“That is the best way,” said the boy hotly.
“No. What would you do?”
“Go straight to him and try and make his lot more bearable. Think how glad he would be to see me.”
“Of course he would, and then he would blame you for leaving your mother’s side when she is sick and suffering.”
“But this is such a terrible time of need. I must go to him; but I wanted to be straightforward and tell you first.”
“Good lad.”
“Think what a terrible position mine is, Captain Murray.”
“I do, boy, constantly; but I must, as your friend and your father’s, look at the position sensibly.”
“Oh, you are so cold and calculating, when my father’s life is at stake.”
“Yes. I don’t want you to do anything that would injure him.”