He seemed troubled and embarrassed, which, perhaps, was not surprising, for never before had he seen his mother faint.
Kate was about to offer some assistance, but as the good Dame now showed signs of returning consciousness, she thought it would be better to leave the two together, and in a state of amazement she was hurrying to her uncle when Dickory rose from the side of his mother and stopped her.
"I have a letter for you," he said, in a husky voice.
"A letter ?" she cried, "from my father ?" "No," said he, "from Captain Vince." And he handed her the blood-stained missive.
Kate turned pale and stared at him; here was horrible mystery.

The thought flashed through the young girl's mind that the wicked captain had killed her father and had written to tell her so.
"Is my father dead ?" she gasped.
"Not that I know of," said Dickory.
"Where is he ?" she cried.
"I do not know," was the answer.
She stood, holding the letter, while Dickory returned to his mother.
Mr.Delaplaine saw her standing thus, pale and shocked, but he did not hasten to her.

He had sad things to say to her, for his practical mind told him that it would not be possible to continue the search for her father, he having put himself out of the reach of Captain Ichabod and his inefficient sloop.

If Dickory had said anything about her father which had so cast her down, how much harder would it be for him when he had to tell her the whole truth.
But Kate did not wait for further speech from anybody.

She gave a great start, and then rushed down the companion-way to her cabin.