Clarence, the son of Theodore, was not a chip of the old block. Clarence was a model youth. He read the classics and never drank anything stronger than buttermilk. But Theodore Well, the villagers pitied the son on the many occasions they saw him standing at the door of the village saloon, peering in with a pathetic smile and moaning; “Father, dear Father, come home with me now.” But father never obeyed, for father had a terrible thirst, and spent most of his lime trying to quench it. Theodore had a sister, who lived some distance away. She died leaving all to her brother and his son, providing that they both became abstainers. A week of continued abstinence would be proof of their proper living, but until this was demonstrated the money would remain in the hands of the executor, who brought the news to Theodore. Now Clarence could qualify under the will without any difficulty, but Theodore couldn’t and wouldn’t. The very thought made him thirsty, and he went back to the liquor emporium, leaving his son distracted. For the son was engaged to be married, and he was so busy being a model young man that he had never worked, and unless he became an heir it would not be possible for him to establish a home of his own. The young man solved the problem by kidnapping father and placing him on a desert island for a week. People sailed past, but when they saw Theodore waving they thought it was simply a friendly greeting, and returned it. There were alligators in the water, at least Theodore thought he saw them, and he remained a week in retirement, “alone with nature and without alcohol,” as his son expressed it. When the legacy was paid over the son bought the island, and there lives with his wife and his father. Theodore no longer has a terrible thirst and is gradually getting along so that he does not miss his old boon companions, or the snakes and lizards who used to frolic about him.