Eben glanced at his father as he spoke, wondering if he suspected anything. But the captain gave no sign, so the boy was quite relieved.
"And did the people on the wharf cheer when the tug brought you back from the falls?" Flo eagerly asked.
"I guess so, though I can't remember much about it now. It all seems like a dream."
At that instant a loud rap sounded outside. Flo sprang at once to her feet, and when she had opened the door, a man stepped across the threshold.
"Does Captain Tobin live here?" he asked.
"Yes, and he's right in there," Flo replied, motioning to the dining-room which opened off the little hall.
The captain turned to view the visitor, and then attempted to rise. He sank back, however, with a groan, for he had given his foot a slight twist.
"So you are Captain Tobin, eh?" the stranger accosted.
"Yes, all that's left of him," was the reply.
"And you are the owner of the woodboat, the 'Eb and Flo'?"