Paul closely scrutinized the expression of Captain Littleton, fearful that he had not told him the whole truth.
"Are you sure he was not killed?" he asked, still unsatisfied.
"He was alive when I left him, but that was nearly an hour ago."
"I am thankful if he is alive. How did it happen, sir?"
"He fell from the bow of the ship upon which he was at work, and struck a pile of timber. I am afraid he is very badly hurt. I happened to be near the shipyard at the time, and assisted in carrying him home. He is conscious, and asked for you. Your mother said you were out in the boat."
Paul burst into tears again at these words, for he realized the nature and depth of his mother's feelings when she had uttered them, and how bitterly did he regret his act of disobedience! The dreadful event had come to intensify the anguish of his penitence, and he felt that, if he had not done wrong, he could have met the calamity with patience and resolution. When children do wrong, they know not what event may occur to increase a thousand fold the bitterness of their remorse.
"Do you think my father is alive now?" sobbed Paul.
"I hope so; but it is impossible to foretell the result. The doctors spoke very despondingly of his case; but we must hope for the best."
"How does my mother bear it?"
"As well as could be expected, considering the suddenness of the calamity."