Owing to the large correspondence of Mr. Weldon in almost every quarter of the world, it was discovered that the whole of them had been sold in one lot, and that they were now in Madagascar. Without listening for a moment to d.i.c.k"s proposal to apply all his savings to effect their liberation, Mr. Weldon set his own agents to negotiate for their freedom, and on the 15th of November, 1877, Tom, Bat, Actaeon, and Austin awaited their welcome at the merchant"s door. It is needless to say how warm were the greetings they received.
Out of all the survivors of the "Pilgrim" that had been cast upon the fatal coast of Africa, old Nan alone was wanting to complete the number. Considering what they had all undergone, and the perils to which they had been exposed, it seemed little short of a miracle that she and poor Dingo should be the only victims.
High was the festivity that night in the house of the Californian merchant, and the toast, proposed at Mrs. Weldon"s request, that was received with the loudest acclamation was
"d.i.c.k SANDS, THE BOY CAPTAIN!"
THE END.