In that case the father was to be congratulated.
"Well, that's a comfort to you, captain," cried Uncle Isaac in a cheery tone.

"A good son is a good thing.

I never had one, dead or alive, but I'd 'a' loved him if I had had.

I'm glad for you, Captain Nat, and I know the men are." (Polhemus's age and long friendship gave him this privilege.

Then, of course, the occasion was not an official one.) "Been at the mines, did ye say, captain ?" remarked Green.