TWO YOUNG NATURALISES. 45 



cousin. He had certainly the best of reasons for 

 holding the old fisherman in high esteem, having 

 been himself brought back by Father Lucas one day 

 when a treacherous current had carried him too far 

 from shore. Although an excellent swimmer, Leon 

 could no longer struggle, and was hastening, or rather 

 floating, to a certain death, when Lucas in his clothes, 

 just as he was, leaped into the water and brought 

 him safely back, with considerable danger to himself. 

 All the efforts of the doctor had not availed to induce 

 the old sailor to accept any reward for " so natural a 

 deed," but from this day forward the saviour of Leon 

 had the free run of the cottage. 



When the interview was over the doctor opened 

 the door and Father Lucas said to Le*on' 



" By the bye, 1 have stranded my boat between the 

 baths and the cliff, and I think you will find some- 

 thing to collect there. I was obliged to do it, for it 

 is my last trip." 



The young naturalist looking at him with an air of 

 astonishment, he added, half closing his eyes : 



" Yes, it is settled. I am to part with my busi- 

 ness." 



" Is it possible ! And who is to be your suc- 

 cessor?" 



" My son, thank heaven ! " 



In this "thank heaven," there was an accent of 

 fatherly pride as well as a touch of regret. 



