the golden head, and the terrible tension in her face relaxed. "Sydney's child!--my little Cecily!" they heard her murmur. But they heard no more, for at this point, Aunt Minerva arose and majestically motioned the entire company out of the room! CHAPTER XXI SIX MONTHS LATER JANET DEAR: I know you think I'm a wretch not to have written in so long! but honestly, things have been happening so fast that I don't have time to sit down and write you about one event before a brand-new one has taken place. I've missed you horribly ever since you went back to Northam. It was a shame that you had to leave just after the grand clear-up of our mystery, for you've been missing some of the most wonderful parts--all the lovely things that have happened since. I think I've already written you about some of the changes that have taken place in "Benedict's Folly." It's the most remarkable thing--the way Aunt Minerva has taken that place--Miss Benedict and all--completely under her wing! Miss Benedict (who, by the way, wants us both to call her Miss Alixe) seemed completely helpless for a while after the "great day," and turned to Aunt Minerva for pretty nearly everything,--principally advice! You can imagine how Aunt Minerva is enjoying herself! She just loves nothing better than managing people's affairs for them--if they want her to!