"What is it?"
"My father was drowned some months before I was born."
"You are mistaken. He was partially drowned, but not quite."
"I admit that alters the case."
"Shall I tell you how it happened?"
"By all means, sir; for I think the story must be interesting. At the same time I ought to warn you that I already possess a father, on whom you can scarcely improve."
"To whom do you refer?"
"He is called Captain Barker by those who love him less than I."
"Is it he, then, that has brought you up? Curse him!"
Tristram opened his eyes. "Why should you curse him?" he asked.