"He stands before you," said Mr. Ashton, rising and grasping Mr.
Middleton's hand. "He is here to thank you for your kindness, and is both
able and willing to repay you for the care you took of him who was alone
and friendless in a distant land."
"Can it be," said Mr. Middleton, with much emotion, "that you really are
Henry Ashton? I should never have recognized you."
"I presume not," answered Ashton. "Twelve years have transformed the pale,
emaciated youth into the tall, full-grown man. But I should have known you
anywhere."
Here Raymond called out, "Why Ashton, have you been to the Indies? Why did
you never tell us?"
"Because," replied Ashton, "there was so much of homesickness and
suffering attending that voyage to India that I never like to speak of
it." Then turning to Mr. Middleton, he said, "I have met your brother
often, but never suspected him to be a relative of yours. Have you seen
him yet?"
"I have not," answered Mr. Middleton. "I intend visiting him tomorrow, and
shall be glad, to take as many of you with me as are willing to go. I wish
to be introduced to him as a Mr. Stafford from New Orleans."
After some further conversation it was arranged that Mr. Miller, Ashton,
Stanton, Raymond and Cameron should all accompany Mr. Middleton on his
projected visit to his brother. Soon after Mr. Ashton departed for his
boarding place, and the remainder of the company separated for the night.