The blame had not been all on
the side of the daughter. His misanthropic character was the origin of
some part of it.
Thus he mused, and thus dawned upon his mind the first gleams of
repentance. His melancholy temperament had caused the loss of his
daughter; and, for the time, it grew repugnant. He felt that he was not
living the life his Maker intended he should live.
His meditations were suddenly interrupted by a tremendous explosion, and
he was at once satisfied that it proceeded from the steamer he had
before observed. His supposition was soon verified by the flames he saw
rising from the spot where he had last seen her. She was, he judged, at
least three miles distant. His benevolent disposition, stimulated by the
reflection, and, perhaps, by some unconscious resolution of the previous
hour, prompted him to hasten to her relief. Leaving the helm, he took
from the little cabin a stay-sail, and by the light of the lantern
attached it to the lines and hoisted it. The lively little craft,
feeling the additional impulse, careened till her gunnel was nearly
submerged, and cut her way with increased velocity through the
unfavorable current.
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