“The son of Mrs. Wetmore!” exclaimed Van Tassel, both surprised and uneasy.  “I knew there was a son; but I have been always told it was impossible to find him.  I see no resemblance, sir, in you to either George Wetmore, or Kitty Van Duser.”

Now this was not altogether true.  As for George Wetmore, they who had known him in middle age, afterwards declared that Moses did resemble him greatly; while I, myself, could trace in the mouth and milder expression of the mate’s features, a strong likeness to the subdued character of his aged mother’s face.  This resemblance would not have been observed, in all probability, without a knowledge of the affinity that existed between the parties; but, with that knowledge, it was not easy to overlook.

“Resemblance!” repeated Marble, much in the tone of one who is ready to quarrel on the slightest provocation; “how should there be any resemblance, after the life I’ve led.  In the first place, I was carried out of my mother’s sight in less than ten days after I was born.  Then I was placed on a tombstone, by way of encouragement; after which, they sent me to live among paupers.  I ran away at ten years old, and went to sea, where I’ve played the part of man-of-war’s-man, privateer’s-man, smuggler, mate, master, and all hands; everything, in short, but a pirate and mutineer.  I’ve been a bloody hermit, Mr. Van Tassel, and if that won’t take the resemblance to anything human out of a fellow, his face is as unchangeable as that on a gold coin.”

“All this, Mr. Wallingford, is so unintelligible to me, that I shall have to ask you to explain it.”

I can only add to it, sir, my belief that every word you hear is true.  I am satisfied that this is, in a legal sense, Oloff Van Duser Wetmore, the only surviving child of George Wetmore and Catharine Van Duser.  He has come to see you in relation to a claim you are said to hold against the farm his mother inherited from her parents.”

“Said to hold!—­I certainly do hold George Wetmore’s bond, secured by a mortgage signed by his wife, balance due, including interest and costs, $963.42; and I am proceeding to sell, under the statute.  One sale has been postponed, to oblige the widow; for a merciful man would not wish to press a single and aged woman, though I’ve lain out of my money a very long time.  You are aware, sir, that I lose all my interest on interest, and must take up with just what the law will give; hardship enough in active times like these, when not a day passes that something good does not offer in the way of purchasing the best of securities, at liberal discounts.  Trade is so lively, now, Mr. Wallingford, that men will almost sell their souls for money.”

“I rather think, sir, that some men will do this at all times; nay, do it hourly, daily.  But, I am instructed”—­I could not help acting the counsel a little, on the occasion—­“I am instructed that the bond of George Wetmore is paid in full.”