he point of leaving the island forever, and must see his son before
going. If the son would not go to the father, then the father must
come to the son. The meeting place proposed was a schooner lying
outside the Calf Sound, and the hour midnight of the day following.

It was as base a plot as the heart of an enemy ever concocted, for
the schooner was a smuggler, and the men of the revenue cutter were
in hiding under the Black Head to watch her movements. The lad, in
fear of his father, fell into the trap, and was taken prisoner on
suspicion in a gig making for the ship. He confessed all to the
Governor, and Nary Crowe was arrested. To save his own carcase Nary
gave up his employers. They were Ross and Stean Fairbrother, and Ross
and Stean being questioned pointed to their brothers Jacob and
Gentleman Johnny as the instigators of the scheme.

When the revelation was complete, and the Governor saw that all but
his whole family was implicated, and that the stain on his house was
so black that the island would ever remember it against him, his
placid spirit forsook him and his wrath knew no bounds. But the evil
was not ended there, for Mrs. Fairbrother took sides with her sons,
and straightway vowed to live no longer under the same roof with an
unnatural father, who found water thicker than blood.

At that Adam was shaken to his depths. The taunt passed him by, but
the threat touched him sorely.

"It would be but a poor business," he said, "to part now after so
many years of life together, with seven children that should be as
bonds between us, in our age and looking to a longer parting."

But Mrs. Fairbrother was resolved to go with her sons, and never
again to darken her husband's doors.

"You have been a true wife to me and led a good life," said Adam,
"and have holpen me through many troubles, and we have had cheerful
hours together despite some crosses."

But Mrs. Fairbrother was not to be pacified.

"Then let us not part in anger," said Adam, "and though I will not do
your bidding, and send away the lad--no, nor let him go of himself,
now that for sake of peace he asks it--yet to show you that I mean no
wrong by my own flesh and blood, this is what I will do: I have my
few hundreds for my office, but all I hold that I can call my own is
Lague. Take it--it shall be yours for your lifetime, and our sons'
and their sister's after you."

At these terms the bad bargain was concluded, and Mrs. Fairbrother
went aw