CHAPTER XXII.
THE WEAVER--FATE! Even in the midst of his happiness John Craig has not forgotten the one important fact that brought him to Algiers.
While he can devote himself to laying a plan for the accomplishment of a certain object, and with the assistance of Lady Ruth arrange to surprise Sir Lionel Blunt, he is at the same time anxiously awaiting news.
Will old Ben Taleb carry out his promise?
The heart of the young man beats high with hope.
Unconscious of a great surprise in store for him, John enters the hotel with Lady Ruth.
"A gentleman in the parlor to see you, sir." John's face flashes; the instantaneous thought flashes into his mind that a messenger has at length come from the Moorish doctor.
He enters.
His eyes are dazzled a little by the glare of the sun on white buildings, and the room is dim.

A man's figure advances toward him.
Surely that step is familiar.

Good heavens, what a shock comes upon him! "Father!" "John, my boy!" He has believed this father to be at the other side of the world.

He is surprised at the warmth of the greeting he receives.

Really, this is quite unlike the proud man John has known all his life, a man who seemed to ever surround himself with a wall of coldness.
A sudden shock runs through John's frame.