"Oh, I forgot that," and Rod smiled. "I thought everybody knew that
Captain Josh lived at Hillcrest."

"Hillcrest, did you say?" the woman demanded, while a new interest
shone in her eyes.

"Yes. It's on the river, about twenty-five miles from here. You could
go up in the afternoon boat, and get there in plenty of time."

The woman sat up suddenly in her chair now, for an idea had stabbed her
mind with a startling intensity. Could it be possible, she asked
herself, that this is he? Those eyes recalled one whose memory was
very dear, and that erect poise of the head, crowned with such golden
curls, could belong to no one else. And he was from Hillcrest as well,
the very place.

"Tell me," she said in a low voice, controlling herself as much as
possible, "your name, my little man."

"Rod Royal," was the reply.

There was no doubt about it now, and involuntarily the woman reached
out her arms toward him. She drew them back, however, and placed her
hand to her forehead.

"Are you ill, Miss Royanna?" Mr. Markham enquired. "I am afraid that
these boys are tiring you. They must leave at once."

"Yes, I do feel tired, and wish to get back to the hotel."