“Well, I don’t know, sir,” replied she, fully expecting to hear a proposition for John to go into the navy that very night. “Captain Barney sent me after your son,” he continued. “That was not very kind of Captain Barney,” thought the poor mother, now fully convinced that John was doomed to the navy; but she did not say anything. “I reside in the next town to this, and am at home for a short time on a furlough. My father was suddenly taken very ill this forenoon; and about an hour ago, the doctor declared he could not live till to-morrow morning.” “I am very sorry,” said Mrs. Somers, beginning to be deeply interested in the sad story of the stranger; “and, if I can do anything to help you, I’ll go right over.” “Thank you: we do not need any assistance at home. My brother is a captain in the garrison down at Fort Warren, and my father has expressed a very strong desire to see him. I hastened over to Pinchbrook to take the cars for Boston; but I was too late. All I could do then was to take a boat, and go down to the fort. Captain Barney, who is a friend of mine, offered to let me have his boat; but I don’t know anything about Pinchbrook Harbor, and must have a skipper. I am informed that your son is one of the best boatmen in the place, and knows every rock and shoal in the bay.” “I think I do, sir,” replied John quietly. “But it is an awful night to go upon the water,” added Mrs. Somers, as she glanced at the windows, the loose sashes of which were beating a tattoo against the frame. “I know it is a bad night, Mrs. Somers; but I have been afloat in many a worse one. It is not a pleasure excursion; and I would not ask such a favor with a less reasonable excuse than that which I have offered.” “John knows best about such things; and, if he is willing to go, I shall not object,” added Mrs. Somers. “Of course I am willing to go, mother. But you are not going yourself, are you, sir?” “I feel that I must.” “I thought you would want to go back to your father.” “I do; but I am afraid you would not be able to gain admission to the fort without me.” “I guess they would let me in.” “I am afraid not; and if my brother should fail to reach home in time to see my father, through any neglect of mine, I should never cease to reproach myself. I will go with you.” “Dress yourself warm, John, before you go: it is an awful night on the sea,” added his mother. Leaving Mrs. Somers with the stranger, John hastened to put on his “sea-rig,” and in a few moments returned to the parlor, with an oil-cloth coat on his arm, and a fisherman’s hat in his hand. “All ready, sir,” said he. “Ay, ay, my lad,” replied Lieutenant Bankhead, as he rose, and bade adieu to Mrs. Somers. “Now be careful, John,” added Mrs. Somers, as she followed them to the door. “I’m always careful, mother. Don’t be a bit scared about me,” replied the young salt confidently.