uce your son to act
contrary to your wishes," answered Captain Askew.

"Very well, neighbour, I will trust to your word," said Mr Ludlow, in
his usual supercilious manner, which, to a man of a temper less mild
than the captain, would have been very galling. "I, of course, have
other designs for him than to lead the life of a sailor."

When Mr Ludlow and Stephen had taken their departure, he could not help
repeating to himself, "he may be alive on one of the many islands which
stud parts of the Pacific. The sailor's story may be true, or it may be
only dear Margery's fancy. It is but natural that she should indulge in
it; I would that I had health and strength, and the means to go out and
search for the dear boy--dear whether alive or dead."

That evening the captain spoke of their boy to his wife. He would not
venture to raise her hopes. He scarcely hinted at the possibility of
his having escaped from the wreck, and yet he spoke of such things
having happened to others. Margaret's reply was, "God's will be done.
He knows what is kept for us in all respects."

In the meantime, Stephen had told Margery that his father objected
decidedly to his becoming a sailor, that he might go and look for her
brother Jack; an announcement which the young lady received with much
dignity, and an expression of contempt on her pretty countenance which
it was not wont to wear.

"Of course, Mr Stephen Ludlow, you are right in doing what your father
wishes," she observed; "and now I think over the matter you are not at
all fitted to become a sailor. Sailors are true friends--generous,
brave, kind, and liberal; I was mistaken when I supposed that you were
likely to possess those qualities. Good-bye. I do not want to quarrel
with you, but now you know what I think."

Margery was not aware how severe her words might have sounded. Stephen
did not fully understand their meaning, but he felt very sheepish, and
had an idea that it would probably be some time before he again paid a
visit to Stormount Tower. Margery had, however, far from abandoned her
idea. She had for some time naturally thought that Charley Blount would
be the proper person to perform her behests, and she felt certain that
he would very gladly undertake the task she might assign him. She put
the matter before him, and to her great delight he at once undertook her
mission.

"I cannot say that your brother Jack is alive," he observed; "but this I
promise, that if