grand tavern! I have remarked, pastor, that sea-faring men love comforts
and free-living, unaccountably, when they can fairly get a chance at 'em."

"That is natural, deacon--quite natural; and what is natural, is very
likely to happen. The natural man loves all sorts of indulgences, and
these among others."

As there was no gainsaying this commonplace commentary on the species, it
was permitted to pass unanswered.

"I hope my kinsman has not been a burthen to any on Oyster Pond?" said the
nephew, inquiringly.

"I cannot say that he has," returned the deacon. "He was at little cost,
at first, and got along by selling a few odd things that he owned. As
Providence had placed him in the dwelling of a poor widow, I thought it
might be pleasing to the friends--and every man has _some_ friends, I
suppose--to settle with _her_. This I did, this very morning, taking her
receipt in full, as you can see," passing the paper to the stranger. "As a
sort of security for my advances, I had the chest of the deceased removed
to this house; and it is now up-stairs, ready to be examined. It feels
light, and I do not think much silver or gold will be found in it."

To own the truth, the Vineyard seaman looked a little disappointed. It was
so natural that a man who has been absent fifty years should bring back
the fruits of his labour, that he had expected some slight reward for the
trouble he was now taking, to be bestowed in this particular form. This,
however, was not the specific object of his visit, as will appear as we
proceed. Keeping in view his real motive, the nephew continued his
inquiries, always putting his questions a little indirectly, and receiving