“I have known Roland from boyhood; I have watched over him as over a dear son; and I have never seen a low, base, or false trait in his character. His words, his deeds, and his thoughts—so far as I could read them—have always been pure, and true, and high. I cannot think of him in any other light than that of my long knowledge of him—I said from his boyhood. I meant from his babyhood.” “I hope the young fellow’s character may be vindicated. But his case looks very bad just at present.” “I hope much from his old captain’s interview with him. Roland may be able to explain his position to our satisfaction. I shall wait anxiously for news from the captain. Or Le may be able to throw some light upon this subject. He may be able to tell us why Roland was brought home as a prisoner, instead of as a rescued man. We must wait for more light, Enderby.” “Yes. In the meantime, shall you tell the poor little girl the truth of Bayard’s position? Is it necessary that she should be told, just at this point, when we know so little, and that little is so—perhaps—needlessly alarming?” “No. I think not. I will not tell Rosemary that he is a prisoner. I must tell her only that he is alive and well, and that he will come to see us as soon as he can. Here we are at the hotel. And, thank Heaven! we have good news for Odalite! Our darling is free—absolutely free—and may marry her faithful betrothed to-morrow, if she pleases!” said Abel Force, as he alighted from the carriage, followed by the earl. They went upstairs together, and entered the parlor, where they found Mrs. Force and the four young girls anxiously awaiting them. “Did you find Le?” eagerly inquired Mrs. Force. “Oh! did you find Roland?” breathed Rosemary, clasping her hands. Odalite, Wynnette and Elva looked all the interest they did not put into words. “No, my dears, we did not find Le, but we heard of him. He and Roland are both in the city, and both alive and well; and both will come to see us as soon after they shall have found out that we are in Washington as they possibly can,” said Mr. Force, throwing himself into a chair. “Where are they now, papa, besides being in the city, which is a place of ‘magnificent distances,’ you know?” inquired Wynnette. “My dear, Le is—everywhere—except here! Le is—ubiquitous! He is a will-o’-the-wisp! We have spent the day in following him about. He was on his ship—but when we got there he was gone to the navy department, and when we reached there he was off to the office of the commissioner of prisoners. When we arrived at the last-mentioned place he was gone back to the navy department. So we came here to report and get a little rest and refreshments, and then we are going down to the navy yard to board the _Argente_ and wait there until we see him. He is sure to turn up on the _Argente_—well—sooner or later, as he is in command.” “And—Roland?” softly murmured Rosemary.