Swept Out to Sea / Or, Clint Webb Among the Whalers

rn the Particulars of a Matt

Bolderhead Neck and commanded a view of both the ocean and

d lived in affluence during her girlhood and it was considered by her friends a great mistake on her part when she married my father. He was a ship's surgeon when they were married an

not blame grandfather for his bad opinion of the man! Aunt Alice dying before grandfather, Mr. Downes could never hope to handle much of grandfather's money. There was a sum set aside for Paul in grandfather's will. And even that Mr. Downes could not touch; it was tied u

a tender feeling for Bolderhead, and as I grew older and evinc

that ever lived! But she was easily influenced by other people. As I grew older and began to understand what went on more clearly, I knew th

of each other. Frankly I saw altogether too much of him-and I told my mother so. But Mr. Downes wa

gh them acquired the belief that I was a rude and untrustworthy fellow, and she feared my boatmen companions were wean

a head. I saw my way clear, I believed, through Paul's vicious

wing room. It was long past the dinner hour. I drove Paul up onto the veranda and towa

's somebody t

for you," I responded,

, and pushed him into the room before me. My mot

ou becalmed outside? You must be awfully hungry. Ring for James, Clinton, and he will fix you up something nice in the pantry." Then

: "What is the meaning of this outrage, Clinton Webb

l could get in a word; "but I turn him over to your

n has done to poor Paul? Stand still, will you?" he added, jerking Paul around as he tried to untie the

his pocketknife and cutting the cord. "Look at Paul's face! What have I tol

" cried mother. "W

he had been impressed by Mr. Downes' calumnies. Her first t

nd that is how he came by his bruises. But I tied him up because I didn't fancy being slit up like a codfish with thi

uddered, and sank back

ing to her side and putting my arm across her shoulde

fear came into his own countenance. He knew something about the ungovernable rages into whi

ble, scandalous story, Mary! Why

"We were both angry-I admit that. But

you speak up and

ousin, sullenly. "He-he tied my arms and then he

orrified mother could not believe him. But Mr.

ver hear of such depravity-such viciousness? A p

use the circumstance to a purpose which for some time I have longed to ac

ped mother, se

He has just as good as admitted it is a conspi

erything you could to prejudice mother against me. Is it any wo

ar son," mother begged.

ponded, firmly. "But these two shall not

s sneering look would have enraged me at another time.

man, is not law here. It is not in your

replied, still quietly

story as false. It would be quite within your character to have cut your

said. "That is too valuable a bit of evidence for you to get hold of. Even Paul will not deny owning

d," sneered Mr. Downes,

t leave this house. You and Paul shall nev

your mother

decide," I assured him, and without looking at he

we obey your beh

ear out a warrant against Paul for assault with t

my mother. "Don't th

e it shall be don

ity!" said my mother

d think what might have happened

Downes. "You are your f

consider that

uch if you knew as much abo

nstant. "I've heard enough insinuations regarding father from Pa

very white face, while Downes tur

fool?" he snarled. Paul was qui

tell you. He says my father committed suicide, and that if

to fear-and back again-was such a swift transition that it startled me. I began from that moment

o my mother. For a moment she sat motionless. No

n alarm. Had I not caught her sh

led Mr. Downes. "You have over-exci

ing all my strength I picked her up bodily and carried her to the nearest couch. The bell push was at h

stress, Marie," I

the big butler, c

that Mr. Downes' bags are brought

ectly impassive. Mr. Downe

f my sister to leave the house while she is so unwell. What do yo

the French woman, anxiously. "She

d frighten anybody!" cried

age around inside of half an hour and to drive wherever Mr. Downes shall d

o much as favor me with a look, but with sphynx-like composure left the room. To