The Advance of Science in the Last Half-Century

wreck, he had forgotten to take thought for the future; but now he was brought face to face with a state of affairs by which that future was filled with dark foreboding

ce of him; but once he became the object of their attention, the question as to

tter a word, but looked up into Ben's bronzed face with an expression in which

outh, clenched his huge fists, and shouted aloud, a

hoever wants to do you harm'll have to reckon with Ben Harden first; an

gazed at him, with wide-open mouth, until the wrecker, recovering his self-control by an evident effort, threw himsel

spoke again. In a quiet,

y lad, why I troubled m

as something inexpressibly winni

u have too kind a heart to

n, but it was in a

embrance of those better days evidently gave him saddening thoughts, for he relapsed into the moody silence that was his wont. It continued so long that Eric beg

was at an honest trade then, and wasn't ashamed to take my boy into it. Ah, lad! those were the good times. We went fishing on the Banks, getting our outfit at Halifax, and selling our fare there. But our home was at Chester, where I had a snug cottage, all my o

o it went on, until I lost my lad. He and his mate were out in their dory fishing, and the cod were plentiful, and they were so full of catching

em up. But not a word did I hear. There was a heavy blow right after the fog, and no doubt they were lost in that. I lost a lot of time hunting for my boy, and it seemed as though when he went my luck followed him. Everything went wrong. The fi

of it was, some of us came here. I don't care how soon it's

an he intended; and Eric, not knowing what to interpose

ld ye why I saved

re asleep; and you fairly gave me a start, you looked so like my own boy. He was just about yo

worse than a brute that wouldn't help the lad. So I just made up my mind to

s feelings. Sympathy for his rescuer's troubles and gratitude for his assurance of safe-keeping filled his heart. The tears gathered in hi

nd I'm sure you won't let any harm come to me, if you can help it. And I'm so sorry about yo

the words, and the tears he had been brave

rfluous vigour of his puffing told plainly enough that he was deeply moved. After a moment h

et us go back

n and Prince he surely had not much to fear, even in the evil company among which he had been cast. As to the future-well, it certainly did

party of wreckers there, waiting somewhat impati

ew-comers, and Eric, going quietly over to his bunk, sat down on the edge and looked abo

e were a few Frenchmen amongst them. There was only one negro, a stalwart, bull-necked, bullet-headed fellow, with a good-natured fa

elling over the division. They each had some precious find to boast of, and they vied with one another in relating with great gusto their successful efforts after the wreckage. From what they said, Eric gathered that the Francis did not break up aft

delicious biscuits, conserves, pickles, and other dainties, together with the racks of muskets, swords, and other weapons-these were all very much to their liking. Moreover, the clothing chests had been ransacked, each man helping

ned to be worn to tatters on the backs of the wreckers of Sable Island. What would have been his feelings could he have seen

pe of picking up something about his future. But the wreckers were too much occupied with their own affairs to pay any attention t

dining-room, and set out with china, glass, plate, and cutlery of corresponding elegance. It filled Eric with indignation and disgust to see the wreckers hacking their meat with ivor

ease as the boy felt, he was very hungry, and was glad to do full justice to t

en forming in his mind. Rising to his feet, he secured his companions' attention by rapping loudly upon the table with the handle of his knife, and th

s," said he; and at once ever

, and I'm willing that he and his dog shall be counted as par

f them, while some of the others looked a little doub