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102 "And just when I was on the verge of finding him," added Joe.

"His daughter, too," continued the agent. "He said he felt sure he'd never locate her, though he'd spent lots of money in hunting. And he felt pretty bad, too, over the thought that he might never see his children again."

"And have I really a sister?" asked Joe, eagerly.

"I can't rightly say," spoke the shipping master. "You had one, but whether she's alive now or not no one seems to know. There's one satisfaction, though, you can find your father in time, and as soon as he hears from you, when his ship reaches Hong Kong, he won't lose any time taking the fastest steamer back. I know Nate Duncan well enough for that."

"Will he, though?" thought Blake. "Will he come back when he knows of the wrecking charge that may be made against him? Even the prospect of seeing Joe may not overbalance that. Yet, I suppose he could send for Joe. They couldn't make any charge against him over in China. But it's a bad business."

Joe talked a little longer with the agent, who gave him the name of the ship on which Mr. Duncan had sailed, and also directions how to address the letter.

"Well, there's no use staying in 'Frisco much