The Life Boat

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Old Captain Bill and his wife have an only son, whom they idolize. He loses all his money at gambling and drinking, and determines to do better in the city. After a short absence he writes his people that he has secured a good position, is saving money, and will be home before long. A year or two later he arrives in town and on his way to his home passes the old saloon he used to patronize. He cannot resist the temptation, and goes in. He falls in with a lot of bad fellows and is robbed. Ashamed to go home, he ships on board a sailing vessel. Just as it has gotten out of the harbor it strikes a rock. The townspeople are aroused. As old Bill is the captain of a life-saving crew, he is obliged to leave his sick wife, whose sickness has been brought on through worry over her son. Far out in the sea he picks up a drowning man, who proves to be his son. After resuscitating him, Captain Bill brings him home. His mother clasps him lovingly in her arms.