assist; and as I held on to the gunnel of the boat, while they threw out
their gang-board, the first person who stumped out was my father, minus
his left leg.

"Father!" cried I, half sorry and half pleased.

"Who calls me father?" replied he, looking at me. "Why, you don't mean
to say that you're my boy Tom?"

"Yes, indeed!" said I.

"Ah! yes--I recollect your smile now. Why, what a big fellow you've
grown!"

"It's four years since you left, father."

"Well! I suppose it is, since you say so," replied he, taking me by the
arm, and stumping a little to one side, when he said in a low tone, "I
say, Jack, what became of the old woman? Did I settle her?"

"Oh, no," replied I, laughing, "she was only shamming."

"Shamming was she? Well! it's all the better--for she has been a little
on my conscience, that's truth. Shamming? Heh! She won't sham next time,
if I fall foul of her. How does she get on?"

"Oh, very well indeed."

"And how's your little sister? What's her name--Jenny lengthened at both
ends? I never could recollect it, though I've often thought of her sweet