"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.
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