CHAPTER XVI

IN ENGLAND AGAIN

GEasue was received with delight by his father, whom
he had not seen since the spring of the previous year.
“Then you got my letter, Charlie?” Sir Marmaduke
asked when the first greetings were over; “and yet I do
not see how you could have done so. It is little over a
fortnight since I wrote, and I had not looked for you for
another month yet.”

“T have certainly received no letter, father. A fortnight
ago I was in a Russian prison, and my arrival here in so
short a time seems to me almost miraculous;” and he then
briefly related his singular experiences.

“Now about the letter, father,” he said as he concluded.
“T suppose you must have written to ask me to get leave
for a time, as it seems that you were expecting me shortly.
I suppose you felt that you would like me with you fora
time.”

So I should, lad, of that you may be sure, but I should
not have called you away for that. No, I had this letter
the other day from old Banks. You know he writes to me
once a year. His letters have been only gossip so far, for
you know my precious cousin kicked him out of the house
as soon as he took possession; but this is a different

matter. Read it for yourself.”
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