"It's them, sure enough. I can swear to Nelly's voice."

William Welch uncovered his head and, putting his hand before his
face, returned fervent thanks to God for the recovery of his child.
Then he dashed off at full speed toward the house. Before he reached
it however, he met his wife running down to meet him, the shouts
having informed her that something was seen. Hand in hand they ran
down to the water's edge. The canoe was now swiftly approaching. The
mother screamed:

"Nelly! is that you?"

"Mamma! mamma!" came back in the girl's clear tones.

With a low cry of gladness Mrs. Welch fell senseless to the ground.
The strain which she had for four days endured had been terrible, and
even the assurances of Pearson had failed to awaken any strong
feeling of hope in her heart. She had kept up bravely and had gone
about her work in the house with a pale, set face, but the unexpected
relief was too much for her. Two minutes later the bow of the canoe
grated on the shore, and Nelly leaped into her father's arms.

"Where is mamma?" she exclaimed. "She is here, my dear, but she has
fainted. The joy of your return has been too much for her."

Nelly knelt beside her mother and raised her head, and the farmer
grasped Harold's hand.

"My brave boy," he said, "I have to thank you for saving my child's
life. God bless you!"