rmly, yet not without anger, as
he scrutinized the man before him, and pictured what Willy's life would
be on board the "St. George."

Captain Brown gave the priest a wicked look and said sarcastically:
"Indeed, my ward is to be neither a sea-faring man nor a business
man--but a priest, I suppose, in which case you would inherit the not
unimportant property which has been left him by his father?--Oh, do not
look so angry--holy intentions of such a sort as that are not unheard
of. That is another reason for my taking the boy away from your
influence. Here is the official proof that I am his guardian, and I
wish him given over to me at once."

Father Somazzo examined the paper. It was legal, therefore he could
not refuse the request, but he asked permission to keep the child until
the following day to comfort him as much as he could over the death of
his father. The Captain objected and Willy was sent for. Frightened
and with tears streaming from his eyes he was led into the
reception-room by Brother Onufrio. At sight of his uncle he screamed,
"I won't go, I won't go with him," and buried his face in Father
Somazzo's skirts. "Father, send the bad man away that says he is my
uncle, and that my father is dead. He doesn't tell the truth. I have
no uncle. My father never told me anything at all about having an
uncle. And see what wicked eyes he has. I don't want to, and I won't
go with him."

With difficulty Father Somazzo quieted the child, saying:

"God knows that I am willing to keep you here, Willy, but your
uncle--the Captain is your uncle, even though you never have seen or
heard of him--has control over you, and you owe obedience to him in all
things which are not sinful. Go with him, and may God and his guardian
angels watch over you. We will pray to the Blessed Virgin for you, and
I hope she will safely bring you back to us. Perhaps you will come
sooner than you think for."

Blessing the boy the priest sprinkled him with holy water and then gave
him over to the Captain, saying:

"Only because I am compelled to, Captain, do I give this boy into your
care. He is good and innocent. Bear in mind that from now on you are
accountable to God for his soul."

The Captain muttered something which could not be understood and tried
to make an end to the scene. He took the boy by the arm, made a stiff
bow, and stepped to the door. Here, on hearing the news that Willy was
about to leave the school, most