Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/48

Rh it was directly abreast of him, when a sudden suspicion flashed over him that one of the men was Haverland, although it was so long since he had seen him that it was impossible to satisfy himself upon that point without a closer view. However, they were white men, and he determined to risk the probabilities of their being friends. In a subdued voice, without coming into view himself, he called to them. He knew he was heard, for the man at the oars halted a second, and glanced furtively toward the shore; but at a slight sign from the other. he again bent to them, and they both continued, as though they suspected no danger.

"Hallo, my friends!" called he, in a louder tone, but still concealing himself. There was no notice, however, taken of him, save he fancied a quicker propulsion of the boat forward. He now stepped boldly forth and called,

"Do not be suspicious; I am a friend."

This brought them to a pause, while the one in the stern spoke.

"We are not satisfied of that; for what business have you here?"

"I might with equal justice put that question to you?"

"If you choose to give no answer, we can not wait to bandy words with you. Go ahead, Haverland."

"Hold! is that Alfred Haverland with you?"

"Suppose it is? What is that to you?"

"He is the man whom, above all others, I wish to see. I am Everard Graham; and perhaps he remembers the name."

The woodman now turned toward the shore with a stare of wonder. A minute sufficed.

"It's he, Ned, sure enough."

With these words he turned the canoe toward shore. A few strokes sent it up against the bank, and he sprang out and grasped the hand of his young friend.

"Why, Graham, what in the name of the seven wonders has brought you here? I forgot, you did promise me a visit somewhere about this time, but so many other things have transpired, as to make it slip my mind altogether. And I can assure you, I have had enough to break the heart of any ordinary mortal," he added, in a choking voice.

Explanations were then given; and the wonder, gratitude,