John Brown was innocent of his brother’s death, and so the officers and crew of the “St. George” believed, yet the death came so suddenly and opportunely that it gave grounds for suspicion.  John was left administrator of the estate of his nephew, and, directly on landing in Hongkong, had himself, as next of kin, appointed Willy’s guardian, with the idea of taking him with him on board the “St. George.”  But how to get him away from the school in the middle of the term was a puzzling question.

Father Somazzo appeared in the doorway and greeted the stranger politely, but with utmost reserve.  “You are the brother of the esteemed Captain Brown, the father of dear little Willy,” began the priest, noting as he spoke the dark features of the man and the striking resemblance which he bore to his brother.

“I am the Captain’s younger brother and the guardian of his son.  George died at sea last week, as the door-keeper undoubtedly told you,” said the man with a stiff bow.  “How is my nephew?  Is he doing well?  Is he advanced sufficiently so that he can take business training or have the schooling of life at sea prove of value to him?”

“We are much pleased with Willy and the progress he is making,” answered Father Somazzo, inviting the stranger to be seated.  “He is a good, pious child, only somewhat stubborn and capable of playing mad tricks at times.  Just now he has been guilty of disobedience for which we would punish him, were it not that he must be told of the death of his father.  That, of course, drives away all thought of harsh treatment.”

“What has my nephew been doing?”

“Oh, nothing so very bad.  He climbed to the dome of the Cathedral on the scaffolding, or, rather worse than that, he went after being expressly forbidden to go.  Of course, he did it—­he can in a measure be excused—­out of love of his father, whose ship—­”

“Is that the careless way in which you watch over the boys in this institution?” interrupted the Captain.  “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.”