"Ye're wrong there, James." Ben said slowly. "If ye take to drinkin', aye, ye might as well toss yerself overboard on yer next trip out to sea and spare your family the future misery. I've seen it up close, lad. Me old man drank. It only gets worse. You'll only get worse."

He grimaced. He did not hate his father with the same vigor he once had. His own failings as a father had put things in perspective. But even after decades of trying to forgive, of praying to be able to forgive, he continuously found that in his heart, he hadn't. He wouldn't stand by idly and watch James bring that demon back to life.

He shook the thoughts and continued: "But the restlessness, that isn't a choice. That's yer cross to carry, and Maggie's by marriage. She's a smart lass. I'm sure she'll agree its better to deal with yer restlessness than to see ye turn to drink."