In amazement and indignation at this rude action, Roger now caught his arm, and in the Indian tongue, inquired hastily—­

‘Who are you? and what can cause this freedom?’

I am Henrich Maitland!’ exclaimed the stranger; ’and the Lord has brought me back to my home once more.’

Oh, the music—­the thrilling, startling music—­of those words to the ears and hearts of those who bad so long believed him dead!  The surprise and joy were too intense for Helen, and she sank fainting into the arms of her long-lost son:  while Rodolph grasped his hand, and exclaimed with deep emotion—­

’Now, God be praised! my brave, my blessed son!  Surely His mercies are infinite, and His ways past finding out!  Now I know why my heart yearned so strangely towards the Indian Chief who saved my life in the Fort of Mystic; and why his voice had such a thrilling and familiar tone, that spoke of home, and bygone years.  Look on me, my Henrich, and say, do you not recognise the English soldier whom your generous interference preserved from a dreadful death?’

The change in Rodolph’s dress, and his own overpowering emotions, had hitherto prevented Henrich from discovering that, in the noble-looking man whom he was proud to call his father, he also beheld that gallant British officer whose appearance had so powerfully attracted him in the conflict of Fort Mystic.  But when he looked into that fine countenance, he well remembered every feature; and he wondered why he, had not known him, even when they met so unexpectedly in the excitement of the battle.

That was a happy hour; and, in the joy of meeting so many that he loved, Henrich for awhile forgot that any one was missing.  But soon be looked around, as if seeking some familiar object, which did not meet his eye.  He feared to ask for Ludovico:  but his father saw the inquiring look, and guessed its import.

‘He is gone!’ he said, gently.  ’Your brother did not remain with us long after you had left us; and his young spirit is now where we believed that yours had long been dwelling in peace.  He would have rejoiced to see this day, dear Henrich; for he, as well as Edith, mourned your loss sincerely.  But he is happy now, and we will not regret him.  The Lord has restored to us one of our sons in a manner so strange, and under such extraordinary circumstances, that we can hardly realise the blessing.  Tell us, Henrich, how this has been brought about.’

The violent agitation occasioned by such a meeting had now somewhat subsided; and the wanderer could calmly relate the story of his adventures, while his mother and sister sat on each side of him, gazing fondly at his much-changed, but still familiar countenance; and the scarcely less interested Janet seated herself on the turf, with little Edith on her knees.  Rodolph and Roger Williams also reclined on the ground, and all were impatient for the narrative.

‘Our group is not complete,’ said Henrich.  ‘Come hither, Rodolph!’ And then, addressing his dog in the Indian language, he made him lie down at his feet.