Now it had so happened that one of his younger clerks had been on the
Battery when the rescued party reached it, and he had gathered little more
from the colored boatman than that young Houghton had been drowned in
saving Bodine and the ladies with him. His first impulse was to go to tell
his employer, and he started to carry out this purpose. On his way he
remembered that, in horror over the event, he had not stopped to ask
fuller particulars, and he turned back to question the negro more fully.
When he reached George's boat he found that the man had gone, and that the
small crowd which had gathered had dispersed. With a heavy heart he again
started for Mr. Houghton's residence, regretting sadly that it was his
duty to communicate the terrible news. His feelings increased to a nervous
dread by the time he reached Mr. Houghton's door. He feared the stern old
man, and believed that he would always be associated with the tragedy, and
so become abhorrent in the eyes of his employer. But, as the thing must be
done, the sooner it was over the better.
The colored waiter admitted the trembling form, and exclaimed, "O Lawd!
what happen?"
"I wish to see Mr. Houghton."
"Bring him up," shouted the old man hoarsely. "Well," he gasped as the
clerk entered.
"Mr. Houghton, I'm very sorry--"
"For God's sake, out with it!"
"Well, sir, I fear Mr. George--"
"Drowned!" shrieked the father.
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