“My husband is one of the directors of that line,” she remarked, after asking him on what ship his father was serving, “and I remember his mentioning a very clever piece of work your father did when some of the machinery went wrong. My husband was on board at the time, and during a terrible storm some part of the engine broke down. I do not know what part it was, as I do not understand engines, although I ought to, as my husband is so often talking about them. Your father, at the risk of his life, repaired the engine, and saved not only the ship, but the passengers also. Where is your father now?”
“He went a few weeks ago, ma’am, on another voyage,” replied Alfred. “This is his first voyage for more than six months, as he has been very ill. He got hurt, ma’am, in that storm, but he’s better now.”
“My husband also has been ill since; so much so, that he is only just able now to resume his duties. He is going to ask the other directors to reward your father for his bravery and skill. What does your mother do?”
“She has been teaching at a school while father was ill, as we had no money left, ma’am.”
“Can it be possible? How neglectful we have been! My husband always intended that your father should be rewarded, but while you have been so badly off, we have been thinking of ourselves only. I must write down your address, and my husband and I will call and see your mother this week. I hope your father is quite well now.”
“He isn’t quite well, ma’am, but he is better, and said he thought the voyage would do him good.”
“I hope it will, I am sure,” replied the lady. “Here, take this, little boy, and give that to the other boy.”
“This” was half-a-crown. Alfred looked at it with surprise. He had never had more than a shilling at a time to spend, and thought himself quite rich with that amount. How happy he felt when he pictured what he could buy with it for his mother and for Maggie, who was three years older than he!
“Now, boys,” said Dr. Phillips, “we must be moving, or we shall be late for service. You are taking the solo, aren’t you, Parker?”
“Yes, sir.”