"Oh, I hope not. I have heard that boys are treated very badly on board ship. Besides, he might get drowned."
"I am not sure whether a good sea-voyage might not be the best thing for him," said strong-minded Mary.
"But suppose he should be ill-treated?"
"It might take the pride out of him, and make him a better boy."
"I never get much satisfaction from you, Mary. I don't see how you can be so harsh."
"I see we are not likely to agree, mother. But there is a boy coming up the walk with a letter in his hand."
"It may be from Ben," said his mother, rising hastily, and going to the door.
The boy was William Gordon, a school-mate of Ben's, whose disappearance, long before this time, had been reported throughout the village.
"I was passing the post-office, Mrs. Brandon," he said, "when the postmaster called from the window, and asked me to bring you this letter. I think it is from Ben. The handwriting looks like his."
"Oh, thank you, William," said Mrs. Brandon, joyfully. "Give it to me quick."