"Thank you," he said, "with all my heart, for proving my innocence; but thank you, even more a great deal, for first believing it." Upton was the first to join them, and since he had but wavered for a moment, he was soon warmly reconciled with Eric.

They had hardly shaken hands when the rest came flocking in.

"We have all been unjust," said Avonley; "let's make up for it as well as we can.

Three cheers for Eric Williams!" They gave, not three, but a dozen, till they were tired; and meanwhile, every one was pressing round him, telling him how sorry they were for the false suspicion, and doing all they could to show their regret for his recent troubles.

His genial, boyish heart readily forgave them, and his eyes were long wet with tears of joy.