"
"What is it?"
"My father was drowned some months before I was born."
"You are mistaken. He was partially drowned, but not quite."
"I admit that alters the case."
"Shall I tell you how it happened?"
"By all means, sir; for I think the story must be interesting.
At the same time I ought to warn you that I already possess a father,
on whom you can scarcely improve."
"To whom do you refer?"
"He is called Captain Barker by those who love him less than I."
"Is it he, then, that has brought you up? Curse him!"
Tristram opened his eyes. "Why should you curse him?" he asked.
"Because he has stolen your love from me."
"But--excuse me--it is only this moment that I have heard you were
competing for it."
"He has told you evil concerning me."
"On the contrary, he has never uttered your name. It was my nurse
who told me one day that you were drowned; and even this turns out to
be a mistake, as you were about to prove."
"My son, your words and bearing cut me to the heart. It is no less
than I have deserved, perhaps; though, could you know all, I am sure
you would judge me leniently. But at least I can give you some small
proof of my love. Let me first release you from those irons."
He set the lantern on the floor, drew a small key from his pocket and
unlocked his son's fetters.
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