"It's alright, Elijah. It isn't your fault. You've helped us a lot. It's just..." He shook his head. He dared not speak or his voice might betray emotion.

Will stepped closer and sat on the other side of Ben. "If ye need some rest, father, I can take Bram on the boat and we can do t' work."

Ben put an arm around him. "Aye, I know you could, son. But I'm alright. Ye needn't worry."