The Shipwreck | Page 5

of value to him?"
"We are much pleased with Willy and the progress he is making,"
answered Father Somazzo, inviting the stranger to be seated. "He is a

good, pious child, only somewhat stubborn and capable of playing mad
tricks at times. Just now he has been guilty of disobedience for which
we would punish him, were it not that he must be told of the death of
his father. That, of course, drives away all thought of harsh treatment."
"What has my nephew been doing?"
"Oh, nothing so very bad. He climbed to the dome of the Cathedral on
the scaffolding, or, rather worse than that, he went after being expressly
forbidden to go. Of course, he did it--he can in a measure be
excused--out of love of his father, whose ship--"
"Is that the careless way in which you watch over the boys in this
institution?" interrupted the Captain. "On a bright day like this can your
pupils climb the scaffolding on that dome at will without being stopped?
Now, what if my nephew, for whose welfare I, as guardian, have a care,
had fallen headlong and been killed or crippled for life? My dear Father,
that decides me right now to take my nephew out of your institution
immediately."
"Captain Brown, before I give the boy over to your care you must give
proof of being his guardian. And, then, too, before taking such a rash
step you ought to consider well what is for his best interest. His revered
father would have sanctioned no such thing as this; your reasons for
taking him away from here are groundless. He is neither ready to go
into business, nor into training on shipboard, and what is more has no
desire for any such thing. Of that I'm very sure."
Father Somazzo spoke very quietly and firmly, yet not without anger,
as he scrutinized the man before him, and pictured what Willy's life
would be on board the "St. George."
Captain Brown gave the priest a wicked look and said sarcastically:
"Indeed, my ward is to be neither a sea-faring man nor a business
man--but a priest, I suppose, in which case you would inherit the not
unimportant property which has been left him by his father?--Oh, do
not look so angry--holy intentions of such a sort as that are not unheard
of. That is another reason for my taking the boy away from your

influence. Here is the official proof that I am his guardian, and I wish
him given over to me at once."
Father Somazzo examined the paper. It was legal, therefore he could
not refuse the request, but he asked permission to keep the child until
the following day to comfort him as much as he could over the death of
his father. The Captain objected and Willy was sent for. Frightened and
with tears streaming from his eyes he was led into the reception-room
by Brother Onufrio. At sight of his uncle he screamed, "I won't go, I
won't go with him," and buried his face in Father Somazzo's skirts.
"Father, send the bad man away that says he is my uncle, and that my
father is dead. He doesn't tell the truth. I have no uncle. My father
never told me anything at all about having an uncle. And see what
wicked eyes he has. I don't want to, and I won't go with him."
With difficulty Father Somazzo quieted the child, saying:
"God knows that I am willing to keep you here, Willy, but your
uncle--the Captain is your uncle, even though you never have seen or
heard of him--has control over you, and you owe obedience to him in
all things which are not sinful. Go with him, and may God and his
guardian angels watch over you. We will pray to the Blessed Virgin for
you, and I hope she will safely bring you back to us. Perhaps you will
come sooner than you think for."
Blessing the boy the priest sprinkled him with holy water and then gave
him over to the Captain, saying:
"Only because I am compelled to, Captain, do I give this boy into your
care. He is good and innocent. Bear in mind that from now on you are
accountable to God for his soul."
The Captain muttered something which could not be understood and
tried to make an end to the scene. He took the boy by the arm, made a
stiff bow, and stepped to the door. Here, on hearing the news that Willy
was about to leave the school, most of his companions had assembled
to bid him good-bye. Many shed tears, and Peppo, at the last moment,
came flying in breathless. "Oh, Willy, Willy," he cried embracing him,

"never, never shall I forget how