“But, Mabel, I thought that your country was different from other countries. I thought that here, all men were free and equal, that one man was as much respected as another, if he were honest and industrious. That is what my father used to tell me. He has many times told me that your country was the haven of refuge for the poor but honest men of all other lands. Is this not true?” “No, not in practice. It is the theory which we hold, but, alas! we do not put into practice. It is the man who has heaped up gold that is honored. Wealth, not worth, is the standard by which men are measured now-a-days.” As Mabel finished this remark the carriage stopped in front of a substantial looking dwelling. Mabel sprang lightly out crying, “Come, Ahleka, we are home.” The bell sounded merrily, as she gave it a quick ring. It was answered by her aunt, Mrs. Maynard, who, upon opening the door, regarded the pair standing in front of her with a look of bewilderment for a moment, then exclaimed, “Good heavens! Mabel, is it possible that you have come back? But what a fright you do look in those clothes. Where in the world did you get them? You look as if you had just come out of the ark. And what is this——” Before she could say another word, Mabel interrupted her with: “This is Ahleka, the king of the island of Kaahlanai Aunt Kate, it is due to the kindness of himself and his people that I am able once more to see you; for it is they who have cared for my every want since we were shipwrecked. But where is my father? Why don’t you tell him that I am at home?” As they had been talking, they had entered the parlor, and Mrs. Maynard had seated herself as if there was nothing further to do, than to hear all about Mabel’s adventures. “Poor girl,” exclaimed Mrs. Maynard, “how thoughtless I am. I forgot that of course you could not hear anything that had happened here at home, when all this time we have not known where to send any letters to you. Poor child, how lonesome you must have felt. How could you stand it?” “Oh aunt Kate, don’t talk of anything else, until you have told me of my father. How is he and where? Is he at home? I want to go to him this very minute.” As Mabel said this she started toward the door.