"Yes; and, as far as I can make out, left you to drown."
When the physician returned Mr. Houghton roused a little, and asked, "What is the matter? Is George ill?"
"No, he's better."
The old man closed his eyes, and at last said dreamily, "Yes, he's better, better off in heaven."
"Mr. Houghton," said the doctor, kindly, "I've just heard that a man was picked up by the steamer running between the city and the islands. I don't give up hope yet."
"Hope! hope! Do you mean to say there is hope?"
"I do. If you will be patient we will soon know. I have taken steps to find out speedily."
"O God, be merciful! I don't see how I can long survive if he is dead."
Jube, satisfied that George was in the flesh, followed him to his room, and aided him in exchanging his wet clothes for dry ones, meanwhile answering the young man's rapid questions.
Touched to the very soul by the account of his father's frantic grief,
George's thoughts centred on him, but he asked, "What happened at Mr.
Bodine's?"