I said any thing about his
boy," added the major in a low tone.

Of course the steward would not say any thing on such a delicate
subject. After dinner Dory Dornwood was called up and discharged. He
tried to explain that he had done his best, and had not spoken an
impudent word. The steward had been satisfied with him, but it was
impossible to resist the influence of such a man as Major Billcord.

Perry Dornwood was the second pilot of one of the night boats for this
week; and Dory could not run to his father with his grievance, for he
felt that he had a grievance. Possibly it would have done no good if he
had. His father had had some trouble with him, and he was more inclined
to believe the worst that could be said of his son than the best.

Perry Dornwood the pilot had rather forced himself into the position he
occupied. He was a good enough pilot; but he drank too much whiskey to
be fully reliable. He was never drunk, at least not when on duty; but he
was generally pretty well soaked in liquor. The captain of his steamer
did not believe in him, and Perry's position had been nearly lost
several times; but some kind of an influence still kept him in his
place.

The pilot lived in Burlington. He had a wife and two children, a son and
a daughter. Mrs. Dornwood was a most excellent woman, but she was almost
discouraged under the trials and difficulties which beset her path in
life. Her husband did not half provide for his little family; and it was
all the poor mother could do to scrub along, feeding and clothing the
boy and girl.

The pilot had work only a portion of the year on the lake, and he was
not disposed to find other employment when not so engaged. Even the
money he did earn did not all find its way into the expenditures for
taking care of the family. It was feared by the good woman that her
husband gambled.

Dory--his name was Theodore--was now fourteen years old. His mother had
explained to him the condition of the family finances. They had nothing,
and Perry Dornwood owed many debts. The boy had been wild, but those
who knew him best said there was nothing bad about him. He had looked
for work, and his father had found it for him. Now he had lost his
place; and his discharge was a very heavy blow to him, though he was
wild.

CHAPTER II.

A SHORT AND DECISIVE CONFLICT.

Dory Dornwood appeared to be in no hurry to get home after his
discharge. The steamer stopped at Burlington after his fate