that this Thomas Daggett must be a brother of my father's, who went to sea
about fifty years since, and has never been seen or heard of since. He's
the only person of the name for whom we can't account, and the family have
got me to come across to look him up."

"I am sorry, Mr. Daggett, that you are so late," answered the deacon,
slowly, as if unwilling to give pain. "Had you come last week, you might
have seen and conversed with your relation; or had you come early this
morning, only, you might have attended his funeral. He came among us a
stranger, and we endeavoured to imitate the conduct of the good Samaritan.
I believe he had all the comforts that Oyster Pond can give; and,
certainly, he had the best advice. Dr. Sage, of Sag Harbour, attended him
in his last illness--Dr. Sage, of the Harbour: doubtless you have heard
_him_ mentioned?"

"I know him by reputation, and make no doubt all was done that could be
done. As the sloop I named lay by the brig some time, in a calm, the two
captains had a long talk together; and ours had prepared us to hear of our
kinsman's speedy dissolution. He was in a decline when he landed, and we
suppose that no human skill could have saved him. As he had so skilful a
physician, and one who came so far, I suppose my uncle must have left
property?"

This was a home-thrust; but, fortunately for the deacon, he had already
prepared himself with an answer.

"Sea-faring men, that are landed on points and capes, from inward-bound
vessels, are not very apt to be overloaded with worldly goods," he said,
smiling. "When a man prospers in that calling, he usually comes ashore at
a wharf, in some large place, and gets into his coach, to ride up to some