The surgeon was willing, and the lady led the way. But presently she turned back to beckon to Old Ben. "Go after Jack at once," she said. "Tell him it is important, but do not say anything more to anybody." Ben nodded, and without further delay strode off. "I have heard something of how the wreck struck here and how my poor wife was cast ashore with Jack in her arms," said the doctor, as he threw himself into an easy-chair. "I should be very much gratified to receive the particulars from your lips. Did my wife have anything to say?" "Nothing much, sir. She was delirious up to the moment of her death." "Poor, dear Julia!" murmured the surgeon, and bringing out his handkerchief, he wiped his eyes with much affectation. "Was her name Julia?" asked Mrs. Ruthven curiously. "Yes, madam." The doctor looked up suddenly. "What makes you ask?" "It ran in my mind that before your wife died she murmured something about her name being Laura." "Poor dear! she was truly out of her mind," replied the surgeon. "But it is not to be wondered at--considering what happened to me." And he proceeded to make use of his handkerchief again. Mrs. Ruthven sank into a chair and gave herself up to bitter reflection. What if this man should take Jack from her? The plantation would seem very lonely without him. Voices were now heard in the garden, and looking out of the window the lady of the house saw Jack approaching, accompanied by Marion and Old Ben. St. John had taken himself off, in order to get home and exchange his wet clothing for dry garments. "Oh, Jack! what does this mean?" cried Mrs. Ruthven when she saw that our hero was dripping wet. "He saved St. John's life, mamma," exclaimed Marion. "Saved St. John's life?" "Yes. St. John's boat struck on the rocks, and he went overboard. The current was strong, and he would have been swept away only Jack leaped overboard and went to his assistance." "You noble boy!" murmured Mrs. Ruthven, and as he came in, by way of one of the long veranda windows, she caught him by both hands. "Old Ben said you wished to see me," replied Jack, and then he caught sight of Dr. Mackey and his face fell. "The man I had the row with," he thought. "Jack, this is Dr. Mackey," said Mrs. Ruthven, in strained tones. "He--he came here to see you." She could get no further. "To see me? What for?" "My boy, I am pleased to meet you," said the doctor, rising and extending his hand. And he then added in a lower voice, "How like Walter! How very like Walter!" "I--I don't understand you," stammered Jack. "What do you want of me?" "My boy, you are thinking of that encounter we had on the bridge. Let us both forget it. I came here on a most important mission. Jack, I am your father!" "My father?" And our hero leaped back in astonishment. "Yes, my son, I am your father." Dr. Mackey caught our hero by the hand. "No doubt the news seems strange to you. Nevertheless, it is true."