The captain felt that Margaret's eyes
were upon him, and thought it discreetest to keep his own eyes on the
fire.
"Yes; I make 'em up," said the captain. "I make up stories of brothers
brought together by the good providence of GOD,--of sons brought back to
mothers, husbands brought back to wives, fathers raised from the deep,
for little children like herself."
Margaret's touch was on his arm, and he could not choose but look round
now. Next moment her hand moved imploringly to his breast, and she was
on her knees before him,--supporting the mother, who was also kneeling.
"What's the matter?" said the captain. "What's the matter?
Silas Jorgan
Played the--
Their looks and tears were too much for him, and he could not finish the
song, short as it was.
"Mistress Margaret, you have borne ill fortune well. Could you bear good
fortune equally well, if it was to come?"
"I hope so. I thankfully and humbly and earnestly hope so!"
"Wa'al, my dear," said the captain, "p'rhaps it has come. He's--don't be
frightened--shall I say the word--"
"Alive?"
"Yes!"
The thanks they fervently addressed to Heaven were again too much for the
captain, who openly took out his handkerchief and dried his eyes.
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