and were
discussing the mishap.

"It was not his fault. The wheel broke down," replied the colonel.

"I didn't know the wheel broke."

"Yes; that was the trouble; but if it had been the sailing-master's
fault, I wouldn't have said a word, after he saved my father. He's a
brave fellow; he is like you, my son. If you had been less brave,
Robert, Grace would certainly have been drowned, or killed on the
rocks."

Colonel Montague shuddered as he thought of such a calamity, and then
gazed with admiration upon his son.

"I would have done that any time for the fun of it," laughed Robert.

"It was hard for me, when we met on the deck of the Penobscot, to keep
from telling you the truth--that you were my son."

"It's all right now."

The conversation turned to Mrs. Taylor. Colonel Montague wanted to take
her into his family, but her drunken husband was in the way of such a
step. On one of her trips down the bay the Skylark put into Camden, and
Robert and his father called upon her.

"I'm all alone now," said Mrs. Taylor, after she had exchanged greetings
with her visitors.

"Why, where is Ezekiel?" asked Robert.

"He went off a-fishing yesterday in Prince's boat, and caught a great
fare of mackerel. He sold them for nine dollars, and of course he has
been intoxicated ever since. This afternoon he got into a quarrel with
Moses Pitkins, and struck him with a club. Both of them were drunk, and
they say Moses is so badly hurt that he may die. Ezekiel was taken up,
and sent over to Rockland."

"Then you had better go with us to Belfast, Mrs. Taylor," added Colonel
Montague.

Robert begged her to do so, and she consented. Squire Simonton was
engaged to defend Ezekiel when his trial came off. Mrs. Taylor went to
Belfast in the Skylark, and was kindly welcomed at the elegant mansion.

Moses Pitkins did not die, but Ezekiel was sentenced to two months'
imprisonment. Squire Simonton labored diligently with him to abandon his
cups; but the two months' abstinence did him more good than the
arguments, able and kind as they were. When he was discharged he
returned to Camden to find his home deserted. Squire Simonton renewed
his efforts to secure the reform of the toper. He assured Ezekiel that
his wife would not live with him if he continued to be intemperate. He
promised faithfully never to drink a drop, and the squire kept an eye on
him. He let the house to Prince, and boarded with him. He went to work
at his trade, and