He knew well the story of the lad’s fate.
He had gone to the Arctic on a two years’ whaling cruise with his uncle Ezra Barton, in the ship Solitaire.
One day while out in the whale boat with four of the sailors Roger Harmon had lost the ship.
A fog shutting down prevented his finding his way back.
That was the last seen of Roger Harmon and his companions.
All efforts were of no avail.
Five years had passed.
He had not returned, and his father had given him up.
Frank knew this story well.
“Let me give you a ray of hope, Mr. Harmon,” he said, with feeling. “I may be able to find your son alive.”