“I have a right.”

“State the facts, sir.”

“First tell me your own interest in the girl.”

Vance told the real facts of his meeting with Renie, and when he had concluded, Mr. Selton said: 

“So you are Vance the great Government detective!”

“I am.”

“I can confide in you; had you told me who you were, I Should have been pleased to have told my story, sooner.”

“Better late than never.”

“My tale is briefly told.  Renie is my daughter.”

“Your daughter?”

“Yes.”

“How came you to place her in the hands of old Tom Pearce?”

“I never did.  I supposed the child dead all these years; listen:  Renie’s mother died when the child was a week old, and a year later I married again; business called me to California, and while I was away I received a letter from my wife announcing the death of my infant child.  I remained away one year, and upon my return accepted as true all the circumstances as related to me concerning the death of my child.

“The years sped on, and another child, a son, was born to me; the latter lived to be fifteen a year ago.  He died, and then my wife was taken sick, and on her death-bed she made to me a terrible confession.  She told me bow she had employed a man to carry my child away, and lose it so that the infant’s identity could never be discovered.  She told me that her motive was to secure my whole fortune for her unborn child.  Before she died she told me the name of the man to whom she had committed the business.  I spent a year searching for the man; I found him a few weeks ago, a convict for life.  He told me how he had disposed of the child, and I came here to search for her, and you know all the rest.”

When Mr. Selton had concluded, Vance said: 

“I am satisfied, sir, that you have told me a true tale.”

“Yes, sir, my tale is true, and now, please tell me of my Child.”

“Your child is safe.”

“You have found her?”

“I have.”

“Where is she? lead me to my child at once.”

“No sir, that will not do, I must prepare her for the meeting; but first let me tell you of her.”

Vance proceeded and related all the facts concerning Renie, and when the father learned that his child was educated to her rightful position in life he was rejoiced.

“Yes,” said Vance, “your child is fitted to adorn any station in life; but you must see her and judge for yourself.  I will go and tell her the strange revelations that have come from your lips.”

Vance proceeded to the place where he had left the girl, and by degrees prepared her for the wonderful announcement.  The girl listened to the story calmly, and when the detective had finished his tale, she said: 

“I am not surprised; I had hoped some day to know both father and mother, but I am happy in having found a father.”