Paul, never mind the boat; Thomas will take care of her. Get into
the chaise with me as quick as you can," said Captain Littleton.

"What is the matter, sir? What has happened?" demanded Paul, trembling
with the most painful solicitude.

"Get into the chaise first, and I will tell you as we return."

"Has anything happened to my mother, sir?" cried Paul, the tears rushing
to his eyes.

"Nothing has happened to your mother, Paul. She is quite well," answered
Captain Littleton, as he urged the horse to his utmost speed.

Paul was greatly relieved by this assurance, though it was still evident
from the manner of the gentleman, and the speed at which he drove the
horse, that some dreadful event had occurred. His conscience smote him
for his disobedience to his mother, and he was not in a fit moral
condition to meet the shock of adversity with courage and fortitude. He
would have given the world, in that anxious moment, to have undone the
work of the last three hours, and effaced their record from his
conscience.

"Tell me what has happened, if you please, sir," he continued. "Is any
of the folks dead? You say it is not my mother."

"Your mother is quite well, and none of your family are dead,
though----"

Captain Littleton paused, and looked at the boy's face, which was still
bathed in tears. He saw the misery that he was enduring, and he
hesitated to utter words which he knew must carry grief and woe to his
heart.

"You must be calm and firm, Paul," continued the kind gentleman. "It is
not so bad as you suppose, and we may hope for the best. Your father has
just met with a serious accident."

"Is he dead, sir?" gasped Paul. "You don't tell me the whole story,
sir."

"He is not dead, Paul; but he is very badly hurt."

"He is alive, then?"

"He is."

Paul closely scrutinized the expression of Captain Littleton, fearful
that he had not told him the whole truth.

"Are you sure he was not killed?" he asked, still unsatisfied.

"He was alive when I left him, but that was nearly an hour ago."

"I am thankful if he is alive. How did it happen, sir?"

"He fell from the bow of the ship upon which he was at work, and struck
a pile of timber. I am afraid he is very badly hurt. I happened to be
near the shipyard at the time, and assisted in carrying him home. He is
conscious, and asked for you. Your mother said you were out in the
boat."

Paul burst into tears again at these words, for he realized the nature
a