It was the captain who broke it.
"My boy," he said, with emotion, "it was a really wonderful escape, and we must thank God for it.

If you had been drowned, Max, do you know that it would have gone near to break your father's heart?
To lose my first-born, my only son, and in the very act of disobedience--oh, how terrible!" "Papa, I didn't, I really didn't think about its being disobedience when I got into the boat, because it didn't seem dangerous till we were fairly out among the waves." "Do you think I ought to excuse you on that account ?" "No, sir; you've reproved me so often for not thinking, and for not being careful to obey your orders; and I know I deserve a flogging.

But, O papa, please don't let Mamma Vi know about it, or anybody else.

Can't you take me upstairs here when they are all in the other house ?" "I shall not use corporal punishment this time, Max," the captain said, in a moved tone.

Dressing the boy closer to his side, "I shall try free forgiveness, for I think you are truly sorry.