"All right, mother mine, fire away," said the boy, throwing himself down on the hearthrug, and resting one arm upon her knee.
"Ralph dear," resumed she, "your uncle Sam has come home; he has been here this afternoon."
"Uncle Sam? How jolly! When did the Pelican come in, mother? I did not know that she was even off Holyhead."
"The Pelican was docked last night, dear, upon the evening tide," said she; "and your uncle has been here a long time this afternoon."
"Was he not very sorry to hear about father?" asked Ralph in a low voice.
"Yes, dear; but he was prepared for the news by my last letter. He is a very kind brother; he has been giving my affairs his careful consideration all the way home, and has already offered some prospect of help; but this depends upon you, Ralph."
"Upon me, mother? I would be so proud to help. You may reckon upon me; but what can I do?"
"What it is a bitter pill for me to swallow, my boy, yet it would be such a help that I do not know how to refuse it."
"What is it, mother?"