for some time, but the family lingered at
the table, and for once the dishes remained unwashed. Eben was at last
a hero in his own home, and his eyes sparkled as he noted how proud the
members of his family were of his achievements. This was an unusual
experience for him, and his heart glowed with pride. He did not mind
telling them what he had done, and how the two men had helped him to
hoist the sail.

"Who were they?" his mother asked.

"Oh, just two chaps who happened along in a motor-boat. Guess they
were mighty glad to find shelter from the storm."

Eben glanced at his father as he spoke, wondering if he suspected
anything. But the captain gave no sign, so the boy was quite relieved.

"And did the people on the wharf cheer when the tug brought you back
from the falls?" Flo eagerly asked.

"I guess so, though I can't remember much about it now. It all seems
like a dream."

At that instant a loud rap sounded outside. Flo sprang at once to her
feet, and when she had opened the door, a man stepped across the
threshold.

"Does Captain Tobin live here?" he asked.

"Yes, and he's right in there," Flo replied, motioning to the
dining-room which opened off the little hall.

The captain turned to view the visitor, and then attempted to rise. He
sank back, however, with a groan, for he had given his foot a slight
twist.

"So you are Captain Tobin, eh?" the stranger accosted.

"Yes, all that's left of him," was the reply.

"And you are the owner of the woodboat, the 'Eb and Flo'?"

The visitor's abrupt manner irritated the captain. He knew the man to
be Henry Randall, for he had seen him on several occasions. He never
liked the man from what he had heard of him, and his repugnance was now
steadily increasing.

"You ask me if I own the 'Eb an' Flo,' eh?"

"That's what I said."

"Well, first of all, Mister, I want to know what bizness is it of yours
if I do? D'ye want to buy her?"

"I should say not," was the impatient retort. "My name is Henry
Randall, and I want to know if my daughter was on board your boat the
night she was supposed to have drowned herself off Benton's wharf?"

"No, I didn't see yer daughter," the captain replied. "I never sot
eyes on her."

Randall's eyes opened wide in amazement at this unexpected answer. The
word "liar" was on his lips, but with an effort he checked himself.

"I am surprised to hear you say that you never saw my daughter," and he
looked sternly at