The Missing Ship; The Log of the "Ouzel" Galley, by W. H. G. Kingston

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This is a long and exceptionally well-written book by this prolificauthor. It is full of interest and strong situations. The date of theevents is supposed to be early in the eighteenth century, and of courseall matters nautical are under sail (or oars). That date is stated inthe Preface. 

The copy of the book that was used for this transcription was quite hardto work with, mainly because the type appeared to have been set a bitclose to the gutter (the fold down the centre of the open pages). However, it later appeared that the book had been kept for a long timein some position that caused a fold in the pages near to the gutter, sothat the scans were more usable than was at first feared. 

This book does make an exceptionally nice audiobook. The book is fiftypercent longer than the average novel, and takes about 18 hours for theaudiobook to play. 

You will enjoy this book a great deal. 

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THE MISSING SHIP; THE LOG OF THE "OUZEL" GALLEY, BY W. H. G. KINGSTON. 

CHAPTER ONE. 

THE MASTER OF THE OUZEL GALLEY--HIS SON AND DAUGHTER--THE FIRST MATE--ACALM--A GALE SPRINGS UP--A RAFT SEEN--OWEN RESCUES ITS OCCUPANT--DAN, AND POMPEY, THE BLACK COOK--SURMISES ABOUT THE STRANGER--THE GALECEASES--THE STRANGER APPEARS ON DECK AND GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF--GIVES FIRST NEWS OF WAR BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE--LANCELOT CARNEGANBECOMES SECOND MATE OF THE OUZEL GALLEY. 

"No sign of a breeze yet, Owen?" asked Captain Tracy, as he lay in hiscot, slung in the state-room of the _Ouzel Galley_, West India trader, of which stout bark he was the commander. His fair daughter Norah satby his side fanning his pale cheek--for he, like several of his crew, had been struck down by fever, and he probably owed his life to herwatchful care. For many days the vessel had lain becalmed on the glassyocean under a tropical sun, the excessive heat tending greatly toincrease the sickness on board, three of the crew, besides the secondmate, having already succumbed to it. Day after day the survivors hadbeen anxiously looking out for the wind to fill the sluggish sailshanging down against the masts; but each morning they had seen the fierysun rise out of the calm ocean and pass across the blue vault of heaven, to sink again beneath the horizon, suffusing with a ruddy glow the wholewestern sky. The night brought relief from the heat, and hope revived;but when morning returned, again the suffering crew had to endure thescorching rays of the sun, from which even the shade cast by the sailsafforded them but inadequate shelter. The chips from the carpenter'sbench which had been thrown overboard still lay alongside; while thecreaking of the yards and blocks, and the slight splashing sound as thevessel moved from side to side by the now scarcely perceptibleundulations of the broad Atlantic, alone broke the silence which, reigned over the watery expanse on which she floated. Norah--a fair andbeautiful girl, who, though scarcely sixteen summers had passed over herhead, had already the appearance, and what was to her of the greatestconsequence, the calm resolution of more mature age--stopping for amoment in her employment, looked up with an inquiring glance from herblue eyes towards the first mate, who had just then, hat in hand, entered the cabin. 

"A bank of clouds has just appeared above the horizon in the sou'-west, sir, and from the rapid way in which it is rising we shall, if I mistakenot, have the wind before long, and as much as we want of it, " hereplied. 

"Thank Heaven!" ejaculated the captain. "See all ready for shorteningsail. I must try to come on deck, for we are sadly short-handed. "

"Oh! don't attempt it, father, " said Norah; "you have scarcely strengthto stand, and Mr Massey and the crew will do all that is necessary. "

"Miss Norah is right, sir--stay where you are, " said the mate. "I aminclined to furl everything at once, so as to be prepared for the windwhen it reaches us; it is near the hurricane season in the West Indies, and they are sometimes felt as far to the eastward as this. Should thewind not prove as strong as I expect, we can easily make sail again. "

"Do as you propose, Owen, " said the captain; "you are always careful andprudent. "

"Ay, ay, sir, " answered the mate, and he sprang quickly on deck. "Allhands shorten sail!" he shouted. "Be smart, my lads, or we may have oldHarry Cane aboard us before we have time to open our weather eyes. "

He knew well that a joke would tend to inspirit the downcast crew, mostof whom were Irishmen--the _Ouzel Galley_ belonging to Dublin, thoughtrading chiefly to the fair port of Waterford. She was a deep-waistedvessel, with three masts, the foremast and mainmast square-rigged, whilethe aftermast carried a long lateen-shaped sail called the mizen, with asquare topsail and topgallantsail. The mainsail and foresail havingbeen brailed up and handed, Owen ordered the crew aloft to furl themain-topsail. 

"Gerald, lend me a hand to furl the mizen!" he sang out to a lad who hadbeen actively engaged in the former operation. Gerald Tracy, thecaptain's son, a fine-looking youth, sprang aft to the mizen-brails. The mate having already let go the sheet, the sail was drawn up close tothe yard. 

"Now, aloft to the mizen-topsail, " cried the mate; "we must have everystitch of canvas off her before the wind reaches us; for, depend uponit, it is in no playful mood. "

The mate and Gerald sprang up the rigging, and getting hold of the buntof the sail, quickly furled it. Pompey, the black cook, and TimMaloney, a boy, were on deck letting go or hoisting away at the ropes asrequired; every other man in the ship able to move was aloft. All theafter sail having been taken off the ship, Owen, as he was about todescend from the yard, cast a glance to windward. 

"Here it comes, sharp and strong, " he sang out; "down--down, quick, allof you!" and, seizing the backstay, he glided like lightning on deck. Gerald followed his example. As soon as the mate reached the deck, hesprang to the deserted helm and gave another look in the direction fromwhich he expected the wind to come. Already could be discerned a longline of white foam curling up above the hitherto calm sea, over thesurface of which innumerable cat's-paws were playing, now sweepingacross it, now vanishing, to reappear speedily in another direction. The men were in the mean time employed, under the mate's directions, ingetting the ship snug. 

"Gerald, do you go and assist them, " he said; "we haven't a moment tolose. "

The jib only remained set. Some of the crew had begun to grumble athaving so much pulling and hauling, with apparently no object. 

"What's the use of furling sails in a dead calm? we shall be afterhaving to set them again, as I hope we shall get the breeze beforelong, " exclaimed Dan Connor. 

An active seaman was Dan, though he could seldom see much further thanhis own nose. 

"Nebber fear dat, " cried Pompey, "we get de wind 'tiff and 'trong as youand I like de grog, Dan--de mate hab um wedder eye open as 'wide as decaptain--see what coming--look out, man--what say to dat?"

Those standing near him turned their glances over the larboard side, towards the south-west, the vessel then lying with her head to thenorth-west, where they saw a long line which had now assumed theappearance of a vast foaming wave, while at the same time a loud hissingroar reached their ears. The mate shouted for another hand to come tothe helm. Dan Connor sprang aft at the mate's call; but scarcely had hegrasped the spokes of the wheel, than the wind with a furious rushstruck the vessel. Down she heeled, while a deluge of spray flew overher. For an instant it seemed as if she was irretrievably gone, but thejib happily standing, she drew ahead, and feeling her helm, round shespun, and, righting as suddenly as she had heeled over, away she flewbefore the hurricane. The young mate drew his breath. 

"Gerald, go below and tell your father that we're all to rights and nodamage done. We had a narrow squeak for it, though; but don't saythat--it may trouble your sister, " said Owen. 

Gerald went into the cabin with the satisfactory intelligence. Onentering he found Norah clinging to the sofa, which was placedathwart-ships, at the after end of the cabin. She looked pale andanxious; happily, the captain had escaped being thrown out of his cotwhen the vessel had been hove on her beam-ends. 

"How goes it, Gerald?" he asked. 

"All right, father, " answered Gerald; "the stout ship is behavingbeautifully. Thanks to Mr Massey, we were well prepared for the squallwhen it struck us--though it's my belief if we'd had our canvas set itwould have been all over with the _Ouzel Galley_. We are now scuddingalong under bare poles at a rate which will soon carry us into Waterfordharbour, if the wind holds as it is. "

"Little chance of that, I'm afraid, " observed the captain; "but, Gerald, tell the mate to have the dead-lights closed. The sea will be gettingup presently, and we shall have it washing through the stern windows. "

"Ay, ay, sir, " answered his son, who knew that an order given must bedelivered immediately, and was about to go. 

"Stay, Gerald--tell him to set the fore-topsail closely reefed, and torig preventer-braces; we must not run the risk of having the shippooped, and there will be a great chance of that happening before long, unless we have merely caught the tail of the hurricane. "

The boy hurried on deck and gave the orders he had received. He foundthat the mate had anticipated them. The carpenter was at that momentcoming aft to close the stern-ports, while several hands were goingaloft to loose the fore-topsail. The mate had seen the necessity forthis, as already the furious wind had lashed the ocean, hitherto socalm, into wildly leaping seas, which came rushing up on both sides ofthe vessel, with foaming crests like war-steeds charging on the foe; butonward she flew before them, now rising to the summit of a wave, nowpitching down into the trough on the farther side. It needed all thestrength of the crew to reef and set the sail. The carpenter, as soonas he had performed his task, went forward again to assist the rest, while the mate and Gerald took the helm. The sail was at length set, and the men came down off the yard. The mate kept an anxious eye on thecanvas, doubting much whether it would stand the tremendous strain puton it--he expected every moment to see it blown away from thebolt-ropes--but it was stout and new. He had little fear of therigging, for every inch of it he had himself assisted in turning in andsetting up, and not a strand had parted--all was thoroughly served. Henow summoned one of the best hands to relieve him at the helm; he thenhad a spare fore-topsail got up on deck ready to bend, should the firstbe carried away. Having made every arrangement which as a good seamanhe considered necessary, he sent Gerald back into the cabin to report tothe captain; he would, he knew, be anxious to learn how things weregoing on. Gerald, who was an enthusiastic admirer of the mate, did notfail to tell all that had been done. 

"He is a good seaman, father, that mate of ours, " he exclaimed. 

"I can always trust him to do the right thing, " observed the captain. 

"He is as fine a fellow as ever stepped, " answered Gerald, warmly; "whenI thought the ship was going over, I looked at him, and there he stood, as calm and unmoved as if we had been running before a light breeze withall sail set. "

Norah's eye brightened as her brother spoke, and a smile played over hercountenance, though she said nothing. 

"You will do well to imitate him, Gerald, " remarked the captain; "he iscalm and confident because he thoroughly knows his business and whatwill have to be done under every emergency. A better seaman never trodthe deck of a merchant vessel, or a king's ship either. When thisvoyage is over, as Norah insists on my not going to sea again, I intendto get the owners to give him the command of the _Ouzel Galley_--theyknow their own interests too well to refuse my request. Before long youwill be old enough, Gerald, to become second mate, and perhaps, if thestout ship meets with no mishap, to command her one of these days, should Owen get a larger craft, or take it into his head to come andlive on shore. "

Gerald was glad to hear his father speak in this style; it showed thathe was already getting better and recovering his spirits, which had beenmuch cast down, especially since the death of so many of the crew. Henow inquired how the others were getting on, and sent Gerald forward tolearn. He soon came back with the report that two already seemed muchbetter, but that the third had as yet shown no signs of amendment. 

"They'll pick up, poor fellows, when we get into a cooler latitude, "observed the captain. "I feel myself already another man, and hope tobe on deck in a day or two. "

Tim, the cabin-boy, now entered to prepare the table for supper. Itstill wanted an hour or more to-night, but that meal in those days wastaken earlier than at present. Pompey, notwithstanding the way thevessel was tumbling about, had managed to keep his fire in and to cooksome broth for the captain and the sick men--for they were unable topartake of more substantial fare. Norah had become so accustomed to asea life in all weathers, that she was able to attend to her father andto take her seat at table. Tim, as soon as he had placed the dishes, well secured with the usual puddings and fiddles, went to summon themate, who was generally on such occasions relieved by the boatswain; butTim came back to say that Mr Massey could not quit the deck till thegale moderated. Gerald, having despatched his supper, quickly joinedhim. 

"What do you think of the weather, Mr Massey?" he asked. 

"That it is blowing big guns and small-arms, " answered the mate, laughing. "Not that that much matters as long as it holds steadily inits present quarter; but I'm on the look-out lest it should change, andif it does, it will not give warning of its intention. It would be anugly thing to be taken aback with this sea on, and it is that we must beprepared for. "

The waves had indeed, since Gerald had been below, greatly increased, and were now rising far above the bulwarks, and as they curled overthreatened to come down on the deck and overwhelm the good ship. 

"Keep a tight hold of a stanchion or the mizen-mast, Gerald, " said themate; "if one of those seas breaks on board, you might be carried awayin a moment. See, the men know what may possibly happen, and are doingas I advise you--though, if I had my will, you should remain below. "

"My father and Norah would be ashamed of me if I did, " answered Gerald;"depend on it, I will take good care to hold on with tooth and nail ifwe get so unwelcome a visitor. "

Onward flew the ship; already the gloom of night had begun to steal overthe waste of waters, when the look-out forward shouted, "A lump oftimber or a boat capsized right ahead a point on the starboard bow!"Immediately afterwards he added, "It's a raft, sir, with a man on it;he's waving to us!"

The mate sprang into the mizen rigging, and having glanced at theposition of the raft, of which he caught sight as it rose to the summitof a sea, he exclaimed, "We must save the poor fellow's life--port thehelm half a point. Steady now. Get ropes ready to heave to him, " henext shouted out; and, securing one round his own waist, he leaped intothe fore-chains. 

The ship flew on, but he had rightly calculated the position of theraft. There was a fearful risk, however, that she might run over it, orthat the force of the sea might dash it against her side and crush itsoccupant. But no time was allowed for considering the risk to be run. Owen saw that the man had disengaged himself from the ropes by which hehad been secured to the raft, and was holding on to one of them alone. He must have well known his terrible danger, for a sea might in a momentwash him away, in spite of his holdfast. The mate stood ready withanother rope in hand to heave to him. The next instant the raft wasdriven against the side of the vessel, and the man lost his hold. Prompted by a generous instinct, Owen, at the great risk of his ownlife, sprang on to the raft, and, grasping him round the waist, put therope into his hand, while he held him fast. The crew were in readiness, in the rigging or leaning over the bulwarks, and before another momenthad passed both Owen and the stranger were drawn up and stood in safetyin the main-chains, whence eager hands hauled them on board. 

"You have rendered me a good turn, and I hope to live long enough torepay it, " said the rescued man, as soon as he had sufficientlyrecovered his breath to speak; for he had been pretty nearly exhaustedby the efforts he had made to hold on to the raft, and the sudden jerkhe had received in being hauled on board. 

He was evidently a seaman, for a seaman and a strong and determined manalone could have exerted himself as he had done to preserve his life. By his dress and manner, also, he appeared to be an officer. Thephysical suffering and mental anxiety he must have gone through hadnaturally so much exhausted him that, though able to stand, he wascompelled to hold fast to the bulwarks to support himself. From hisappearance, however, he looked like a man capable of enduring as much asmost persons; he was strongly built, rather above the middle height, with a countenance which if not handsome was good-looking, and betokenedcourage and resolution. 

"I am glad that I was fortunate enough to get hold of you, and to helpyou on board--though, as I should have tried to do the same for anyhuman being placed in the situation in which you were, I do not feelthat you have any special reason to be thankful to me, " answered Owen. 

"As to that matter, all I know is, that if you hadn't jumped on the raftat the moment you did and thrown me a rope, I should have been washedaway, and have been by this time where many a bold fellow has gonebefore; and though a more exalted fate may be in store for me, accordingto the old saying, as I have no wish to leave the world just yet, I ambound to be grateful to you, captain--for I conclude that you are theskipper of this craft, " said the stranger. 

"No, I am but the mate, " answered Owen; "the skipper is ill, and as theberths in the state cabin are occupied, I can only offer you mine--and Iwould advise you to get off your wet clothes and turn in between theblankets, with a stiff glass of grog, or you may be the worse for yourwetting and exposure. "

"I have knocked about too much up and down at sea, with all sorts ofadventures, to be much the worse for what I've gone through. However, Iwill accept your offer. A stiff glass of grog, especially, will bewelcome, and something to eat with it; for I had no opportunity ofdining on the raft, as you may suppose, " answered the stranger. 

He said this in an off-hand, careless manner, laughing as he spoke; butnotwithstanding his boasts, he was glad of the assistance of Owen andDan Connor, on whose shoulders he rested while they conducted him to thecabin of the former. No sooner did he reach it than he sank downutterly exhausted, and it was not without considerable help from Danthat he was able to get off his garments and turn in to bed. 

"You'll be all to rights now, your honour, and I'll be after bringingyou a basin of soup and a glass of grog, " remarked Dan, as he wasgathering up the wet clothes to carry to the galley fire. 

"Stay, there are some papers in my pockets which I wish to keep in myown possession, " said the stranger, as he saw what Dan was about. 

"They're like to be in a pretty mess, which it will take a pair of sharpeyes to read, by this time, " observed Dan. 

"They are in a tin case--hand it to me, " was the answer, as Dan began tofeel about in the pockets of the stranger's jacket. "You may take theclothes away now, my man; and don't be long in bringing me the grog, mind you, " added the stranger, when he had possessed himself of the tincase and, in addition, a well-filled purse and several other smallerarticles, which his pockets had contained. 

"By-the-by, what's the name of this vessel, and to what port is shebound?" he asked. 

"Shure, she's the _Ouzel Galley_, your honour, " answered Dan, "and assweet a craft as sails between the West Indies and Dublin city--thoughwe're bound just now to Waterford, and we'll be after getting there, Ihope, some day. "

"And what's the name of your skipper and your mate, who pulled me out ofthe water?" continued the stranger. 

"It's Captain Tracy you mane, and the mate's Mr Owen Massey, as fine aman as iver stepped a deck. I'm after belaving, if he wasn't, hewouldn't have done what he did just now, as your honour will be willingto own, " answered Dan. 

"You're right--it was a brave deed, " said the stranger. As soon as Dan, bundling up the clothes, had left the cabin, its occupant eagerly openedthe tin case and examined its contents, apparently to satisfy himselfthat they had escaped damage; then closing it, he placed it under hispillow, on which he sank down exhausted. 

"Faith, I've had a narrow escape--but as this craft is bound to fairWaterford, I must either quit her before she gets there, or take carethat none of my friends recognise me when I step on shore, " he murmuredto himself. "However, my good genius may enable me to escape thatdanger, as it has to scramble through many others. Strange that my lifeshould have been saved by Owen Massey--he does not know me, however; butthat is not surprising, as I am greatly changed since we were together. Few traces remain about me of the slight youth I then was. I must be onmy guard not to betray myself to him, or he and his commander may takeit into their heads that their loyalty obliges them to deliver me overto the Government. As long as they don't find out who I am, I shallhave no difficulty in making my escape, even though I am compelled toset foot on shore in Waterford itself. I wish those fellows would beara hand and bring me some food--that and a night's rest will restore mystrength and enable me to consider what to do better than I now can. Ihave run many a narrow chance of losing my life, but never was I nearerto death than to-day--another hour or two on the raft would havefinished me, and then where should I have been? Bah! I must not allowsuch thoughts to trouble me, or I shall become nerveless as a younggirl. "

In spite of all his efforts the thoughts he dreaded would intrude on thestranger's mind. He looked eagerly for the return of the seaman withthe promised food and grog. Dan, in the mean time, with the bundle ofwet clothes under his arm, had made his way forward to the caboose, where Pompey was busy blowing away at his fire and trying to get hiskettle and a saucepan of broth to boil. 

"Well, Dan, my jewel, who dis fellow just come on board? What you tinkabout him?" asked Pompey. 

"Faith, it's more than he thought fit to tell me, " answered Dan. "All Iknow is that he's a mighty fine-spoken gentleman, with a big purse ofgold in his pocket. "

"In which pocket?" asked Pompey eagerly, taking up the jacket. 

"You big thief, you don't think I am after laving it to your itchingfingers--no, no, Pompey, even if the gentleman himself hadn't taken itout, he's been too long at sea not to guess pretty shrewdly that theshiners would vanish if the purse found its way forrard, " said Dan. 

"You'll not be after calling me a big thief, Dan?" exclaimed Pompey, getting angry at this insinuation against his honesty. 

"No, but I'll back your tongue to wag faster than any man's in thisship, " replied Dan. "Come, bear a hand and get the water to boil, andthen we'll hang up these clothes to dry, for the stranger doesn't looklike a man who'll be content to lie in bed longer than he can help, andhe'll be wanting to get up to-morrow morning and show himself on deck. "

"He may be a mighty fine gentleman, " muttered Pompey, "but I never didsee much good come in hauling a man, whoever he was, out of de water. "

"What's that you say, you old thief of the world?" exclaimed Dan. "Whether good or bad comes of it, it was as brave a thing as you or I orany man ever saw done, to leap on the raft as our mate did and manage tobring the stranger on board. We've some stout fellows among us, but notone would have dared to do that same. When the skipper hears of ithe'll be after praising him as he deserves; and there's some one else, too, who'll not think the less of him than she does now. It won't be myfault if I don't let the skipper know how it all happened--though maybethe stranger won't forget to tell him--but as for the mate himself, he'sas likely as not to make light of it, and just to say that it's what anyother man would have done as well. "

The opinion uttered by Dan was shared generally among the crew, withwhom Owen Massey stood deservedly high. 

"Come, bear a hand, Pompey, " continued Dan; "the watch will be outbefore you get that fire to burn. "

By dint of hard puffing Pompey succeeded in his object, and Dan went aftwith a kettle of hot water in one hand and a basin of soup in the other. He then, having obtained the requisite amount of rum, repaired to themate's cabin, where he found the stranger on the point of dropping offfrom exhaustion, and almost in a state of insensibility. The broth andgrog, however, quickly revived him. He uttered but few words of thanks, and again falling back on his pillow, dropped off to sleep. 

Gerald, who had witnessed Owen's gallant act, trembling lest he shouldfail and lose his life, gave a shout of joy when he saw him successfuland safe again on board. Prompted by his feelings, he sprang towardsthe mate, and grasping his hand, exclaimed, "Bravely done, Mr Massey!Oh, how thankful I am that you got him on board! It did not seempossible. Had you been lost, it would have broken Norah's heart, and mypoor father's too--for, sick as he is, he couldn't have borne it. Imust go and tell them how it all happened--they'll think more of youthan ever--but I'm very glad Norah wasn't on deck, for she would havefelt as I did, and been terribly alarmed. "

"Hush, Gerald, hush! you think more of the affair than it deserves, "said Owen; "had I run any risk of losing my life, your father might haveblamed me, as the safety of the ship while he is ill is committed to mycharge; but remember that I took the precaution of having a rope roundmy waist, so that I couldn't come to any harm, and what I did any manwith strength and nerve could have done likewise--so, Gerald, don't makea fuss about the matter. I saved the man's life, there's no doubt aboutthat, and he, therefore, is the only person who need thank me. "

Notwithstanding what the mate had said, Gerald hurried into the cabinand gave a report of what had occurred, not failing to express his ownopinion of the gallantry of the act. Norah, who had listened withbreathless interest while he spoke, uttered an ejaculation ofthankfulness, forgetting to make any inquiry about the man who had beensaved. Captain Tracy, however, expressed himself much as Owen expectedhe would. 

"It was a rash though brave deed, " he observed, "but I'll not blamehim--he had no time, evidently, to think of the risk he was running, butacted as his gallantry prompted him. He did not get any hurt, I hope?"

"No, father, beyond a thorough wetting--it was all done in a moment--hewas on board again almost before I could have looked round, walking thedeck as if nothing had happened, " answered Gerald. 

"I am thankful for that, " said the captain; "and where have they stowedthe man he saved? Poor fellow! it would have been hard lines with him, in such a sea as is still running, if he had not been picked up. "

"The mate put him into his own cabin, " said Gerald; "the cook has beenheating some soup for him, as he seemed very weak and pretty nighexhausted. "

"Owen might have let him go forward with the men; they would have lookedafter him carefully enough, " observed Captain Tracy. "There was nonecessity for Owen to give up his own cabin--but he is always generousand ready to sacrifice his own comforts for others. "

"But the stranger from his way of speaking and dress seems to be anofficer, and he would think himself badly treated if he had been sentforward, " said Gerald. 

"I must hear more about him from Owen, " said the captain; "ask him tocome here as soon as he can leave the deck and has got on dry clothes. How's the weather now, Gerald?"

"It is moderating rapidly, father, and the mate thinks we shall havesmooth water and a light breeze before night, " was the answer. 

When Gerald returned on deck he found the mate giving orders to loosethe topsails. As soon as this was done, the wind still decreasing, theforesail and mainsail were set, and before long the ship was boundingproudly over the seas with as much canvas as could be carried. Atlength, leaving the deck in charge of the boatswain, Owen repaired tothe cabin and answered many questions put to him by the captain. Hemight well have been satisfied with the approbation he received fromNorah, if not from her lips, from those bright blue eyes of hers--eventhe captain forgot to scold him as he had intended for his rashness. 

"We shall hear more about the man to-morrow, when he has recovered, " heobserved; "he'll need a long rest, for he must have pretty well given upall hope of his life when you saved him, till the ship hove in sight--and even then he could scarcely expect to be picked up with the seathere was running at the time. Well, I trust that he'll be grateful. "

The captain then made inquiries about the sick men, of whom Owen wasable to give a favourable report. 

"Thank God for that!" said the captain. "I feel myself quite anotherman to what I have been for many a day, and I hope to-morrow to be ondeck again. If this stranger proves to be a seaman he may give you somerelief by doing duty on board; you've had a trying time of it, Owen, andit is a mercy you've not knocked up. "

Owen now bade the captain and mistress Norah good night, and went ondeck, when he desired the boatswain--the only person besides himself towhom the charge of the ship could be confided--to turn in, that he mightrelieve him in the next watch, should the weather continue to improve ashe hoped it would do. He was not disappointed; when the morning broke, the ship was running on before a fair and moderate breeze. The rest ofthe usual canvas was set, and under all sail the _Ouzel Galley_ madegood way towards her destination. With a thankful heart, soon afterbreakfast, Norah accompanied her father on deck. The other sick menwere able to crawl up and enjoy the fresh air, their pallid facesshowing, however, how near death's door they had been. It was evidentthat some time must elapse before they would be fit for duty. Thestranger had not yet made his appearance; but Dan, who had dried hisclothes, had taken them into the cabin, and reported that he was atlength awake and expressed his intention of getting up. Norah wasseated with her father under an awning stretched over the poop-deck, where both shade and air could be enjoyed. When the stranger came upthe companion-hatch, the first person he saw was Owen. He put out hishand. 

"Though I got but a glimpse of you last night, you are, I am sure, theman who hauled me off the raft, and I will again thank you heartily forsaving my life, " he said, in a frank tone. "I find that I have deprivedyou of your cabin; you must stow me elsewhere for the rest of thevoyage, for I must not continue to incommode you. "

"There is another berth I can take, so don't talk about that, " answeredOwen. 

"As you wish, " said the stranger, who having, to his own satisfaction itmay be, expressed his thanks, took a seaman-like glance round the ship. As he did so, his eye fell on Norah and the captain. An expression ofsurprise crossed his countenance, succeeded by a look of admiration, ashe beheld Norah, who appeared even more beautiful and attractive thanusual, her colour heightened by the fresh breeze and her heart joyouswith the thoughts of her father's recovery. She withdrew her gaze, which had naturally been turned towards the stranger who had thusunexpectedly appeared. He at once, guessing who the captain and hisdaughter were, stepped on to the poop and advanced towards them. Doffing his sea-cap with the manners of a man accustomed to the world, he bowed to the young lady, and then addressed the captain. "I havecome without any formal invitation on board your ship, sir, but faith, Ihadn't my choice--your mate hauled me on board without asking whether Iwished it or no; and, to confess the truth, I am very much obliged tohim, for had he stopped to inquire I should not have had the opportunityof answering, as in another moment I should have been carried to liewhere many a brave fellow sleeps, at the bottom of the sea. I amtherefore indebted to him for saving my life--what he did, he did welland gallantly, at no slight risk of losing his own. "

"I am thankful that he succeeded, " answered Captain Tracy; "and, for mypart, all I can say is that you are very welcome on board--and glad I amto see you so much recovered this morning. "

"A night's rest has worked wonders--yesterday evening I felt very muchunlike myself, but I am now strong and well as usual. " The strangertook two or three turns on deck to verify his assertion; again stopping, in an off-hand style he inquired how long the ship had been out, whatweather had been met with, and where she was bound for--though, curiously enough, he did not offer to give any account of himself, apparently intending to let the captain put any questions to him on thesubject he might think fit. Norah, not being destitute of the curiositynatural to her sex, was longing to learn who the stranger was--yet shedid not like to ask him herself. She waited, hoping that her fatherwould do so. She could at length restrain herself no longer. 

"Had you been long in the water, sir?" she inquired. 

"Five or six hours, I believe, more or less, " he answered, smiling. "By-the-by, I must apologise for not having before given an account ofmyself. To the best of my belief, I am the only survivor of the gallantfellows who manned the _Dragon_ privateer, of which I had the honour tobe first officer. She carried sixteen guns and a crew of 110 hands, alltold. "

"A privateer!" exclaimed Captain Tracy. "What flag did you sail under?Has England again gone to war? We had heard nothing of it before weleft Port Royal. "

"Oh, that is not surprising--it is scarcely six weeks since Englanddeclared war against France, " replied the stranger. "We knew what wasin the wind, and sailed from Bristol, to which port the _Dragon_belonged, immediately the news reached us, in search of Frenchhomeward-bound ships, hoping to get hold of them before they had heardof the breaking out of war. We had, as you may judge, a quick run tothe southward, having on our way made three captures, and by having tosend prize crews away in them our strength was considerably diminished. Still our captain, Simon Avery--you may have heard of him, sir--was notthe man to give up while there was a chance of falling in with othervessels. Short-handed as we were, we had to keep watch and watch; andyesterday morning, while the watch below were asleep, and most of thehands on deck much in the same state, the ship was struck by a squall, and before sheet or brace could be let go, over she went and began tofill. I had just time, with three others, to get hold of a half-hatch, to cut some spars adrift, and to shove off to a distance, when down shewent, carrying with her every soul on board. I don't wish to harrow theyoung lady's feelings by describing the scene. A few floated up andshouted out for help, but we couldn't give it, for our own raft wasalready loaded. Before many minutes were over, even the stoutestswimmers had sunk beneath the surface. I had got hold of an axe and acoil of rope, and we managed to lash the spars to a grating. While soemployed, one of the men slipped off; as he couldn't swim, he wasdrowned, and thus we had more room. The sea rapidly got up, and nowanother of my companions was washed away, and then the last. I securedmyself to the raft, resolved to struggle for life while I had strength;but had not, fortunately, your ship stood towards me, and your bravemate gallantly hauled me on board, I should to a certainty have beenlost. "

"I am very thankful, sir, that my mate was the means of saving you, "said Captain Tracy; "you cannot praise him too highly. He has sailedwith me since he first came to sea, and though he took to the lifesomewhat later than most people do, he has become a better seaman thanmany of his elders. "

"I don't doubt it, sir; I should judge from his looks that he is all youdescribe him to be, " answered the stranger. 

"You say, " resumed Captain Tracy, "that the English and French are atloggerheads again--can you tell me whether any king's ships have beensent out for the protection of our commerce, or, what is of moreconsequence to us, whether many French privateers are already afloat?"

"As to that, it was reported that a fleet was fitting out at Portsmouthwith all despatch to be placed under the command of Sir Edward Hawke;and it was said that Admiral Byng was to be sent to the Mediterraneanwith a squadron. Another fleet was already at sea, under the command ofAdmiral Holburne; and the news has arrived that he came up with andattacked the French fleet, commanded by Admiral Macnamara, off theAmerican coast, and captured two 64-gun ships, with a considerablenumber of troops on board. It is evident, therefore, that the Englishare no longer asleep, as they have been for some time past, and areintending to carry on the war with vigour. With regard to theFrenchmen, they are pretty wide awake, though they may not have expectedto be attacked so suddenly; and as far as I was able to learn, they havenot been slow in sending both men-of-war and privateers to sea--and Iwould advise you to stand clear of any strange sail we may fall in with:it is wiser to avoid a friend than to run the risk of being caught by afoe. "

"This is bad news indeed you give me, sir, " said Captain Tracy, "thoughI have to thank you for it, as it is better to be forewarned; and youmay depend on it, I will follow your advice. Had I thought it likelythat war would break out, I should not have brought my young daughter tosea; but she was anxious to come as she had no one to look after her, and I intended this to be my last voyage, for I have knocked aboutenough on the ocean to long to settle down quietly on shore. We knowthat we must run all risks, but I cannot bear the thought of what mighthappen should we be captured by a picarooning privateer, for most ofthem are but little better than pirates. " He said this in a low voice, aside, to the stranger, intending that Norah should not hear him. 

"I sincerely hope that we shall not fall in with a Frenchman of anyquality, either a man-of-war or one of the picarooning rascals you speakof, " answered the stranger, in a somewhat sarcastic tone. 

"Well, Mr--I beg your pardon, you haven't mentioned your name--I haveagain to thank you for the information and advice you have given me, andI hope you'll find yourself at home on board this chip. We're prettywell provisioned, and we'll not starve you, at all events, " said CaptainTracy. 

"Thank you, captain, I have no fear about the matter, " answered thestranger; "and as to my name, I quite forgot to give it. Indeed, youare not likely to have heard of me before, for I have been knockingabout in distant seas for most of my life--it is Lancelot Carnegan. Ihail from Ireland, as you may suppose; and perhaps you may have alreadydiscovered a touch of the brogue--but it has been well-nigh washed outof me; still, though we children of Erin roam the world over, we neverentirely get rid of our mother tongue. "

"Bad luck to us if we do, " answered the captain, laughing. "I mighthave guessed that you came from the old country--and now you'll have anopportunity, if you wish to remain when we reach harbour, of renewingyour acquaintance with it and any friends you may have. "

"There are few, if any, who know me, " answered Mr Carnegan. "I playedtruant at an early age, and have seldom since then set foot on my nativeshore. "

Norah had made no attempt to join in the conversation. The new-comer, now turning towards her, addressed her in a deferential tone, and with alook which clearly showed the admiration he felt. He inquired how sheliked the West Indies, and what parts of the islands she had seen, andwhether she enjoyed being at sea. They were but commonplace questions, but his manner encouraged her to speak freely, and she described withmuch graphic power the scenery and places she had visited. 

"I delight in the sea, " she added. "I enjoy it in all weathers; andeven when a storm has been raging I have felt no fear, for I knew thatthe good ship is sound, and that those in command were well able tomanage her. I should have been ready to accompany my father in as manymore voyages as he might wish to make, and it is not I who havepersuaded him to quit the sea. I fear, indeed, that he will soon gettired of the quiet life he will lead on shore. "

A complimentary remark was rising to Mr Carnegan's lips, but herestrained himself, not quite certain how it might be taken, and merelysaid, "Captain Tracy will have no cause, I am sure, to regret hischoice. Though I love the sea, I confess that I often long to take upmy abode in some romantic spot in the old country, with thecompanionship of one whose happiness I could watch over. In truth, Icould gladly spend the remainder of my days far away from war andstrife, and out of sight even of the stormy ocean--for, should I catch aglimpse of that, I might at times be tempted to wish myself againbounding over the buoyant wave. "

The speaker perhaps expected to see Norah cast down her eyes as headdressed her; but she looked up with a steady glance, and laughinglyanswered, "If you think that, you have very little confidence in yourown resolution. "

Mr Carnegan was about to reply, when the captain observed, "Let meadvise you, sir, to keep to the sea, unless you have some better callingin view. An idle life on shore won't suit you, a young man of spirit;and those who try it have to repent of their folly. But you will excuseme when I say that I think you would find as honourable employment inthe merchant service as on board a privateer--not but that I am ready toallow that many gallant fellows engage in that sort of work; though, when you look at it in its true light, privateering is but licencedrobbery at the best. "

"I cannot say that I so view it, " observed Mr Carnegan; "whilebenefiting ourselves and lining our own pockets, we are serving thecountry. We capture our foes in fair and open fight, while we run therisk of being taken ourselves. However, to prove to you that I don'tdespise the merchant service, as you appear to be rather short-handed, Ishall be happy to do duty on board as one of your mates, if you willtrust me. I don't ask for wages, but it will be a satisfaction to me tofeel that I am working my passage home. "

"I don't doubt your knowledge of seamanship and navigation, and gladlyaccept your offer, " answered the captain. 

Mr Carnegan was accordingly duly installed in the office of second mateof the _Ouzel Galley_. 

CHAPTER TWO. 

FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE STRANGER--MR. CARNEGAN SHOWS HISADMIRATION OF NORAH--APPROACHING IRELAND--A CONFESSION--A SAIL INSIGHT--CHASED--THE ENEMY GAINS ON THE OUZEL GALLEY--NORAH AND GERALDSENT INTO THE HOLD--THE FIGHT BEGINS--THE OUZEL GALLEY HOLDS OUTBRAVELY, BUT IS RAPIDLY OVERTAKEN--BOTH MATES WOUNDED--THE FRENCHMENBOARD THE OUZEL GALLEY--GERALD DEFENDS NORAH--THE FRENCH CAPTAIN'SCOURTESY--THE OUZEL GALLEY IN THE HANDS OF THE FRENCHMEN--THE COQUILLEGOES OFF IN CHASE--A SLEEP-LOVING LIEUTENANT--AN IDEA OCCURS TO GERALD. 

The wind continued fair and the weather fine, and the _Ouzel Galley_made good progress on her voyage. Norah was not free from anxiety withregard to her father, who had sufficiently recovered his strength tocome on deck and carry on duty, but she longed to get him safe on shore, where alone she believed he would be restored to his usual health. Thenew mate showed himself to be a good seaman, and was evidentlyaccustomed to command, as far as the captain could judge by the way inwhich he trimmed sails and issued his orders to the crew. They obeyedhim as seamen always do an officer whom they look upon as a goodsailor--not that they were particularly disposed to like him, for henever spoke to any of them except to tell them what to do, and his tonewas always that of a person who intended to have his orders carried out. Had he come on board in the ordinary way, they would have taken this asa matter of course; but Pompey had expressed his opinion that there wassome mystery about him--he might be a true man, but it was possible thathe might be of the character of the well-known Flying Dutchman, and hadappeared only for the sake of betraying them. The rest of the crew werewell disposed to take up this opinion; indeed, few believed that amortal man could have survived on the raft in the heavy sea there wasrunning at the time; and Mr Carnegan was more narrowly watched than hesuspected. 

"I tell you what, mates, " observed Pompey one evening, when he and twoor three of his especial chums were seated together in the forecastle, "you may be sartain sure no good will come of having this strangeraboard. Why de captain make him mate is more than I can tell. De odernight, as he walked the deck shouting out to de hand on de fore-topsailyard-arm, I see a flame of fire come of his mouth, and den I says tomyself, `I know who you are. ' I tell you only what true, as I am livingman. "

"Shure, he was only knocking the ashes out of his pipe, " remarked DanConnor; "it's one he brought on board with him, and I've seen him smokeit many a time. "

"He may have a pipe, but dat was no pipe he was smoking den, " answeredthe black. 

"I ain't quite sure but as how Pompey isn't right, " remarked Tom Stokes, an English seaman. "I've heard say that the Flying Dutchman he wasspeaking of plays all sorts of tricks to get aboard; sometimes he comesalongside in a boat with a bundle of letters, and woe betide the crewwho take them on board! Their ship's doomed, and will be sure to blowup, or be burnt, or go to the bottom, or run on a sunken reef. To mymind, half the ships that are cast away are lost by some such trick asthat. Maybe he thinks he's been found out, and is now trying a newdodge; if I had my will, we'd lay him by the heels some dark night andheave him overboard--it's the only chance there is of saving the ship. "

Meantime the subject of these remarks would have been very indifferentto them had he heard what was said. He was doing his best to ingratiatehimself with the captain and his fair daughter. Whenever Norah was ondeck he was sure to be there also, and was always ready to assist herwhen the sea was running somewhat high and the ship was tumbling aboutmore than usual. She appeared to receive these attentions as a matterof course, and always thanked him courteously. She could not, however, fail to remark that, where-ever he was standing, his eye was directedtowards her; and especially, if her father and Owen were below, that heinvariably drew near to enter into conversation. It is possible thatshe may have suspected the admiration she had excited, but she certainlynever, by word, or look, or manner, did anything to encourage him. Healso was on his guard not to say anything which might annoy or alarmher, while his manner was always deferential. He continued on friendlyterms with Owen, and always spoke good-naturedly to Gerald, takingevident pleasure in describing the countries he had visited and thestrange scenes he had witnessed, to which the boy always eagerlylistened. Although the ship was short-handed, as it was of the greatestimportance to get home as soon as possible, all sail which could beprudently set was carried night and day. At that period it was thecustom on board merchant vessels to shorten sail at night, go thatshould the ship be caught by a squall she might the better be preparedfor it; but as the two mates now took watch and watch during the hoursof darkness, they allowed all the sails to remain standing which hadbeen carried during the day. A bright look-out was kept from themast-head from sunrise to sunset, and occasionally when a strange sailwas seen, as soon as it was ascertained in what direction she wassteering, the course was changed to avoid her. As each day brought the_Ouzel Galley_ nearer to the shores of Ireland, the captain's spiritsrose, as did his hopes of getting in safe. The second mate seemed quiteas anxious on the subject as any one else on board; but Pompey was notyet satisfied. 

"We're not in yet, " he whispered to Dan Connor. "Why he not send deship to de bottom before dis I not know; but you see--he play somescurvy trick before he done wid us. "

Fortunately for the second mate, the rest of the crew were not so deeplyimbued with Pompey's opinions as to induce them to act according to hisadvice; but they still regarded Mr Carnegan with suspicion, though theyobeyed his commands with as much alacrity as at first. Several otherstrange sail were seen in the distance, and as before carefully avoided. The ship had got to about the latitude of Lisbon. 

"How soon may we expect to get into port?" asked Norah of her father. 

"If the wind holds fair, another week will carry us safe up to the quayof Waterford, " answered the captain; "but we may meet with a head wind, and it may be a fortnight or three weeks before we make the land--butwe'll hope for the best, and it will not be for lack of doing all thatseamen can do if we don't succeed. "

The sea was smooth, the wind being from the southward, while a lightmist prevented the sun's rays being over oppressive. Norah as usualwent on deck after breakfast with her work and a book. Owen was below;it was the second mate's watch, and soon after she had taken her seat heapproached her. 

"In a few days, Miss Tracy, we shall be doomed to part, " he said, "Itmay be that, compelled by a cruel fate to wander over the world, I maynever again meet you; but, believe me, the time I have spent on boardthis ship I shall ever look upon as the happiest of my life. "

"You are very good to say so, " answered Norah, "though I should havesupposed, from the account you have given of yourself, that you wouldhave met with many other opportunities of enjoying life far more thanyou could have done on board the _Ouzel Galley_. "

"It is not the place, Miss Tracy, but the person with whom one isassociated, on which one's happiness depends. I speak from the depthsof my heart--if I could hope to enjoy existence with you, I would notexchange my lot for that of the proudest monarch on earth, " said MrCarnegan. 

Before Norah could reply, the look-out from the mast-head shouted, "Asail on the larboard bow!" At that instant, as he spoke, the captaincame on deck, followed by Owen. 

"What course is she steering?" asked the former. 

"About south-east, sir, close-hauled, " was the answer. 

While the captain was speaking Owen had gone forward, and was now makinghis way up the fore-rigging. He quickly reached the mast-head; he hadnot been there many seconds before the breeze freshening blew away themist, disclosing to view a large ship under all sail, her hull alreadyrising above the horizon. Unslinging his glass, he directed it towardsher. 

"What does she look like?" asked the captain. 

"She is flush-decked, and I make out ten ports on a side, sir, " answeredOwen from aloft. Saying this, he quickly came down on deck, from whencethe movements of the stranger, which was standing directly across thecourse the _Ouzel Galley_ was steering, could be discerned as well asfrom the mast-head. 

"If we hold on as we are now we shall be within range of her guns inless than an hour, and I much fear that she is an enemy, sir, " saidOwen, as he came up to the captain. 

"We'll do our best, then, to keep out of her way, " was the answer. "Port the helm--man the larboard braces--ease off the starboard bracesand bowlines! We'll stand away to the sou'-west till we run her out ofsight; it will cause us some delay, but it will be better than runningthe risk of capture. "

The two mates and Gerald, with all hands, went to the ropes, while thecaptain taking the helm, the ship was brought on a wind, the mizen, which had hitherto been furled, being also set, and the _Ouzel Galley_stood away on a bowline under all sail to the south-east. 

"She has the look of a fast craft, and is probably strong-handed, "observed the second mate. 

"We shall soon see which has, notwithstanding, the faster pair ofheels--the _Ouzel Galley_ is no sluggard, Mr Carnegan, and we may stillhope to run the stranger out of sight. Let her go along, my lad, " saidthe captain to the man at the helm; "she sails best two points off thewind; we'll run on till dark, Owen, and if by that time the strangerisn't to be seen, we'll tack, and may chance to give her the go-by. "

"I trust we may, sir, " said Owen, in a tone of some doubt; "we have theadvantage of being well to windward, though, as Mr Carnegan wasobserving, if she has a strong crew she can tack in half the time wecan, and we couldn't do better than to stand on till nightfall, as youpropose, and then try to give her the slip. "

The eyes of all on board were naturally turned towards the stranger. Asyet, however, it was difficult to say whether or not she was gaining onthem. Norah saw that her father and his mates were anxious on thesubject, but, being sure that they were acting for the best, restrainedher own feelings--yet, as may be supposed, she could not help reflectingwhat might be her and her father's fate should the stranger prove to bean enemy and capture them. She had often heard of the cruelties towhich the prisoners of privateers were exposed, and she was well awareof her father's hatred to the system, although privateering wasgenerally allowed to be honourable and lawful. The stranger, though anenemy, might be a king's ship; and, if so, she might hope to receivecourteous treatment from the French officers. Though she had resolvednot to ask questions, she listened to her father's and Owen's opinionsas to the character of the stranger. At noon, which soon arrived, thecaptain and his mates came on the poop to take an observation in orderto ascertain the ship's position. They had before this run some way tothe northward of the latitude of Lisbon. 

"Sure, it's enough to provoke a saint, " exclaimed Gerald, who wasaccustomed to express himself somewhat vehemently; "if it hadn't beenfor that fellow out there we should have been half across the Bay ofBiscay by this time or to-morrow. I only hope, if he comes up with us, that we'll be after giving him a good drubbing; it will serve him rightif we send him to the bottom. "

"What, do you think our father intends to fight the strange ship, shouldshe prove to be an enemy?" asked Norah, with some natural trepidation inher voice. 

"I'm sure we're not going to be taken, and lose the ship and our cargo, and be made prisoners and ruined without having a fight for it, "answered Gerald, "especially as Owen says that he feels pretty sure sheis a privateer. Why he thinks so, I can't quite make out, except thather masts rake more than those of most men-of-war and her sails are cutsomewhat differently--it is impossible to be certain. "

"Grant Heaven that, if there is a fight, our father and you and Owen maybe preserved!" murmured Norah. 

"They wouldn't fight without a good hope of success--but we must run ourchance, " said Gerald, laughing; "but, you know, we shall stow you downin the hold among the cargo safe enough. "

"Oh no, no! I hope if there is a fight that I may be allowed to remainon deck, or at least in the cabin, where I may be ready to help any whoare hurt, " exclaimed Norah. 

"That would never do, " answered Gerald; "you might be hit as well asanybody else, and you wouldn't like to have a leg or an arm shot off. "

Poor Norah shuddered at the thoughtless remark of her brother. Geraldobserved the expression of her countenance. 

"I didn't intend to frighten you, " he said; "I hope that none of us willbe hurt--only of course there's a risk, and we must save you from beingexposed to it. We shall only make a running fight of it, and try toknock away some of the enemy's spars and prevent her from following us. If she were to come up with us, she is so much bigger than we are, andso much more heavily armed, with probably six times as many hands, thatwe should have no chance in a broadside fight. "

"If we are captured what will happen?" asked Norah. 

"I suppose we shall be carried into a French port, and be kept prisonerstill the war is over, and you and I must learn to talk French. It won'tbe so very bad, after all, so you needn't look so grave, Norah, "answered Gerald. 

"It will break our poor father's heart, I fear, " answered Norah, "andOwen will be miserable. "

"Well, then, though wishing it won't exactly help us, we'll hope toescape, and that none of the dreadful things you expect will happen, "said Gerald. 

Though Gerald made light of the matter, others on board did not do so. From the first Owen had had little doubt that the ship chasing them wasFrench. The captain differed from him, but agreed that she was probablya privateer. Though her masts raked, so did those of many Britishships, especially of those sailing from Jersey and Guernsey, while therewas nothing that he could see remarkable about the cut of her sails. The second mate expressed no opinion. After a time, however, a cloudwas seen to gather on his brow. 

"I thought you boasted of this craft being remarkably fast, " he observedto Owen. "Now, as far as I can judge, that ship yonder is sailingnearly two feet to our one, and will be within hail of us before dark. "

"She sails faster than we do, I acknowledge; but you over-estimate herspeed, " answered Owen. "I still expect that we shall keep well ahead ofher till dark, and we may then alter our course and escape. "

"I tell you your hopes are vain; yonder ship is as fast a craft as anyout of a French port--we haven't a chance of escaping her, " replied MrCarnegan. 

"You know her, then?" answered Owen. 

"I have seen her more than once--before the war broke out, of course--and, from her size and the weight of her metal, if we attempt to fighther we shall be sent to the bottom, " was the answer. 

"The captain intends to try and knock her spars away, and thus to enableus to escape, " said Owen. 

"She is more likely to send our masts over the side than to suffer anyharm our popguns can do her, " observed the second mate. 

Captain Tracy, who had been watching the stranger for some time, nowsummoned them both and asked their opinion. They repeated what they hadbefore said. "Owen, we can trust our crew?" he observed. 

"Even the sick men would be ready to fight--we can depend on all ofthem, " said Owen. 

"Then we'll train two guns aft, and fight them as long as our own mastsstand, " exclaimed Captain Tracy. "Hoist our ensign, that there may beno mistake--though I own that I have now little doubt of that fellowbeing a Frenchman. We shall soon see--yes--there, up goes the whiteflag with the lilies of France; it won't be long before she is withinrange. "

"I think not, sir, " observed the second mate, "and if you take my adviceyou will not attempt to fight--even if we do knock away a spar or two, with her crew of not less than a hundred and twenty men, I'll warrantshe'll speedily repair her damages; and as she carries heavy metal, if Imistake not, her first broadside will send us to the bottom. "

The captain made no reply. "Gerald, " he said, "take your sister down tothe hold--Dan Connor and Tim will arrange a secure place for her, and Iput her under your charge--remember, you're to remain with her, and notto return on deck till I send for you. "

Gerald looked very much disappointed, but he well knew that it would bevain to expostulate. He had fully expected to engage in the fight, orto "take part in the fun, " as he called it. Norah had before this goneinto the cabin, to which Gerald repaired, and with no very good gracedelivered their father's orders. Without a murmur Norah prepared toobey them. The second mate and some of the men were engaged in draggingone of the guns aft. As she came on deck, Norah found her fatherstanding near the companion-hatch. Embracing her, he kissed her browand said, "Don't be alarmed, my child; we shall manage to escape theFrenchman, I hope, and come off without damage. Go into your nest, now, with Gerald, and I hope before long I shall have a good report to giveyou. "

As she went forwards towards the main hatchway she glanced at Owen; hesprang to her side and without stopping to ask leave assisted her below. It was a dreary place which had been prepared for her amongsugar-hogsheads, rum casks, and packages of other West India produce. Dan Connor, who had been till that moment busy in arranging it, appearedwith a lantern to light them the latter part of the way. Norah lookedwith no little dismay at the dark recess in which she and Gerald were topass the period of the impending action. 

"Shure, Miss Norah, you'll find it more aisy and pleasant than you thinkfor, " said Dan, who observed the expression of her countenance, "whenthe lantern's hung up, as I'll be doing to give you light; and I'd makebold to say that if you'd brought a book to read, or just some work toamuse yourself, you'd be after finding the time pass pleasantly enoughaway. "

Norah, as may be imagined, felt little disposed to read or work, or tofancy that the time could pass pleasantly. She almost smiled at theidea. It appeared to her that it would be the most dreadful period ofher existence. On entering, however, she found that Dan had arranged aseat with some cushions and a grating to keep her feet off any moisturewhich might have oozed out of the casks, Dan secured the lantern, as heproposed, to a sugar cask, while Owen pressed Norah's hand. 

"Hope for the best, dearest, " he whispered. "I'd have given worlds tosave you from this; but we can trust to One who rules all things forprotection, and we may still escape the threatened danger. A calm maycome on before the Frenchman gets up with us, or an English ship ofsuperior force may heave in sight--hope for the best; I must stay nolonger. Gerald, you heard the captain's orders--let nothing induce youto quit your sister. I know your spirit, and that you'd rather be ondeck; but your duty is to remain below, and by doing your duty, howevermuch against the grain it may be, you'll be showing truer courage thanby going where round shot and bullets may be flying round your head likehail. "

"You are right, Mr Massey, and you may depend on my not quitting Norah, whatever happens;" and Gerald sat himself down on a tub which Dan hadplaced for him, and resolutely folded his arms as if he felt that in noother way could he keep his post. The next moment Owen sprang upondeck, followed by Dan. Never before had Owen Massey been so anxious toavoid a fight--indeed, all on board were, for various reasons, much ofthe same mind. Captain Tracy was resolved to escape if he could, and tofight only if it would enable him to do so. The hope that a Britishship of war might heave in sight had only just occurred to Owen whenbelow with Norah, and as soon as he returned on deck he went up to themast-head, almost expecting to see another ship standing towards theenemy; but though he swept the whole horizon with his glass, not a sailappeared in sight, and he had quickly to descend to attend to hisduties. The crew, meantime, were bringing up powder and shot frombelow, and loading the guns. Two of the longest pieces had already beenrun out astern; they were of brass, and of small bore, but were able tosend a shot as far as most guns in use in those days. The others weresmaller pieces, carried for the purpose of defending the ship, shouldshe be attacked by any of the picaroons, at that time the pest of theCaribbean Sea. When Owen again looked out, he saw that the enemy hadconsiderably overhauled them since he went below. Had he beforeentertained any doubt about the character of the vessel chasing them, itcompletely vanished, and his experienced eye assured him that she mustbe a French privateer. The wind also continued as steady as at first, and with deep regret he was convinced that the stranger was superior tothe _Ouzel Galley_ on any point of sailing, whether before the wind, going free, or close-hauled; while her numerous crew would give herevery possible advantage in manoeuvring, or repairing damages should anyof her spars or rigging be knocked away. 

Meantime, poor Norah and her brother remained in their dark cell fardown in the hold of the ship, listening anxiously for any sounds whichmight betoken the commencement of the action. The air was close andredolent of unsavoury odours, and would of itself have been sufficientto weigh down their young hearts; it might be a place of safety, butthey would both of them infinitely rather have been on deck and able tosee what was going forward. Norah sat with her hands clasped on thecouch Dan had arranged for her; while Gerald, soon losing patience, gotup, and, as there was no room to pace backwards and forwards, could onlygive vent to his feelings by an occasional stamp of the foot, as hedoubled his fists and struck out at an imaginary Frenchman. 

"Oh, I do hope we shall thrash that fellow, " he exclaimed, "big as helooks. I am glad our father didn't determine to give in withoutfighting. It wouldn't have been like him if he had, though the secondmate advised him to do so. I should have thought Mr Carnegan was fullof pluck, but he appeared to me to show the white feather, and I'm notat all sure how he'll behave--not that it much matters, for I am verycertain that Owen will make the men stand to their guns as long asthere's a shot in the locker. "

"I only hope that we may avoid fighting altogether, " said Norah. "Owenthought it possible that an English man-of-war might appear in sight andput the enemy to flight, or that we may keep ahead till nightfall, andthen manage to escape. "

"Depend upon it, the Frenchman is coming up much too fast to give us anychance of keeping ahead till dark--we must not expect that. I have moreconfidence in our knocking away some of his spars; Owen is a first-rateshot, and if it can be done he'll do it. Don't be cast down, Norah; itwould never have done for you to remain where you might have run therisk of being hit. Our father was right in sending you here, though Iwish he had allowed me to stay on deck--but then, you see, you couldn'tbe left alone; and if, after all, the Frenchmen do take us, why, therewould have been no one to protect you. That consoles me for remaininghere, and if the worst happens I'll fight for you. See, I've brought acutlass, and a brace of pistols, and it would be a hard matter for anyone to get in here without my leave. "

"Oh, it would be dreadful!" cried Norah, shuddering at the thought ofthe ship being captured--for she could not conceal from herself thatsuch might too probably be the case. "Don't attempt to fight if any ofour enemies should find their way down here--it would be utterlyuseless, and only exasperate them. "

"Well, perhaps they won't find their way down here, " said Gerald, whodirectly he had uttered anything calculated to alarm his sister wasanxious to remedy the mistake; "let us try and talk of something else, and wait patiently for what may happen. "

The proposal was not as easily carried out as made; in another minuteGerald was again talking of what might or might not occur. Some timewent by. "Hark! hark! what is that?" exclaimed Norah suddenly, as theboom of a gun, which from its faintness showed that it must have beenfired at a distance, reached their ears. 

"There comes the first shot, but it didn't strike us--the Frenchman istrying whether he has got us within range, " said Gerald. 

"It shows, though, that the enemy must be very near, " cried Norah. 

"It will be the sooner over, " said Gerald. "We shall hear our guns gooff soon--they'll make a much greater noise; but don't be frightened, Norah dear--they, at all events, will not injure you. "

"I am not thinking of myself, " answered Norah, "but for those on deck, and for our poor father--he is still so ill and so little able to bearall this anxiety--and for Owen, should they be struck by those dreadfulcannon-balls. "

"The round shot, you mean, " said Gerald; "but they are not to be so muchdreaded, after all. They may fall pretty thickly aboard without doingany harm. I've heard some of our men who were in the last war say thatthey've known ships firing away at each other for an hour or morewithout anybody being hit. Hark! there's another gun; that came fromthe enemy, but the shot missed us. I wonder we don't begin to fire--wesoon shall, though, no doubt about that. I wish that I had brought downthe boat's compass with us, to know how we were steering; we arekeeping, however, on the same tack as before--I can tell that by theheel of the ship. "

Norah, while Gerald was talking, held her breath, expecting every momentto hear the guns go off with a loud roar, not aware how much the soundwould be deadened before it reached the hold. Neither she nor Geraldhad at first observed the increased motion of the ship, or that she washeeling over to larboard considerably more than at first. Gerald now, however, remarked it. 

"The breeze has freshened, " he exclaimed, "though I don't know if thatwill be in our favour. I wish that our father had not told me to stayhere without moving--I would run upon deck to see how things are goingon, and be back in a moment. "

"Gerald, not for my sake but for your own, I earnestly pray you toremain--remember, our father ordered you not to leave this, whatevermight happen, " exclaimed Norah. 

"Yes, I know that; I was only saying what I should like to do, " answeredGerald. 

Nearly another minute elapsed, during which not a word was spoken; thencame a much louder report than had before been heard. 

"That was one of our guns, I am sure of it, " exclaimed Gerald; though, from its deadness, Norah could scarcely believe that it was from one ofthe _Ouzel Galley's_ guns. 

"Hurrah! we've begun at last, " cried Gerald, "no fear; I shouldn't besurprised to find that the shot had knocked away one of the enemy'stopsail yards. "

Another and another gun followed in rapid succession; at intervals couldbe clearly distinguished the firing of the enemy's guns, and every nowand then a report succeeded by a loud thud, showing that the shot hadstruck some part of the _Ouzel Galley_. 

"Fire away, my boys, fire away!" shouted Gerald. "I wish that I couldbe on deck, even if I'd nothing better to do than hand up the powder!"

Norah again entreated him to remain. For some time the firingcontinued, but from the sound of the enemy's guns it was pretty clearthat the ships had not yet got to close quarters. 

"Sure, we must be giving it them, " cried Gerald. Scarcely had he spokenwhen there came a loud crashing sound, as if one of the masts had beenknocked away and had fallen on the deck. Cries and shrieks of injuredmen writhing in pain penetrated even to the depths of the hold. 

"Oh that some one would come and tell us what has happened!" exclaimedNorah. "I wonder our father or Owen don't send--it must be somethingdreadful. "

"I've heard of ships holding out, even though a mast has been shotaway, " said Gerald; "we don't know what has happened to the enemy--perhaps she is worse off than we are. "

Not another gun was fired from the deck of the _Ouzel Galley_; that wasa bad sign, and presently afterwards there came a violent concussion anda grating sound, as if one ship had run alongside the other. 

"Gerald, oh, what is taking place?" cried Norah, seizing her brother'shand. 

"We are about to be boarded, or perhaps we are going to board theenemy, " he answered; "I don't see why one thing shouldn't happen as wellas the other. "

"I am afraid it is as you first suggested, " said Norah. "Hark to thoseloud shouts; they are the voices of Frenchmen--they must have boardedus. I hear their feet tramping on deck, and there they come down below. Our people must have been quickly overpowered; what resistance couldsuch a mere handful offer to the numerous crew of the enemy? Oh! ourpoor father and Owen--can they wish us to remain here? They may bewounded and bleeding to death, and may require our help. "

It was now Gerald's turn to insist on obeying orders. "Norah, Norah!stay where you are, " he exclaimed. "Should the Frenchmen have boardedus, you might meet them, and we can't tell how they might behave. Ifany come here they'll have to repent their audacity, " he added, placinghimself with a pistol in one hand and a cutlass in the other at theentrance of Norah's retreat. 

"I must fight for you if they come down here--it is my duty, and I'll doit, " answered Gerald to his sister's expostulations; for she dreadedlest, by offering resistance, he might induce the enemy to kill him. He, however, would not listen to her entreaties. "At all events, don'tspeak, Norah, " he said; "the Frenchmen may hear us and find us out--whereas if we remain quiet we may escape discovery till the boardershave gone back to their own ship and ours is left in charge of a prizecrew, and we may be very sure that neither our father nor Owen will beinduced to quit the _Ouzel Galley_ without us. "

Norah saw the prudence of this advice. She wisely also put out thelantern, the light from which would very certainly have betrayed theirhiding-place. 

We must now return on deck. As soon as Norah and Gerald had gone below, the captain addressed the crew and asked whether they would stick by himand assist in making every effort he could devise for escaping. Theyone and all declared that they were ready to fight to the last topreserve the _Ouzel Galley_ from capture and to escape a French prison. 

"Then we'll make a running fight of it, my lads, " he said. "The enemyhas probably much heavier metal and many more men than we have, but ourtwo guns will be of as much service as her twenty if we can keep her asshe now is, right astern--and that's what I intend to do. "

The second mate had narrowly scanned the French ship. "I can tell youwhat, Captain Tracy, " he said at length, "you haven't a chance ofescaping from her. I know her and her commander well, and not a betteror more determined seaman ever walked the deck of a ship. I have reasonto be grateful to you for the way I have been treated on board thisvessel, and to your first mate for saving my life; and for your own sakeI would advise you to haul down your flag at once and surrender--youwill probably be far better treated than if you lead the Frenchman along chase and are taken at last. "

"I am obliged to you for your good intentions in giving the advice youdo, " said Captain Tracy, "but my principle is to hold out till the lasthope of success has gone--and we haven't quite arrived at that pointyet. If you don't wish to fight you can go below. "

"You mistake me, " answered the second mate, in a somewhat angry tone, and he walked away. The next instant a puff of smoke was seen to issuefrom the bows of the French ship, and a shot came flying across thewater; but it fell short of the _Ouzel Galley_. 

"Stand by to fire our stern-chasers, Mr Massey, " sang out the captain, "but we'll let the enemy find out the range before we throw a shotaway. "

The captain did not fail to keep his eye on the canvas, to be ready toalter his course should there be the slightest shift of wind. Thesecond mate continued walking the deck in sullen silence, determinedapparently to take no further part in defence of the ship. Owen stoodready, match in hand, to fire the stern-chasers. In the course of a fewminutes the Frenchman fired another shot; it went ricocheting over thewater, and passed the quarter of the _Ouzel Galley_. 

"Our guns will carry as far as the Frenchman's, " exclaimed the captain. "Now see what you can do, Owen. "

The first mate, looking along his gun, fired; the shot struck the enemy. The crew of the _Ouzel Galley_ watched eagerly for the effect of theshot. It went through the Frenchman's fore-topsail. A loud cheershowed their satisfaction. 

"Well done, Owen--fire the other and try to wing him, " cried thecaptain. While the crew were loading the first gun, Owen fired thesecond. The captain, who had his glass turned towards the enemy, shouted, "Hurrah! it's struck the fore-topsail yard. "

The spar, however, remained standing, and some of the Frenchmen wereseen running aloft to fish it. Owen sprang back to the first gun he hadfired, and again discharged it; but the enemy at that moment kept away, and before what damage it had effected could be seen, clouds of smokeissued from her, and the shot from her whole broadside came rushingtowards the chase. They were mostly aimed high, and either went throughthe sails or passed by without doing any injury; but two struck thequarter, and another glanced along the side, leaving a long whitefurrow. 

"Those shots were well aimed, but if she plays that trick often we shallhave a better chance of escaping, " observed the captain, calmly; "tryanother shot, Owen. "

The French ship quickly came up to the wind. Owen again fired, and oneof the Frenchmen was seen to drop to the deck. The enemy had nowbrought a gun on the forecastle, from which they opened fire in returnto the _Ouzel Galley's_ stern-chasers. Both vessels then fired away asfast as the guns could be loaded and run out; but though most of Owen'sshot told with some effect, the damage he produced was speedilyrepaired, while several of the Frenchmen's shot struck the _OuzelGalley_, though as yet no one had been injured. The former was, however, in the mean time, creeping up nearer and nearer, and also, fromsailing closer to the wind, weathering on the chase. The second mate, who had been walking the deck with as much calmness as if no fight wasgoing on, again came up to the captain. 

"I before warned you that it would be useless to contend with yondership, " he said, "and before many minutes are over we shall have the shotfrom her broadside crashing on board us. By holding out you risk yourown and your people's lives, and the lives of others dear to you--for itis more than possible that another broadside will send the ship and allin her to the bottom. We must--"

Before the captain could reply the enemy fired his two foremost guns, the shot from which shattering the bulwarks sent pieces of splinterflying about, one of which struck Carnegan on the arm. 

"It might have been worse, " he observed; and after staggering a fewpaces he recovered himself. He added, "I will thank some one to bind upmy wound. "

"Shure, I'll be glad enough to do that same, " exclaimed Dan Connor; "andif you'll just step into your cabin, sir, we'll have you all to rightsin a jiffy. "

"I shall not be the only one hit, " observed the second mate, as heallowed Dan to take off his coat. 

Still the captain had not abandoned all hopes of escaping, and kept tohis resolution of persevering to the last. He ordered the guns on thelee side to be hauled over to windward, and as they could be brought tobear on the enemy they were fired; but what effect they produced was notperceptible, as both vessels were encircled in smoke. Several more shotstruck the _Ouzel Galley_, and at length two of her gallant crew fell, desperately wounded, to the deck, and the next instant a third had hishead taken off. Still no one thought of giving in. 

"We'll shift the stern-chasers, Owen, " cried the captain; "they'll soonbe of little use where they are. "

"Ay, ay, sir, " answered the first mate, and he with several hands beganto haul one of the guns along the deck, when again the enemy fired hiswhole broadside. The guns had been elevated--the shot whistledoverhead--a crash was heard, and down came the main-topmast of the_Ouzel Galley_ on her deck, striking dead another of her crew. Thesurvivors made a desperate effort to clear the wreck and prevent thefore-topmast from sharing the same fate, but even the captain now sawthat all hope of escaping the enemy must be abandoned. On looking roundto direct Owen to haul down the ensign, to his grief he saw that he toowas wounded, and apparently severely so from the stream of blood flowingfrom his shoulder. At the same moment the French ship, which hadrapidly shot up abeam, ran alongside and, throwing grappling-irons onboard the chase, held her fast, while a party of the enemy headed by anofficer leaped on the deck from the bows. Resistance was vain, but afew of the British crew instantly attempted to defend themselves withtheir cutlasses, the fallen topmast serving as a barricade; but theFrenchmen scrambling over it, the former were quickly driven aft. Owenhad in the mean time hauled down the ensign by the captain's orders, andshouted out that they surrendered. The enemy, however, enraged at thestubborn resistance they had met with, were rushing aft, when the secondmate appeared from the cabin with his arm in a sling and encountered theofficer who led the boarders. 

"You will not injure a beaten foe!" he exclaimed. "You know me, thoughyou must be surprised to find me where I am. See, my shipmates havesurrendered and can offer no further resistance. "

As he spoke he put out his right hand, which the French officer grasped, and together they walked aside, where they held a hurried conversationwhile the survivors of the crew threw down their weapons. TheFrenchmen, however, while their leader's eye was off them, rushed intothe cabin and began ransacking the lockers and appropriating sucharticles as took their fancy. Dan, on observing this, sprang beforethem and placed himself at the door of Norah's berth, into which hewould allow no one to enter. 

"You can't come in here, mounseers, " he exclaimed; "shure, you'll be toopolite to frighten a lady out of her wits--and it's already frightenough she's had with hearing all the hullabaloo you've been aftermaking. "

Dan hoped by this artifice to prevent the Frenchmen searching for Norah, which he was afraid they might have done had they broken into the cabinand discovered female gear. As it was, he made them understand that thecaptain's wife was the occupant of the cabin. 

Meantime Owen, overcome by loss of blood, sank exhausted on the deck. The French officer, a fair, slightly built man, with more the appearanceof a Briton than a Gaul, now approached Captain Tracy and addressed himin English with but little French accent. "I must compliment you onyour bravery, though I cannot do so on your discretion in attempting toresist me, " he said. "Your vessel has become my prize, and, as Iunderstand that your cargo is of value, I must send you into a Frenchport; but having heard that you have the yellow fever on board, I willnot remove any of your people to my ship, though I will leave anadequate prize crew to navigate her. "

Just then the report of a pistol was heard, and a shriek was heardcoming from the hold of the ship. 

"What's that?" exclaimed the French officer. 

"My daughter!--save her from your people!" cried Captain Tracy, hurryingtowards the main hatchway. The more active Frenchman sprang before himand descended, followed by the captain and Carnegan, who, suffering fromhis wound, was less able than they were to move quickly. The Frenchmanby his loud shouts soon let his men know that he was approaching. Onreaching the hold he found Gerald in the hands of several of them, whileNorah was endeavouring to protect him from their rage which he hadexcited. 

"Let go that boy!" shouted the French officer, at the same time drawinghis sword to enforce his order. He was quickly obeyed. "Who is thisyoung lady?" he asked, turning to the captain; "I was not aware that shewas on board. "

"She is my daughter, sir; and I sent her down here to be out of dangerduring the fighting. I am sure I can trust to your gallantry to protecther, " said Captain Tracy. 

"You may depend on my doing so, " answered the French officer; thenaddressing Gerald, he said, "Come here, my lad--you are a brave boy, Isee, and thinking my people were about to insult your sister, you foughtfor her. The fellow you wounded deserved his punishment. Return ondeck and go on board your own ship, " he continued, addressing his crewin French. The men quickly obeyed him. "And now, young lady, let meescort you to your cabin, " he added; "you need be under no furtheranxiety, as no one will venture to intrude on you. "

Carnegan had before this reached the hold. He was about to assist Norahin ascending. 

"I must claim that honour, " said the Frenchman; and, offering his hand, he conducted Norah out of the dark place. No sooner had they reachedthe deck than her eyes fell on Owen lying wounded on the poop. Disregarding every one, she threw herself down by his side. 

"Oh, speak to me, Owen--tell me where you are hurt!" she exclaimed. Owen tried to answer her, but could only point to his wounded shoulder. "He will bleed to death!" she cried. "Run, Gerald--get some bandagesfrom the cabin. Oh, father, come and help me!"

"I will send my surgeon to dress the young officer's wound, " said theFrench captain, approaching; "he will attend also to the other injuredmen, and I regret that I cannot remain near you to be of any furtheruse. "

Carnegan had watched Norah; an angry frown passed across his brow, buthe made no remark. The French surgeon was quickly on board; he desiredthat Owen should be carried to his cabin, where he speedily dressed hiswound and gave him a stimulant which restored him to consciousness. Hethen left directions with Norah how to treat his patient, assuring herthat the hurt was very slight, and that he would soon recover. 

"Come, my friend, " said the French officer to Carnegan; "as you are notfrom the West Indies, we shall have no fear of your giving us the fever. I must therefore beg for your company--you will require the attendanceof the surgeon, and one wounded man is enough for that young lady tolook after. "

Carnegan appeared to be expostulating; but the French officer refused toaccede to his request, and hurried him on board, without allowing himeven the opportunity of wishing farewell to Norah. 

The French crew had in the mean time brought a fresh topmast on boardthe _Ouzel Galley_, to supply the place of the one shot away, and hadbeen busily employed in getting it up. They had not, however, completedthe work when the look-out from the mast-head of the French shipshouted, "A sail to the south-east!" and they were immediately summonedback to their own ship. A young lieutenant and seven men, forming theprize crew, then came on board the _Ouzel Galley_, the surgeon being thelast person to quit her. 

"Who is the officer who boarded us, and what is the name of your ship?"asked Captain Tracy, after expressing his thanks to the surgeon for hisattention. 

"He is Captain Thurot, and his ship is the _Coquille_, the mostcelebrated privateer out of Dunkirk, " was the answer. "It is positivelyan honour to be captured by him--let that be your consolation, my dearsir. "

"Faith, it's but a poor consolation, then, " answered Captain Tracy; "butI thank you for suggesting even a shadow of comfort. I will follow yourdirections with regard to my poor wounded fellows, and once again beg toexpress my gratitude for what you have done for them. "

The _Coquille_ immediately casting off her prize, made all sail in chaseof the stranger, the rapidly approaching shades of evening soonconcealing her from sight. The French prize crew, aided by the seamenof the _Ouzel Galley_, went on with the work which had been leftincomplete of setting up the main-topmast rigging and getting the yardacross. Night compelled them to knock off before the work was finished. The wind, however, continued steady, and the ship ran on almost deadbefore it under her head-sails the French officer, Lieutenant Vinoy, wasa remarkably polite young gentleman, but whether or not he was a goodseaman remained to be proved. He expressed his wish in no way toincommode Mademoiselle, as he called Norah, and declared that he shouldbe perfectly satisfied to occupy the second mate's cabin, and would onno account turn her or her father out of theirs. Besides himself, hehad but one person, a petty officer, capable of taking charge of awatch, so that he had but very little time to bestow on the young ladythose attentions which, under other circumstances, he might have beeninclined to pay. She too was fully engaged in attending on Owen and invisiting with her father the wounded and sick men. 

The night passed off quietly, and the whole of the first day was spentby all hands in setting up the topmast. It was not till supper-timethat the lieutenant entered the cabin, and, throwing himself on a chair, expressed his satisfaction that the task was at length accomplished. "And your men, captain, deserve credit for the way they have worked, " heobserved; "they could not have done so more willingly had they beenperforming the task for their own advantage. For my part, I am prettywell worn out--you may be sure that I shall sleep soundly during mywatch below. "

"Do you generally sleep soundly, Lieutenant Vinoy?" asked Gerald. 

"Yes, I am celebrated for it, " answered the lieutenant, laughing; "ittakes a good deal to awake me when once my eyes are closed. I am neveridle, you see; I work hard and sleep hard--that is as it should be. "

Gerald recollected the lieutenant's remark, and a thought at that momentcame into his head which he kept there, turning it and round and overand over till he carried it into execution. 

CHAPTER THREE. 

A HEAVY GALE AHEAD--THE WIND BECOMES FAIR--GERALD'S PLAN TO RECOVER THESHIP--CARRIES IT OUT--NORAH'S RESOLUTION--THE LIEUTENANT CAUGHTNAPPING--THE FRENCHMEN'S WEAPONS SECURED--BUSSON AND THE FRENCH CREWOVERPOWERED--GERALD AND NORAH HOLD LIEUTENANT VINOY IN CHECK--THE OUZELGALLEY REGAINED--A COURSE STEERED FOR WATERFORD--PRECAUTIONS AGAINSTRECAPTURE--APPROACH THE LAND. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ had run very nearly as far north as the latitude ofUshant, though she was still some way to the westward. Her crew had goton very well with their captors, who called them _bons garcons_, andwere perfectly willing to fraternise with them. No one coming on boardwould have suspected their relative positions. The lieutenant madehimself at home in the cabin; he was polite and courteous to Norah andCaptain Tracy, and in no way presumed on being, as he was, the realcommander of the ship. Gerald, however, did not seem inclined toassociate with him, and seldom came into the cabin when he was there. Gerald, indeed, spent most of his time in assisting Norah to attend onOwen, by whose side he would sit patiently for hours together; or elsehe was holding secret confabulations with Dan Connor and Tim Maloney. Although Owen had been greatly weakened by loss of blood, it saved himfrom fever, and his wound, which was not deep, rapidly healed. Of this, however, Gerald advised Norah not to tell the lieutenant. The otherwounded and pick men continued in their berths, apparently making noprogress towards recovery; so that, of the original crew of the _OuzelGalley_, there were only five hands besides Gerald and Tim fit for duty. These, of course, the Frenchmen, with their officer, considered thatthey were perfectly able to keep in order. The weather, which hadhitherto been especially favourable, now greatly changed for the worse;a strong north-easterly gale springing up threatened to blow the _OuzelGalley_ far away to the westward. Lieutenant Vinoy was in despair; hehad been anticipating the pleasure of carrying his prize into Boulogne, the port to which Captain Thurot had ordered him to take her, in thecourse of two or three days--and now she might be kept out for a week, or three weeks for that matter, and the risk of being recaptured greatlyincreased. Still he did his best to hold his ground, keeping the shipclose-hauled, now on one tack, now on the other; while either he or hismate, Jacques Busson, were ever on deck ready to take advantage of anychange of wind. 

"I shall sleep soundly when this vile wind from the eastward has ceasedto blow, " exclaimed the lieutenant one day, on coming down to dinner. 

"I hope you will, " said Gerald, looking him boldly in the face. "Youdeserve some rest after keeping watch and watch so long. "

"Gerald, " said Norah, when they were together in the cabin, the captainbeing on deck, "I suspect that you are thinking of attempting to recoverthe vessel, and that our father has not been told what you intend todo. "

"Why should you suppose so?" asked Gerald. 

"Because I see you constantly talking to the men in a way you never usedto do, and because you avoid the French lieutenant and speak to him inso strange a manner, " answered Norah. 

"I won't deny that I have a plan in my head; but you are to know nothingabout it till it has succeeded, " replied Gerald. "One thing I'll tellyou, that I'm very sure it can't fail of success if all hands are trueto each other--and, Norah, don't be alarmed if you hear that two orthree more of our people are down with the fever; and if our father saysanything, you can just remark that I told you I was sure they would verysoon be well again. "

"I have confidence in your discretion, " said Norah, "but I pray thatthere may be no necessity for violence, and that neither the youngofficer nor any of the men may be injured. "

"That depends on circumstances, " said Gerald; "no one wishes to hurt ahair of their heads if they behave themselves--if not, they must takethe consequences. "

The gale increasing, it taxed all the strength of the Frenchmen, and thefew of the original crew who remained, to shorten sail; but anxious asLieutenant Vinoy was to get into port, he refused to heave to, andcontinued beating the ship to windward. At length, one day, soon afternoon, the wind began to decrease, and before dark a moderate breeze wasblowing from the southward. Captain Tracy had every day taken anobservation, the French officer not objecting to his doing so, andGerald always asked him whereabouts they were, noting the spot carefullydown on the chart when the lieutenant was on deck, so that hisproceedings might not be remarked. This day, according to Gerald'scalculations, they were exactly a hundred and fifty miles to thesouthward of Waterford. The night was cloudy, and, as there was nomoon, it was darker than usual. One-half of the Frenchmen had turnedin, as had Lieutenant Vinoy; Jacques Busson had the middle watch. Gerald had gone to his berth, but not to sleep; he merely pulled off hisshoes and jacket, and then, lying down, drew the blanket over him. After waiting for about an hour he got up and groped his way toLieutenant Vinoy's cabin; the door was partly open--the sound whichissued from within showed that the French officer was fast asleep. Gerald cautiously entered and possessed himself of a brace of pistolswhich hung within reach of the lieutenant's hand at the head of his cot, as also of a sword suspended to the bulkhead. Carefully carrying themout, he then, quietly closing the door, made his way to Owen Massey'scabin. 

"We could not have a better opportunity than the present, " he whispered. "If you will get ready, I will call my father and warn Norah to keepquiet. Here are the lieutenant's pistols--do you take one of them, andI will carry the other and a sword to my father. You will have nodifficulty in keeping the lieutenant shut up in his cabin, while I creepforward and get Pompey and Dan to come aft and secure Jacques Busson. Just as they do so I will give a whistle loud enough for you and myfather to hear, and immediately you do so you both will spring on deckand overpower the man at the helm. The rest of our people are preparedto act as you have arranged; one of them will knock down the look-outforward, while the others will throw themselves upon the other Frenchmenand secure the hatches on those below. You wished Tim and me to keepourselves free to act according to circumstances; Tim was to get intothe boatswain's storeroom, and to cut as many lengths of rope as weshall require. He will have them in readiness for the moment they arewanted. There can be no mistake, I hope?"

"None, provided the Frenchmen don't take alarm, " answered Owen. "You, at all events, understand the plan perfectly. "

"We may carry it out, too, I trust, without bloodshed, " said Gerald. "Shall I go forward and give the signal?"

"Yes. I feel well able to do my part, though my left arm may not be ofas much use as I should wish, " answered Owen. "Call your father andNorah, and then lose no time, or the lieutenant may be waking and giveus more trouble than is necessary. "

Gerald then crept back into the state cabin. He first went into Norah'sberth, and uttered a few words in her ear in a low voice. She had notundressed, having been warned by Owen of what was likely to happen, andshe had resolved to give every assistance in her power; though her armwas weak, she possessed nerve and courage, and might be able to keepwatch over the French officer, or even to turn the scale in favour ofher friends, should any part of the plan miscarry. 

"Give me the pistol, " she whispered; "I know that it is ready for use, as I saw the lieutenant loading it this afternoon. "

"Do you think he suspected anything?" asked Gerald. 

"That was no sign of his doing so, " answered Norah; "he has frequentlywithdrawn the charges and reloaded his pistols since he came on board. "

"All right, you shall have it, " said Gerald; "but you mustn't mindshooting him if it is necessary. Remember, if you don't we may possiblybe overpowered, and shall be much worse off than we are now. "

"I hope that no such necessity may arise, " answered Norah, and her voicetrembled as she spoke. 

"There, stay quiet till you're called, and I'll take the sword to ourfather, " said Gerald. The captain was awake, and prepared for theattempt to recapture the ship, he and Owen having decided on the bestplan for carrying it out. He took the sword which his son brought him--the lamp which swung from the deck above shed a feeble light throughoutthe cabin--he had just quickly dressed, when Norah appeared. 

"I had wished you to remain in your berth till we had secured theFrenchmen, " he whispered. 

"Pray do not insist on my doing so, " she answered. "I may be able tohelp you, and I cannot bear the thoughts of hiding away while you areexposed to danger. Do let me try to be of use, father; I shall run nogreater risk than I should by keeping in my berth. See, Gerald hasgiven me a pistol, and I know how to use it. It will serve, at allevents, to frighten the Frenchmen. "

The captain, seeing Norah was determined, at length consented to do asshe proposed. Owen now joined them, and he and the captain crept to thefoot of the companion-ladder, up part of which they mounted, to be inreadiness to attack the man at the helm as soon as Gerald's signalshould be heard. Meantime, Gerald had made his way on deck. He had ona dark jacket and trousers and dark worsted socks, and by creeping alongclose under the bulwarks he would be able, he hoped, to get forwardwithout much risk of being seen. Jacques Busson, the officer of thewatch, was slowly pacing the deck, now looking up at the canvas whichlike a dark pyramid seemed to tower into the sky, now addressing the manat the helm to keep the sails full or else to steer rather closer to thewind, now shouting to the look-out forward to ascertain that he wasawake and attending to his duty. Gerald stopped to observe what JacquesBusson was about; he could distinguish the Frenchman's figure againstthe sky, as he paced backwards and forwards on the raised poop, haltingnow and then to take a glance to windward, and again taking a few stepstowards the stern. The moment Gerald thought that his back was turnedhe again crept forward. He had no fear of being discovered by the manat the helm, whose eyes, dazzled by the binnacle lamp, were not likelyto distinguish him. Thus on he went, quickly doubling round the guns, till he reached the fore hatchway, down which he slipped without beingperceived by either of the Frenchmen on deck, who were seated under theweather bulwarks, and, as he rightly concluded, with their eyes shut. 

"We shall have no difficulty in tackling those two fellows, " he thought. The Frenchmen were berthed on the starboard side of the forecastle, the_Ouzel Galley's_ people on the larboard side; Gerald was thus easilyable to find his friends. He had previously made all the arrangementswith Dan and Pompey--they had communicated them to the rest of the crew, who only waited his arrival to carry them out. Gerald and Dan hadundertaken to get possession of the Frenchmen's pistols. It was themost perilous part of the work to be performed, for should they beawakened they might give the alarm, and put the watch on deck on theirguard. Both Dan and the black had noted accurately the places where theFrenchmen had put their weapons, who, instead of depositing the pistolsunder their pillows, had hung them up just above their heads, withinreach of their hands, while their cutlasses lay by their sides. Toremove the latter might be difficult without making a noise, and it was, besides, considered of less importance to get hold of them. Stealingsilently across the fore-peak, Gerald and Dan reached one of the bunks;Dan then leaning over, felt for the occupant's pistol, which hecarefully unhooked and handed to Gerald, who, almost breathless witheagerness, grasped it tightly. They then went to the next berth, andpossessed themselves of the other weapons in the same manner. The thirdman turned as they approached, and uttered a few incoherent words; Danand Gerald crouched down out of sight lest he should awake, but a loudsnore showed them that there was no great fear of his doing that, andhis pistols were successfully abstracted. The fourth man seemedrestless, and at length raised himself on his shoulder, and looked out. 

"Qui va la?" he asked in French. Gerald and Dan were standing in deepshade, and remained still as mice, scarcely daring to breathe. TheFrenchman, seeing no one, must have thought that he had been dreaming, and again lying down composed himself to sleep. They waited till theyheard him also begin to snore, and Dan then crept forward and got holdof his pistols. They each took one, and gave the remainder to theirshipmates. Tim was then sent up, furnished with a piece of line, withdirections to conceal himself close to the hatchway, down which he wasto let the line hang, and his pulling it up was to be the signal thatthe Frenchmen were off their guard. On feeling it pulled all the partybelow were to spring up on deck and overpower the crew forward. Geraldaccompanied by Dan and Pompey were, however, to make their way aft inthe same cautious manner in which he had come forward. The black, inorder to run less risk of being discovered, had stripped himself naked, and oiled his body all over. The doing so was his own idea, and hegrinned when he proposed it to Dan. 

"I like one big eel, and if dey try to catch me I slip out of derehands, " he observed, chuckling. 

"We could not hope for a better opportunity than the present, " whisperedGerald into Dan's ear. 

"All right, sir, " answered Dan, touching Pompey and Tim. The former, asagreed on, noiseless as a cat, crept up on deck, when he immediatelygave a tug to the string. Gerald, with Dan and Pompey, followed, and, crawling on all-fours, began to make their way aft. The booms and boatswould have concealed them for some part of the distance from JacquesBusson even had it been daylight; they therefore ran no risk of beingdiscovered till they reached the after-part of the quarter-deck. Pompeyhad now to play the chief part in the drama. Crawling up on the leeside of the poop, he lay flat on the deck, while Gerald and Dan stoleafter him, ready to spring up to his aid directly he had thrown himselfon Busson, leaving the helmsman to be dealt with by the captain andOwen. Pompey had just reached the break of the poop, having waited forthe moment that Jacques Busson's back was towards him: a few secondspassed, when the Frenchman again turned round, and, advancing a pace ortwo forward, shouted to the man on the look-out. No answer came. "Bete, " he exclaimed, "he is asleep. I must arouse him with a rope'send. "

As he spoke he advanced, about to descend the steps leading to thequarter-deck--at that moment Pompey, who had been watching him as aserpent does its expected victim, springing to his feet, threw his armsround the Frenchman's neck, while he at the same moment shoved a largelump of oakum into his mouth before he could even utter a cry. Dan, quick as lightning, joined him, while Gerald whistled shrilly thepromised signal to his father and Owen. It was heard too by Tim, whopulling the line, the rest of the _Ouzel Galley's_ crew sprang up, somethrowing themselves on the two Frenchmen slumbering under the weatherbulwarks before they had time to draw their pistols. The men on theforecastle, however, aroused by the noise, fired theirs at theiradvancing opponents; but owing to the darkness and their hurry thebullets missed their aim, and just as they got their hands on theircutlasses they were both knocked over with well-planted blows in theirfaces, and brought to the deck, at the same instant that Tim, to whomthe duty had been confided, closed down the hatch on the watch below. The helmsman, on hearing the scuffle, was turning his head to see whatwas the matter, when he found his arms pinioned by the captain and Owen. On seeing this, Gerald ran forward to where Tim had concealed the rope. He soon returned with a sufficient number of lengths to lash the armsof Busson and the men, while Tim carried the rest of the rope to hisshipmates forward, who were not long securing the three Frenchmen. Theremaining four of the French crew, who had been aroused by the scuffle, were now making desperate efforts to force their way up on deck, and oneon the top of the ladder had just succeeded in lifting up the hatch, when Tim saw his head protruding above the combing. 

"Bear a hand here, or shure the mounseers will be out of the trap, " heshouted, at the same time seizing a capstan-bar, which was close athand, and dealing a blow with it at the head of the Frenchman, who fellstunned off the ladder, back upon his companions following at his heels. Notwithstanding this, immediately they had recovered themselves theyagain attempted to get up, and another man had succeeded in raising halfhis body above the hatchway. Tim attacked him as he had done the first;the man, however, who was a powerful fellow, grasped the capstan-bar, and getting his knee on the combing was about to deal a blow at Timwhich would have felled him to the deck, when one of the English crew, attracted by his cries, sprang to his assistance, and, wrenching theweapon from the Frenchman's hands, struck him dead. Two more only hadnow to be disposed of; they, still in ignorance of the fate of theircompanions, sprang up the hatchway, and before they had time to gaintheir feet were thrown down and secured. The man who had fallen belowwas groaning heavily. 

"He'll do no harm, " observed Pat Casey. 

"Arrah, don't be too shure of that, " said Tim; "if he was to come tolife, he'd be after letting loose the others. It will be wiser to lashhim too; and unless the dead man is kilt entirely, I'd advise that weprevent him from doing mischief. "

Pat felt the Frenchman's head. "Shure, I never knew a man come to lifewith a hole like this in his skull, " he remarked, "but to make shure incase of accidents, we'll heave him overboard;" and without more ado thebody of the Frenchman, who was undoubtedly dead, was shoved through theforemost port. 

Lieutenant Vinoy had not vainly boasted that he was a sound sleeper, fornotwithstanding the scuffle over his head, he did not awake; and happilyNorah, who had been stationed at his cabin door to keep him in checkshould he attempt to break out, was not called upon to exercise hercourage. The two events which have been described were, it will beunderstood, taking place at the same time. During those excitingmoments no one thought of what the ship was about; the consequence wasthat she flew up into the wind, and it became necessary to box her off. All hands were required for this purpose--the fore-yards had to bebraced round, the after-yards squared away. Owen, from his wound, beingthe least able to exert himself, went to the helm, the captain haulingaway with the rest of the crew. 

"Gerald, do you go forward and keep a look-out on our prisoners, " criedthe captain. "If their arms by chance are not securely lashed, one ormore of them may be getting free and setting the others at liberty. Call Tim Maloney to help you. "

Gerald was about to obey this order, when the sound of loud knocking andNorah's voice came from below, exclaiming, "The lieutenant is awake andtrying to break out of his cabin. " Gerald heard it, and shouting to Timto look after the Frenchmen forward, he sprang down thecompanion-ladder. He was not a moment too soon, for the French officer, awaking and believing from the sounds which reached him that somethingwas the matter, had leaped out of bed with the intention of hastening ondeck, when he found the door fastened on him--then, hearing the captainissuing orders, he guessed truly what had occurred. Supposing thatthere might yet be time to regain possession of the ship, he franticallyendeavoured to break open the door. The only weapon he could discoverwas the leg of a stool, which having wrenched off, he managed with it toprise open the door. The light from the state cabin fell on him as heappeared at the opening; just at that moment Gerald sprang down from thedeck. Catching sight of the lieutenant, he presented his pistol. 

"Stay, monsieur, " he exclaimed, "if you venture out of your cabin, Ishall be under the disagreeable necessity of shooting you. "

The Frenchman hesitated, for, the light glancing on the pistol-barrel, he recognised his own weapon, which he knew never missed fire, andshowed him also that he was totally unarmed. Gerald saw his advantage. "Let me advise you, monsieur, to go back and sit down quietly, and noharm will happen to you, " he continued. "The ship is ours, and weintend to keep her. "

"Parbleu!" exclaimed the Frenchman, shrugging his shoulders; "you haveindeed gained an advantage over me. "

"Very true--but not an unfair one, " said Gerald, laughing, but stillkeeping his pistol pointed at the officer, who now caught sight ofNorah, also with a pistol in her hand, standing a little behind herbrother. He might have made an attempt to spring upon Gerald and wrenchthe weapon from his hand, but from the determined look of the young ladyhe thought, in all probability, that she would fire over her brother'shead should he do so. He therefore stepped back and sat down on theonly remaining stool in the cabin, folding his arms with an air ofresignation. 

"I acknowledge myself defeated, " he exclaimed; "but when I have a younglady as an opponent my gallantry forbids me to resist. "

"It all comes of being a sound sleeper, monsieur, " said Gerald, "but ifyou had kept your weather eye open it might not have happened. However, you may turn in again now and sleep as soundly as you like till we gotinto Waterford harbour, where we shall be, I hope, if the wind holdsfair, in another day or two. But don't agitate yourself we'll treat youas politely as you treated us, except that we shall be compelled to keepyou a prisoner, in case you should try again to turn the tables on us. "

The ship had now been brought round; the head-yards were squared, andthe course laid for Waterford. Still there was a great deal to be done;it was necessary to secure the prisoners, so that there might be no riskof their rising. Jacques Busson was a powerful and determined fellow, and he would to a certainty, if he had the opportunity, get free and tryto set his countrymen at liberty. The lieutenant also, though addictedto sleeping soundly, was likely to be wide enough awake for the future, and would in all probability try to regain possession of the ship. Hewas therefore requested to confine himself to his cabin. 

"I am sorry to treat you so inhospitably, " said Captain Tracy, "butnecessity compels me, and I hope that it will be but for a short time. I must warn you, however, if you attempt to break out, that we shall beobliged to secure you as we have done your men; but to save you fromtemptation, we shall secure your cabin door on the outside in a waywhich will prevent you from doing so. If, however, you will give meyour promise not to attempt to regain your liberty, you will be treatedwith no further rigour. "

"I must make a virtue of necessity, " answered the lieutenant; "it is avery disagreeable one, but I submit. " And without more ado he threw offhis coat and quietly turned into his cot. 

"Don't trust him, Gerald, whatever he may say, " whispered Captain Tracy, "till we have the door firmly secured. "

"Ay, ay, father, " answered Gerald; "if he shows his face at the doorwithout leave, I'll make him draw it back again pretty quickly. "

Pompey had been left to watch over Jacques Busson and the man who hadbeen serving at the wheel. He had no pistol, but instead he held in hishand a sharp, long-bladed sheath-knife, which effectually kept theprisoners from stirring. He evidently took especial delight in hisoffice, and reluctantly consented to drag Jacques Busson into a cabin, where it was arranged that he should be confined, but at the same timewith his arms and legs firmly secured. The rest of the men were carrieddown into the forecastle, and were placed in their bunks, the captainhaving examined each of them to be certain that they were lashed in away from which they could not liberate themselves. 

Morning dawned soon after these arrangements had been made. JacquesBusson grumbled greatly at the treatment he had received. 

"What for you make all dis fuss?" said Pompey, who was standing sentryover him. "You want to take us into French port--we take you into Irishport. Waterford berry nice place, and when we get dere we take you outof limbo, and you live like one gentleman. "

"Sacre!" answered the Frenchman, who had only caught a word or two ofwhat Pompey had said, "if we fall in with a French ship before we getthere, I'll pay you off, mon garcon, for nearly strangling me with yourgreasy arms. "

Pompey only grinned a reply. There was no use wasting words, considering that neither understood the other's language. Thelieutenant took matters more philosophically than his inferior. He was, however, not to be trusted, and either Gerald or Dan kept watch at hisdoor with a loaded pistol. The arms and legs of the other men were toosecurely lashed to afford much risk of their getting loose; still, atrusty man was stationed over them, as there was no doubt that theywould make the attempt could they gain the opportunity, and if one couldcast off his lashings he might speedily set the others at liberty. 

The sea was smooth; the sun shone brightly; and the _Ouzel Galley_ madegood way towards Waterford. She was, however, upwards of a hundredmiles from that port, and might before reaching it fall in with anotherFrench ship. She was, indeed, now in a part of the ocean in whichprivateers were likely to be cruising, on the look-out forhomeward-bound vessels. It was necessary, therefore, to avoid anystrange sail till her character could be positively ascertained. A handwas accordingly stationed aloft to give timely notice should a sailappear in sight. This, of course, weakened the crew, who were alreadyinsufficient to work the ship; the wounded men, though they had aided inoverpowering the Frenchmen, were but little capable of performingcontinuous work. Owen felt his wound very painful, yet he persisted inattending to his duty, and could scarcely be persuaded to lie down onthe sofa for a short time to rest, while the captain took his watch ondeck. Gerald was highly applauded by his father and Owen for hiscourage and judgment, which had so much contributed to the recapture ofthe vessel; even the French lieutenant expressed his admiration of theway he had behaved. 

"If young English boys are so brave and cool, no wonder that we shouldhave been overpowered, " he observed. "I only wish that we had had aFrench boy on board, and it is not impossible that he might havediscovered your plot and counteracted it. The next time I have chargeof a prize, I will place a French boy to watch the English boys, andthen we shall see which is the sharpest. "

"I don't know which may prove the sharpest, but I am ready to fight anytwo French boys of my own age I have ever met in my life, " answeredGerald, laughing; "first one come on, and then the other, or bothtogether, provided they'll keep in front, or let me have a wall at myback, when they're welcome to do their worst. "

"Ah, you are too boastful, " said the lieutenant. 

"Pardon me, monsieur, not at all. I am only sticking up for the honourof Old Ireland, " answered Gerald. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ was drawing nearer to her port, and the chances ofrecapture diminished; still there was another night's run, and no oneliked to boast till they were out of the fire. The crew of the _OuzelGalley_ were pretty well worn out, and it was with the greatestdifficulty many of them could keep their eyes open. Perhaps theFrenchmen counted on this, and the hope that they yet might regain theirliberty prevented them from losing their spirits, and they amusedthemselves by singing snatches of songs and every now and then shoutingout to each other. They were also well supplied with food, and as muchgrog as they chose to drink. 

"It's shure to comfort their hearts, " observed Dan, as he went roundwith a big can and a tin cup; "besides, they'll be less likely to provetroublesome. "

The night came on; the captain, Owen, and Gerald did their best toencourage the men and to urge them to keep awake, however sleepy theymight feel, continually going among them and reminding them that in afew hours more they might turn in and sleep for as many hours as theymight like at a stretch, without the fear of being knocked on the headand thrown overboard. "And, my lads, " observed the captain, "if theFrenchmen retake us, depend upon it that's the way we shall be treated--they'll not give us another chance. "

The only person who slept that night was Norah, who, although she hadnot gone through any physical exertion, had felt more anxiety than anyone, from knowing the risk those whom she loved were about to run. Itwould be difficult to describe her feelings as she saw her father andOwen steal upon dock to attack the man at the helm; and often duringthat night she started up, believing that the scene was again beingenacted. 

The wind continued fair; the _Ouzel Galley_ held on her course, and nosuspicious sail came near her during the night. 

CHAPTER FOUR. 

LAND IN SIGHT--A SUSPICIOUS SAIL--THE COQUILLE AGAIN--MANY A SLIPBETWEEN THE CUP AND THE LIP--NORAH AND GERALD SENT OFF WITH OWEN--THEWIND CHANGES--RECALLED--THE COQUILLE CHASES THE OUZEL GALLEY INTO THEHARBOUR--SAFE AT LAST--CAPTAIN TRACY AND NORAH VISIT MR. AND MISSFERRIS--CAPTAIN TRACY'S ILLNESS--THE HOUSE DESCRIBED--OWEN MASSEY ANDHIS MOTHER--VISIT OF NORAH AND ELLEN TO WIDOW MASSEY--THE WIDOW GIVES AHISTORY OF THE O'HARRALLS. 

"Land! land!" shouted Gerald, who had gone aloft at daybreak to be readythe moment there was light enough to catch eight of the looked-forshores of Ireland. As the sun rose the coast could be distinguished, indented with numerous deep inlets; but at first it was difficult to seewhat part of it the ship was approaching. At length, however, Gerald, whose eyes were as sharp as those of any one on board, made out a talltower standing at the end of a long, low point of land. "Hurrah! I seeHook Tower!" he shouted out; "we're all right!"

"Never made a better land-fall in my life, " exclaimed the captain, whohad gone up the rigging, and had been examining the coast with hisglass. As he spoke, Gerald shouted from the mast-head, "A sail on thelarboard bow!"

"What does she look like?" asked the captain, who had returned on deck. 

"A ship close-hauled under all sail, " answered Gerald; "she's standingthis way, and seems to have come out of Dungarvon Bay, as I can seeHelvick Head beyond her. "

"Whatever she may prove, we shall be well in with Waterford harbourbefore she can reach us, " observed the captain. 

"An enemy is not likely to have ventured so close in to the Irish coast, with the risk of encountering a British man-of-war, " said Owen. 

"Not quite so certain of that, " observed the captain; "she may have runin hoping to pick up a few merchant craft and coasters without muchtrouble, and may have ascertained from other prizes she has taken thatthere are no men-of-war on the coast. For my part, I would rather besafe up the harbour than have to speak her. "

The captain and Owen agreed that at all events it would be unnecessaryto keep Lieutenant Vinoy shut up in his cabin. "As he has behaved likea gentleman, " said the captain, "go and tell him, Owen, that if he willgive his word of honour not to interfere with the other prisoners, I begthat he will come on deck, should he feel so disposed; and that I regrethaving been under the necessity of confining him to his cabin for somany hours--but, Owen, keep an eye on him, notwithstanding; it may be aswell not to trust him too much, and if he were to release that desperatefellow Busson, the two together might play us some trick we shouldn'tlike. "

"No fear of that, sir, " answered Owen, glad to show the Frenchlieutenant an act of courtesy, "but I'll keep my eyes about me. "

He immediately went below and gave Monsieur Vinoy the captain's message. 

"Certainly, " answered the lieutenant; "I willingly accept theconditions. I have nothing to complain of--it was the fortune of war;you acted towards me as, under the same circumstances, I should havebehaved to you. I will gladly come on deck. "

Saying this, he preceded Owen up the companion-ladder, making a politebow to Norah, who had just before joined her father, and was looking outeagerly towards the land. In a short time the ship could be clearlydiscerned from the deck. The squareness of her yards and the cut of hercanvas made it evident that she was not a merchant vessel; but whetheran English or French man-of-war, or a privateer, it was difficult atthat distance to determine. She was making good way with the tide, which was then about half flood, running to the eastward; as this wasalmost across the course of the _Ouzel Galley_, it was rather againstthan in favour of the latter, whereas it added greatly to the rapidprogress of the stranger. Under ordinary circumstances probably neitherthe captain nor Owen could have had much doubt about the character ofthe vessel in sight; but having so narrowly escaped the loss of theship, they both felt more than usually anxious. Every stitch of canvasthe _Ouzel Galley_ could carry was set on her, the sails being wettedthat they might the better hold the wind. The captain kept his glassconstantly turned towards the approaching ship. When first seen, shewas about twelve miles off, while the _Ouzel Galley_ was supposed to beabout eight miles from the Hook Tower. At the rate she was going itwould take her upwards of an hour to get off it; whereas, should thewind hold, the stranger, with the advantage of the tide, would get herwithin range of her guns before that time. No flag had as yet been seenflying from her peak; but even should she show British colours it wouldbe no proof that she was not an enemy, as she would be certain to hoistthem for the sake of deceiving any merchant vessels she might meet with. 

"I very much fear that she is a privateer, " observed Owen, aftercarefully examining the stranger through his glass; "still the wind mayfall light and prevent her reaching us--or, better still, shift to theeastward and throw her to leeward, and we may then soon run up theharbour, and got under shelter of Duncannon Fort before she can reachus. "

Lieutenant Vinoy had been eagerly gazing at the stranger--a look ofperplexity appeared in his face. 

"What do you think of yonder ship?" asked Owen. 

"I will not disguise my belief from you that she is the _Coquille_, "answered the lieutenant. "I know her too well to be mistaken, even atthis distance; but remain tranquil--should she recapture your vessel, ofwhich I entertain, I confess, very little doubt, Captain Thurot willtreat you with the same courtesy he did before, notwithstanding what hasoccurred. I am the person he will chiefly blame; and I must beg you toinform him how long I had been on watch and how fatigued I was when Iretired to my cabin. Morbleu! to tell you the truth, I am as anxious asyou can be to keep out of his way, but don't tell him that I said so. "

"You may rest assured that we will do our best to avoid an encounter, "answered the captain, "and, should we be recaptured, that we will sayall that we can in your favour; but I trust that we shall escape--itwould be cruel to be caught after all. "

The wind was becoming lighter and lighter, and thus their anxiety wasprolonged. Still the _Coquille_--for that such she was very littledoubt existed--kept creeping up. The sea became much calmer. 

"I will send a boat away with Norah and Gerald; it were better to saveher from the annoyance to which she would be exposed should we againfall into the Frenchmen's hands, " said Captain Tracy. "I should wish tolet you go too, Owen; suffering from your wound, you are but ill able tostand the confinement of a French prison. "

"I am grateful to you, captain; and thankfully would I escort yourdaughter, but she will be safe with her brother, and I cannot bringmyself to desert the ship, " answered Owen. 

"That is like you, Owen, " replied the captain; "perhaps I might havesaid the same were I in your place. It is my principle that everyofficer should stick to his ship as long as a plank holds together; butwe shall have hands enough to take her in, should yonder stranger provenot to be the _Coquille_, but a friend--or should we be recaptured, thefewer people there are on board, the fewer will there be to suffer. Ihave therefore made up my mind that you shall go. I will send DanConnor or Pompey, and Tim and Gerald can pull an oar and you can steer;you'll not have more than ten or twelve miles to row before you can getfresh hands, either at Duncannon Fort or at Passage, to take you up toWaterford. See, we are scarcely making three knots an hour; the boatcan pull nearly twice as fast as that, and you will be able to keep wellahead of the enemy. Come, I wanted to see what you would say, but Ihave resolved you should go; so order the boat to be got ready, and thesooner you are off the better. "

Owen was, of course, willing enough to go for the sake of Norah; he hadno choice but to obey his commander. 

"Norah, " said the captain, turning to his daughter, to whom the Frenchofficer was endeavouring to make himself agreeable, and who had notheard the conversation between her father and the mate, "go and get yourtraps together, my girl; I am going to send you and Gerald with the mateon shore, and I hope that we shall be soon after you. "

Norah was too well accustomed to obey her father to question thecommand, and immediately went below. 

"Gerald!" shouted the captain to his son, who had some time before comedown from the mast-head, "go and help your sister; you must be smartabout it--the boat will be in the water in less than five minutes. "

In a short time Dan and Tim, who had been sent into the cabin, appearedwith Norah's trunks. She quickly followed. Having learned from Geraldthe reason of her being sent on shore, she addressed her father. "Oh, father, I must not, I ought not to leave you, " she exclaimed; "you thinkthat the _Ouzel Galley_ will after all be recaptured, and you will becarried off to France, and perhaps ill-treated by those men from whomyou have retaken the ship, while I shall be left. "

"Far better that it should be so than that we should both be madeprisoners and ill-treated, " replied the captain; "so be, as you alwayshave been, an obedient girl--and now, my child, may Heaven bless andprotect you!" and the captain, giving his daughter an affectionate kiss, led her to the gangway. The boat was already alongside, and Owen in herready to help Norah down. She was soon seated in the boat; Geraldfollowed her. Just then the captain took another glance at thestranger, which was about three miles off; as he did so, the French flagwas seen to fly out at her peak. At the same moment the sails of the_Ouzel Galley_ gave a loud flap; the captain looked round. 

"Praise Heaven! here comes the breeze from the eastward, " he exclaimed. "Hold fast with the boat; come on deck again, Norah--we'll not part withyou yet;" and, leaning down, he took her arm as she quickly climbed upthe side. The rest of the party followed; and to save time the boat wasdropped astern. All hands were busily engaged in bracing up the yards. The _Ouzel Galley_ was now well to windward; the French ship tacked, butwas still able to steer a course which would bring her within gunshot. The two vessels stood on; the _Ouzel Galley_ was rapidly approaching theland, while the _Coquille_ was getting further from it. Another tackwould, however, place her astern, and it would then be a questionwhether she could overtake the _Ouzel Galley_ before the latter couldrun up the harbour. Much would depend upon the way the wind blew whenshe got inside; it might come down the harbour, and in that case theFrenchman might overtake her before she could get up to Credda Head, within which it was not likely even Thurot himself would venture. Thebreeze held firm; the captain looked over the side. 

"The good ship seems to know her danger, and is slipping alongfamously, " he observed to Owen. "We shall be up to Waterford Quaybefore nightfall, I hope; we have still a good part of the flood, andwhen Captain Thurot finds that there is no chance of taking us, he'llgive up the chase. "

"He'll not do so till the last moment, captain, " observed LieutenantVinoy. "There is no man like him; and should the wind fail us when weare inside the harbour, he will, or I am much mistaken, send in theboats to cut your vessel out. "

"We'll hope, then, that the wind will not fail us, " answered thecaptain--and he much doubted whether the Frenchman would venture on sobold an act. "If your friends come, we'll give them a warm reception, and we shall be under the necessity of shutting you up in your cabinagain. "

"I shall be ready to submit to your orders, " said the lieutenant, shrugging his shoulders. 

Poor Norah naturally felt very anxious, even though Owen endeavoured toreassure her by pointing out the position of the French ship, whichcould not tack with advantage till a considerable way astern. Thebreeze was every moment freshening, and the tall lighthouse on the eastside of Waterford harbour became more and more distinct. 

"No fear now, " cried Gerald at length, as the very beach on it stood, with the water rippling on it, could be clearly discerned, and theharbour up to Duncannon Fort opened out to view. The _Ouzel Galley_ wasjust abreast of Hook Tower when the French ship was seen to tack andboldly to stand after her. 

"That looks as if the lieutenant were right in his notion; and should weget becalmed inside, or find the wind drawing down the harbour, Thurotwill send in his boats after us, " observed Owen to the captain. 

"I have no fear of being becalmed till we get inside of Credda Head, andstill less of the wind, as it is outside, drawing down the harbour, "answered the captain. "Should the boats get up with us, we must try andbeat them off; we were not afraid of the ship herself, and thoseFrenchmen, though brave enough, are not like our own fellows incutting-out affairs. See to the guns, however, and get ammunition up ondeck, for, should they come, we mayn't have much time to spare. "

The _Ouzel Galley_ stood on in mid-channel; the well-known landmarks, church steeples, country-seats, and castles on either side wererecognised; Credda Head, a long, high point at the entrance of theharbour, was neared, when Duncannon Fort came into view. Still thedaring privateer followed as if her bold captain did not yet despair ofovertaking the chase. The wind, as the captain had hoped it would do, held fair, blowing over the low land on the east side of the harbour;once up with Duncannon Fort the _Ouzel Galley_ would be safe, both fromthe privateer herself and from an attack by her boats. At length CreddaHead was rounded. 

"Hurrah!" cried Gerald, who, not having to attend to the navigation ofthe ship, was watching the privateer, "she's afraid of standing onfurther--she's about; but, hillo!--she has hoisted English colours. "

"No proof that she is not French, though, " answered the captain; "it issimply to deceive the people on shore. "

"At all events, she's standing out of the harbour again, and won't do usany mischief, " cried Gerald. 

"Thank Heaven!" exclaimed the captain, "we're safe at last. " And thelong breath he drew clearly showed how anxious he had been. 

"A boat coming off from under the Head!" sang out Dan from forward. Thetopsail sheets were let fly, the courses trailed up to allow the boat tocome alongside, and a river pilot stopped on deck. 

"Welcome back to Old Ireland!" he exclaimed, as he shook the captain'shand. "Shure, it's a pleasure to see the _Ouzel Galley_ again, for it'slong we've been looking for her, and many began to say that she waslost, or taken by the French. "

"We very nearly were so, but we managed to take some of these samegentlemen instead, " answered the captain with a laugh, to which he couldnow give vent; "and only just now we had a narrow squeak for it. Whatdo you think of yonder ship, Pat?"

"Of course, she's an English man-of-war, " answered the pilot; "we'vebeen expecting one in here for some days past, and we thought that craftwas her. To say the truth, we were going on board her; for, shure, the_Ouzel Galley_ knows her way up to George's Quay by herself. "

"Had you done so, Pat, you'd have been carried off, and made to serve aspilot on board a French ship till the end of the war, " answered CaptainTracy. 

"Maybe you're right, captain; but see, she carries the English flag, andno Frenchman would have the impudence to come into our harbour, " saidthe pilot. 

"That gentleman says she is French, and he ought to know, for hebelonged to her, " observed the captain, pointing to Lieutenant Vinoy. Pat Monaghan, however, was not convinced; though, as the stranger wasrapidly running out of the harbour again, he had no opportunity ofascertaining for himself. Under Pat's pilotage the _Ouzel Galley_ stoodon up the harbour, which now narrowed considerably. At length sherounded Cheek Point, when with a fair wind she ran up the Suir, on thesouth bank of which Waterford is situated. It was late in the eveningwhen at last she dropped her anchor off George's Quay. Before hercanvas was furled, Mr Ferris, the senior partner of her owners, Ferris, Twigg, and Cash, came on board, and warmly congratulated the captain onhis safe return. On hearing of the gallant way in which possession ofthe _Ouzel Galley_ had been regained, Mr Ferris invited Norah andGerald to his house. 

"My daughter Ellen will be delighted to see her old schoolfellow, MissTracy, who was a great favourite of hers, " he said; "and many of myfriends will be glad to see your son, who from your account was theprincipal actor in your adventure. "

"I must not praise Gerald too much, " said Captain Tracy, after he hadaccepted the invitation; "my mate, Owen Massey, was the chief concoctorof the plot, and had I not a high opinion of his judgment and courage, Ishould not have ventured to give my consent to it. "

Before leaving the ship, Captain Tracy was anxious to be relieved of hisprisoners. Mr Ferris hurried back to the chief magistrate of the town, who at once sent down a guard to march them off to the jail. Thelieutenant, however, on being brought before him, was more courteouslytreated, and on giving his parole not to leave the town or tocommunicate with the enemy, he was allowed to be at large. As soon ashe was set at liberty he received an invitation from Mr Ferris to takeup his abode at his house in King Street. 

Thankful indeed was Owen Massey when, the prisoners having been carriedoff, he was able to give up charge of the ship and go on shore. He hada home to go to, though an humble one, with his mother, who resided in apretty little cottage in the outskirts of the town. She had seen betterdays, for both she and her husband were of ancient lineage; but he hadbeen engaged in a long-protracted lawsuit, which he ultimately lost, anddied, leaving her very limited means with which to support herself andtheir only child Owen. Captain Tracy, an old friend, offered to takeOwen to sea; and the lad was delighted with the thoughts of the life inprospect. His mother had not only given him the best education theplace afforded, but had sent him to Trinity College, Dublin, to completehis education. Here his means, however, did not allow him to remainlong; but, being clever and diligent, he was better prepared than mostlads were at that time for his future calling. He knew nothing aboutthe Royal Navy, or he would certainly have desired to enter it, which hemight easily have done had he possessed any friend able to get himplaced on the deck of a man-of-war. He had, like other youths, readaccounts of the voyages of the old explorers, of the adventures of thebuccaneers, and other works; he was scarcely aware of the differencewhich then existed between the officers of the Royal Navy and merchantservice. Captain Tracy, though anxious to promote his interests, didnot think fit to enlighten him, as he fully believed that during the"piping times of peace" he would be far more likely to succeed in thelatter than in the former service; and belonging to it himself, herightly looked upon it as an honourable one. 

Mrs Massey was struck by her son's pale face and languid manner. Thevoyage over, the effects of his severe wound, and the long-continuedanxiety he had suffered, at once told on him. She immediately sent forthe best surgeon in the place. Dr Roach quickly arrived; he had agreat respect for Widow Massey, and had known Owen, from his boyhood. On examining his wound he put on a grave face. 

"It surprises me, my dear boy, that you could have managed to move aboutwith so fearful a laceration, " he said; "it has been well and carefullydressed, I will allow, or you would not have been alive at this moment. Many a poor fellow has died from a less hurt than this. However, youwill do well now, if you follow my directions; but you must lie by andget your mother to nurse you. Come, turn into bed at once; you are notfit to be about--you'll get well the sooner. "

Owen expostulated; he had been on his legs for several days, and whyshould he now lie by? he asked. 

"For the very reason that you have done more than you have strengthfor, " answered the doctor. 

"But the duty of the ship must be attended to, and I am anxious to seemy captain, " urged Owen. 

"And your captain's daughter, eh, my young friend--is it not so?" saidDr Roach. "Well, I will let her know your wishes; I have been calledin to attend on Captain Tracy, who requires some doctoring, though notas much as you do--and as to the ship, there are others whose duty it isto look after her; it was yours to bring her safely into port, and youdid that in a very gallant way, I hear. Now, Mrs Massey, I lay mycommands on your son to remain quietly in bed till I tell him to get up;if he disobeys me, we shall be having a stiff arm or something worse, sohe is warned. I will come and see him regularly, and you'll give himthe medicines as I direct;" and Dr Roach, kindly shaking the widow'shand, walked away towards the town, with his gold-headed cane pressed tohis lips--a sure sign that he was lost in thought. 

Captain Tracy was, as the doctor had said, really ill; he was even worsethan it was at first supposed, and required all Norah's attention. Though much wishing to see Owen and Mrs Massey, she could not ventureto leave him. Gerald, however, willingly undertook to pay a visit tothe mate, who not being positively prohibited from seeing visitors, Gerald was admitted. Owen more clearly understood the message whichNorah had sent than Gerald did himself. Though longing to see her, heacknowledged that it was her duty to remain with her father. 

"However, Owen, you need not be in a hurry to get well, " said Gerald, "for the _Ouzel Galley_ won't be fit for sea again for many months; shesuffered so much during her last voyage, and got so knocked about by theenemy's shot, that she is to undergo a thorough repair. My father, notwishing me to be idle, talks of sending me to sea in some other craft--if I have my choice, I would go on board a man-of-war, where I mighthave plenty of opportunities of fighting the enemies of our country. Idon't like the idea of sailing in a ship which may be attacked andcaptured by any French privateer we might fall in with. "

"I am sorry to hear you say that, Gerald, for I had hoped to have youwith me when I next go afloat;" answered Owen. "To my mind, themerchant service is as honourable as that of the Royal Navy, if a mandoes his duty. I am very sure that God did not design men to befighting animals; it was Satan, and no one else, who put it into theirheads that it is a fine and noble thing to attack and kill each other. "

"Why, Owen, I always thought you a brave fellow, and as fond of fightingas any man, " exclaimed Gerald. 

"I grant you that I am ready to fight in defence of the life and libertyof my shipmates and the property committed to my charge, because I cansee that to be my duty, " answered Owen. "The merchant service affordsample opportunity for the exercise of a man's courage and determination. Though I respect the officers and men of the Royal Navy, who areengaged in fighting for their king and country, I have a very differentopinion of privateersmen, who go forth to plunder the harmlessmerchantmen of other nations merely for the sake of enrichingthemselves. It may be necessary to destroy the commerce of the enemyfor the purpose of crippling their means of offence; but privateersmenseldom trouble their heads about that--they are incited by the instinctof pirates, and plunder is their sole object. Whatever you do, let meurge you, Gerald, never to turn privateersman; if you were to consultyour father, he would, I know, say as I do, for we have often spokenabout the matter. "

"I dare say you are right, Owen, " answered Gerald. "If the _OuzelGalley_ were going at once to sea I would gladly sail in her. Theowners, as I heard from my father, intend to give the command of her toyou. "

"I am thankful to him, and very happy to hear it, " said Owen; "and Ihope, Gerald, that if you go afloat in the mean time, which it is veryright you should do, that you will be back soon enough to join me. Tellyour father that I will try to get well as fast as I can, that I mayattend to fitting out the _Ouzel Galley_. "

Gerald did not give a very favourable report of Owen Massey; hedescribed him as looking pale and ill, and dreadfully out of spirits, quite unlike himself. It made poor Norah exceedingly anxious; she hadbestowed on him her heart's best affections, with the full sanction ofher father, who highly esteemed him. 

To give Gerald employment till arrangements could be made for his goingto sea, he was sent on board the _Ouzel Galley_, to assist in landingher stores and unrigging her, previous to her being hauled up on theslip to be repaired. 

A few days on shore had so far restored Captain Tracy's health thatNorah was able to pay her promised visit to Mrs Massey, and EllenFerris offered to accompany her. They set off together. Ellen wasnearly a year older than Norah; both were remarkable for their beauty. Ellen was somewhat taller and slighter than her friend, with dark brownhair and clear complexion, and fine, sparkling eyes; many persons wouldhave admired her the most. Having mixed in good society in Dublin, shehad more the manners of the world than Norah, though in reality equallyartless and unsophisticated; while she was able to take her part inconversation on any of the topics of the day, of which, naturally, Norahknew but little. She was amiable, lively, and right-principled, andaltogether allowed to be a very charming girl, the pride of her father, who had no other child. She was therefore, of course, looked upon as anheiress; she did not, however, give herself any airs, but was thoroughlyunaffected, her aim simply being properly to do the honours of herfather's house. Their chief residence was in Dublin, but she was alwayshis companion when he came to his house at Waterford. It was a pleasantplace, a _rus in urbe_, as the worthy merchant delighted to call it. The house itself, a large, well-built mansion, with nothing remarkableabout it, faced the street. On the other side was an extensive piece ofground. Immediately behind the house it was level, and laid out with alawn and flower-beds. Beyond this a hill rose to a considerable height, the hillside being cut into slopes and terrace-walks, with an artificialcanal fed by an ever-flowing stream at the bottom of it. In accordancewith the taste of the day, these terraces were ornamented with statues;and at one end was a fine arch, part of the ruin of an ancient Gothicchapel. At the other end was an aviary filled with numerous featheredsongsters, several species of gay plumage. Further round the hill wasan enclosure stocked with various kinds of deer, and a white doe, anespecial favourite of the fair mistress of the garden. Besides thecanal, at the foot of the hill were two large reservoirs for the purposeof supplying it with water, containing carp and tench and other fish;and at the summit of the hill stood an obelisk to the memory of KingWilliam, whom the owner held in especial reverence. The views from thehill of the city on one side, and of the rough rocks and wilduncultivated hills on the opposite side, of the river, the shipping atanchor, with vessels and boats decked with gay flags constantly movingup and down the stream, were picturesque and attractive, and afforded anobject of interest to the numerous guests whom the hospitable owner waswont to entertain at his house. The place was laid out more accordingto Dutch than English taste, and of course was especially admired by thenatives of Holland, among whom the firm of Ferris, Twigg, and Cash hadextensive connections, as well as with the West Indies, to which part ofthe world they chiefly traded. The _Ouzel Galley_ was only one of thenumerous vessels owned by the firm, and all being strongly built, wellfound, and well officered, with sufficient crews, they made successfulvoyages. Mr Ferris himself was a dignified, good-looking, and somewhatportly gentleman, frank and hearty in his manners, fond of a good jokeand a good story, and highly respected for his upright and liberalconduct. 

Ellen, of course, had many admirers, but as yet it was generallybelieved that she had favoured no one. She was, in truth, the light ofher father's home, and he had no wish to part with her. She and Norahset off one bright afternoon on their walk to Widow Massey's cottage. Norah had confided to Ellen her engagement to Owen. 

"I am young, and so is he, and we are to wait till he has made two orthree more voyages, while I am to keep house for my father, who does notintend again to go to sea, " she remarked. "He inherited some propertylately, which prevents the necessity of his doing so, and though Ienjoyed the voyage to the West Indies, and the beautiful scenery andstrange sights I saw there, I am very glad to have him remain at home, especially since the war has broken out, and there is now the risk ofcapture by an enemy, such as we so narrowly escaped from. I wish, indeed, that Owen could give up the sea, but he is very fond of it, andpromises me not to run into more danger than can be helped; and as it isthe lot of so many poor women to have those they love at sea, I must notcomplain. "

Ellen, sighed. Norah looked up with an inquiring glance at hercountenance, but Ellen only observed, "It must be borne with patience;and then, you know, you can pray for those you love, and that is a greatcomfort. "

Mrs Massey, who had from her front windows seen her visitorsapproaching, opened the door to admit them. She welcomed Norah with anaffectionate embrace, putting back her hair to kiss her fair brow. 

"I beg your pardon, Miss Ferris, " she said, "for neglecting you; but youwill excuse me--it is so long since I have seen this dear girl, and I sorejoice to have her back in safety. My son Owen, the doctor says, oweshis life to the careful way she dressed his wounds. " She continued, after her guests were seated, "He will be wishing to come down and seeyou, Norah, and I cannot forbid him, though he is not fit to presenthimself before Miss Ferris. "

"Do not let me prevent Mr Massey from coming down, " said Ellen, rising, and giving a smile to Norah; "I will go out and take a look at yourpretty garden, Mrs Massey, and you shall show me the flowers. "

Norah felt grateful for the tact of her friend, and the widow havinggone upstairs to tell Owen that he need not fear the meeting with astranger, she returned and took Ellen into her garden, which contained ashrubbery, a lawn and flower-beds, and an arbour with a view of theriver and shipping in the distance, and invited them to sit down. 

"This is a very pretty spot, Mrs Massey, " said Ellen. "Now you havegot your son back, you must be perfectly happy. "

"I ought to be so, my dear young lady, and am indeed thankful to havehim with me, " answered the widow; "but recollections of the past willintrude. I cannot help thinking how different would have been his lothad he not been unjustly deprived of his inheritance; and little goodhas it done those who got it. Wealth gained by fraud or violence neverbenefits the possessors. "

The widow, who spent much of her time in solitude, was inclined to talkwhen she found a willing listener. Ellen's looks betokened sympathy, for she was aware of the wrongs the Massey family had endured. 

"The O'Harralls were ever a lawless race, " continued Mrs Massey; "theywere leaders among the Rapparees in Cromwell's and James's times, andlived by robbing their countrymen and neighbours, till William of Orangeestablished a firm government. They then exercised their cunning bymeans of the law, and, supported by the Evil One, their frauds weresuccessful. Scarcely, however, had they gained possession of TramoreCastle and its broad lands than they took to their wicked courses. Denis O'Harrall set all the laws of God and man at defiance; yet, as hekept open house and entertained guests of high and low degree, he wasuniversally popular till he had been brought to the verge of ruin. Sucha father could not fail to bring up his sons ill: his eldest son was asextravagant and reckless as himself. Brian, his second, had more talentthan his brother. Having been sent to college in Dublin, he at firstgave some promise of turning out well. Owen was at that time acquaintedwith him, and, harbouring no ill-feeling, was ready to be on friendlyterms; but Brian soon showed the cloven foot, and although he remainedfor some time, he was at length dismissed with ignominy. Living nearthe sea, he had been accustomed from his earliest days to go out withthe fishermen, and to make short trips to Drogheda, Dungarvon, Youghal, and occasionally even further. After his return home, having no meansof indulging in the bad courses to which he was addicted, he, it wassaid, joined a band of smugglers, who under his leadership became themost daring and successful of all the gangs of desperate men who carryon their illicit trade across the English Channel. Now they appeared inone part of the coast, now in another; so that, although a constantwatch was kept for them, owing to the vigilance of their agents forseveral years, they never failed to escape the king's cruisers. Fromlong impunity becoming less cautious, a valuable cargo in which he hadventured all his property was captured, with himself and several of hiscompanions, by a king's ship. They were brought into Waterford, andwere imprisoned in Reginald's Tower, on the quay. During the night, however, they rose on the guard, whom they killed, to prevent alarmbeing given, and stealing a boat made their way down the river. In theharbour they found a Dutch ship, the _Saint Peter_, of Hamburg, whichhad put in from stress of weather. As she was on the point of sailing, they pretended that they had come down on purpose to take a passage onboard her to Dantzic, for which port she was bound. The captain, believing their story, willingly received them, as they offered to pay aconsiderable sum for their passage-money. Scarcely, however, had theygot out of sight of land than they set upon the captain and his officersand killed them all, and so overawed the men that no one dared to offerthe slightest resistance. By threats and promises they induced thegreater number to join them, and those who would not do so were thrownoverboard. One, however, a good swimmer, recovering from the blowswhich had apparently killed him, got hold of a grating and was picked upthe next morning. Being carried into Cork harbour, he gave informationof what had occurred, and the authorities in all places along the coastwere informed that they might seize the pirates should they appear. Their intention was to proceed up the British Channel, to plunder anyvessel they could fall in with, and afterwards, when they had completedtheir cargo, to sell it and the ship. A violent north-easterly gale, however, drove them far away to the westward, and it was not till manydays were over that they were again able to stand to the eastward. Theyhad, as it happened, from not taking proper observations, got out oftheir reckoning; while steering, as they thought, up the Channel, theyfound themselves close in with the Irish coast. By this time beingshort of water and provisions, they ran into Dunmanus Bay, supposingthat, no one suspecting their character, they might remain as long aswas necessary to repair damages and to procure whatever they wanted. Among the crew was a young black, whose life had been spared under theidea that he was too stupid and ignorant to think of betraying them. Ashe appeared to be perfectly contented on board, he was allowed to be atliberty; but he was in reality a remarkably sharp lad, and only waitedhis opportunity to get on shore. One night, after the ship had beenthere two or three days, he managed to slip overboard, and, gettingsafely to land, made his way to Dunbeacon Castle, at the head of theharbour. He here described what had occurred, and it was at onceguessed that the vessel in the bay was the one for which the authoritieshad been directed to be on the watch. A despatch was immediately sentoff to Bantry; before the morning a party of soldiers arrived, and, procuring boats, boarded the ship and captured all found in her. Theringleader, however, Brian O'Harrall, was on shore, and though strictsearch was made for him he was nowhere to be discovered. He had friendsin the neighbourhood, and it was only sufficient for them to know thatthe officers of justice were after him to induce them to assist in hisescape. My son happened to be in Bantry at the time, just before hewent to sea; to save the boy, who was carried there, from the vengeanceof O'Harrall, he took him back to Waterford, and Captain Tracy receivedhim on board the _Ouzel Galley_. It was from Pompey I heard all theparticulars I have narrated. The five other men on board the _SaintPeter_ were tried and condemned to death, and after their executiontheir heads were set up at Waterford, Youghal, Cork, Kinsale, andBlantyre. The ship and cargo being restored to the owners, O'Harrallwas outlawed, and a price set on his head; but though, from time totime, he was heard of in connection with various desperate acts, henever failed to escape the grasp of justice. It was supposed that he atlength joined a band of smugglers, though he has not for a year or morebeen heard of. He has, I should have said, a younger brother remarkablylike him in character and appearance, who greatly assisted in hisescape. This brother, Michael, made his appearance now in one part ofthe country, now in another, letting it be supposed that he was Brian;thus distracting the attention of those in search of the culprit. He ishimself, from what I have heard, fully as determined a ruffian as Brian, and has long followed the same lawless pursuits. "

"What a fearful character!" exclaimed Ellen, shuddering; "and yet yousay that Brian was at one time at college, mixing with young men ofeducation and refinement. "

"Yes, and, with the talents and advantages he possessed, might havegained an honourable position in the county, " replied Mrs Massey; "for, his elder brother having no children, he would probably have succeededto the estate. I should have been more reconciled to the loss ofTramore had it been in possession of honourable people, who would haveattended to the property and watched over the interests of the tenantry;and it is sad to see the place going to ruin, and the unfortunate peoplewho might look up to the owner for assistance becoming every day moredegraded and wretched. "

"But perhaps, Mrs Massey, if the present owner should die, and as thewretched men you have been describing cannot succeed, you, or ratheryour son, may recover the property, " observed Ellen. 

"I fear not, " answered the widow, with a sigh. "I do not understandlegal matters, but the youngest brother might, I fancy, succeed in spiteof his crimes, and without ample pecuniary means I believe that it wouldbe impossible to regain the estate. I have long been reconciled to mylot, though I should be thankful could Owen avoid the necessity of goingto sea, and enjoy a sufficient fortune to enable him to marry our dearNorah in the course of a year or two. "

"Now you have told me the particulars of this strange history, I shallnot despair of success, " said Ellen. "The want of money must, at allevents, not be a hindrance; there are, I am sure, those who would beready to assist your son. "

Ellen sat on, readily listening to all the widow's conversation; for, heartily sympathising with Norah, she was in no hurry to break in uponher and Owen's _tete-a-tete_. However, the length of the shadowsstretching across the lawn at last warned her that the evening wasapproaching, and she remembered that it would be disagreeable, if notdangerous, to be compelled to walk home in the dark. Norah, however, had not noted how time had gone by; but when she looked out of thewindow and saw that the sun was on the point of setting, she expressedher readiness to return home without delay. Ellen, wishing Mr Masseygood-bye, and hoping that he would soon recover, hurried to the door, leaving Norah, who was putting on her cloak and hat, to follow and payher parting adieux in the way she might think proper. Had Owen not beenabsolutely forbidden, in spite of his weakness he would have accompaniedthem--though Ellen laughed at the idea of there being any cause forapprehending danger during the short walk into the town. 

CHAPTER FIVE. 

ARRIVAL OF A JERSEY PRIVATEER--AN INVITATION SENT TO THE OFFICERS--NORAHAND ELLEN MEET A STRANGER ON THEIR WALK HOME--ATTEMPT TO CARRY OFFNORAH--SHE IS RESCUED--FRUITLESS SEARCH FOR THE RUFFIANS--ARRIVAL OF THECAPTAIN AND LIEUTENANTS OF THE PRIVATEER--THE MERCHANT'S HOUSE ANDGROUNDS--A BANQUET--CAPTAIN DUPIN REQUESTS THE PLEASURE OF A VISIT FROMHIS WATERFORD FRIENDS--A DANCE ON BOARD THE PRIVATEER--AN UNPLEASANTSURPRISE. 

Just after the young ladies had set off on their walk to visit MrsMassey, a Dungarvon hooker arrived at the quay, and her skipper broughtthe intelligence that a sloop of war had anchored that morning in themouth of the harbour. She carried eighteen guns, for he had countednine on a side; having boarded her to dispose of some of his fish, hewas sure that he could not be mistaken. When he was more than half-wayup the river, he added, the wind being light, a gig had passed him; butthough he looked everywhere, he had not again seen her. He believedthat she belonged to the sloop, as an officer was seated in the stern, and she had the appearance of a man-of-war's boat; but of that he couldnot be certain. 

Mr Ferris had invited a party to dinner, and as he always wished to payattention to naval officers, he immediately despatched a letter by afast rowing-boat, requesting the company of the commander and officersof the sloop at the intended banquet. Mr Ferris received a letter inreply, signed "Jean Dupin, commander of the _Orestes_, private ship ofwar, " observing that Mr Ferris had been misinformed as to the characterof the vessel he had the honour to command, she not being a king's ship, but belonging to Jersey, and the property of a firm with which he wasprobably well acquainted, Messrs. Saint Croix and Cie; and he wasunwilling to sail under false colours--but that if Mr Ferris stilldesired his company, he and his officers would have infinite pleasure inavailing themselves of his hospitable invitation. Mr Ferrisimmediately sent back the boat, assuring Captain Dupin that it wouldafford him the greatest possible satisfaction to receive him, and any ofhis lieutenants and junior officers who might be able to accompany him. 

"Ellen will be disappointed when she finds that the ship is not aman-of-war, " he said to himself. "She takes much interest in the navy;she saw a good specimen of the naval officer in that gentlemanly andpleasing young lieutenant, Norman Foley, who was occasionally at ourhouse in Dublin when his ship lay off Kingstown, and she hasconsequently an idea that all naval officers are like him. However, many of the Jersey privateers are commanded and officered by gentlemenof good family in the island, and I doubt not that Captain Dupin willprove an agreeable addition to our party. I wish that Captain Tracywere well enough to be present; he and Captain Dupin might find thatthey were old acquaintances, and would, at all events, have manysubjects in common to talk about. "

We must now return to Norah and Ellen. They hastened their steps, forthe sun had set, and darkness was stealing over the landscape, andunless they hurried on they would scarcely have light sufficient to seetheir way through the narrow and dimly illuminated street, and mightperhaps meet with drunken men who would cause them annoyance. 

"I am pretty well known here, so that it is not likely any one willinsult us; but it would be unpleasant to encounter strangers, " saidEllen. "I am very sorry, Norah, for it was my fault remaining so longlistening to Mrs Massey's dreadful accounts of the O'Harrall family. Iwas much interested, and I have taken it into my head that Mr Masseymay be able to regain his ancestral property. You know I am somewhatromantic, and I should be so delighted to see you mistress of TramoreCastle. "

"I am afraid there is very little hope of that, " said Norah; "nor am Iambitious, but shall be content to enjoy with my dear Owen the limitedfortune we shall be able to muster. "

They had just reached the most secluded part of the road, when theyheard footsteps behind them; and Norah, looking round, saw a manfollowing, his figure shrouded in a Spanish cloak, a broad-brimmed hatornamented with a feather drawn down over his brow, partly concealinghis countenance. The end of a scabbard which appeared beneath his cloakshowed that he was a gentleman, while his firm though hurried step gaveproof of what was of still more consequence, that he was perfectlysober. As he passed them he lifted his hat, an act which served ratherto conceal further than to show his features. After going on a shortdistance he stopped; then, facing about, walked rapidly towards them. 

"Miss Tracy, " he exclaimed, "I have been impelled by an irresistiblepower to endeavour to see you, and I am more fortunate than I expected. Will your fair friend favour me by going on a few paces before us, whileI speak what I wish to reach no other ear but yours?"

"Who is this gentleman?" exclaimed Ellen. "Is it your wish that Ishould do as he requests?"

"Oh no, no! do not leave me on any account, " whispered Norah, tightlygrasping Ellen's arm. "Surely you must be under a mistake, sir, andtake me for some one else, " she continued, turning to the stranger. 

"Miss Tracy, your features, your voice, your figure, are all tooindelibly impressed upon my mind, " he replied. "Do not you remember thelast words I spoke to you ere we parted?"

Norah, on hearing this, was still more convinced than at first that thestranger was under a mistake. And yet the stranger had addressed her byname! Could he be out of his senses?

"Know you not that you have inspired the deepest and most devotedaffection, which death alone can destroy?" he continued. "To meet youagain I have gone through difficulties and dangers which would otherwisehave appeared insuperable; and can you be so cold-hearted as to regardwith indifference a love so ardent and true?"

His voice as he spoke had more of a tone of anger than affection in it. 

"I must not listen to such language as this, " answered Norah, the ideaof who the person was now flashing across her mind; "I beg that you willnot stop my friend and me, as we are anxious to return home withoutdelay. "

"I must and will be heard, " exclaimed the stranger, attempting to graspNorah's hand. "Come with me; I offer you a heart which loves you todesperation, and mine you must be. I have the means of enforcing myrequest--if your friend interferes, she must take the consequences, andwill be compelled to accompany you. "

"You are mad, sir, to suppose for a moment that I would consent to sucha proposal; let me and my friend go, I entreat you. "

"For your refusal I was prepared, " exclaimed the stranger, "but it willnot avail you;" and putting a silver whistle to his mouth, he blew itshrilly. It was answered from a distance, and Ellen, looking in thedirection from which the sound came, saw two mounted men, each with aled horse, approaching. Ellen now gave way to her fears, and utteredloud shrieks for help. Norah felt all her energies paralysed by thethreatened act of violence, and could only cling to Ellen's arm andmurmur, "Don't leave me! don't leave me!"

A wall rather too high to be leaped over intervened between them and thehorsemen. They had to make a circuit to reach a gate which opened intothe road before they gained it. The rattle of wheels was heard, andloud shouts of laughter between snatches of song. Just then Ellen saw aline of cars, the horses at full speed, coming along the road; thestranger saw them too, and seizing Norah round the waist, endeavoured todrag her to the wall; but Ellen and she clung frantically to each other, Ellen again and again shrieking loudly for help. On came the cars; somemen in seamen's dresses sprang from the first, one of them shouting out, "Shure, it's the young mistress! Be alive, and dale smartly with theoutrageous thief of the world who's dared to lay hands on her;" and, joined by a dozen or more men from the other cars, armed with stoutshillelaghs, Dan Connor dashed forward at headlong speed. The strangerglanced round to see how far off their horses still were from him, andfinding that they had not yet passed through the gate, and that all hopeof carrying off Norah must be abandoned, vaulted over the wall and rantowards them. His companions, seeing what had occurred, hurried up tohis assistance. Just as the party of seamen had got close upon hisheels, he threw himself upon one of the led horses and galloped off, followed by the shouts and execrations of the seamen, who were, fortunately for him, without firearms. 

"Shure, Miss Norah, jewel, you're all safe now, and that mighty bigblackguard, whoever he may be, will do you no harm, " exclaimed Dan. "Ifyou and the young lady will just mount on the car, we'll escort you safeinto Waterford; and if he and a score of Rapparees like himself were tocome back, we'd bate them all off before they could come near you. "

"Let us get up on the car, as the sailor advises us, " said Ellen; andshe mounted and helped Norah up, when the seamen running on each side, they set off at a brisk pace, followed by the other cars. 

"It's at the wake of poor Pat Casey we've been, Miss Norah. He niverwas himself after the wound he got when we fought the privateer--andshure, we were coming home at daybreak; but somehow or other, what withthe potheen, and the friends we met, and a scrimmage or two, we made along morning of it; and bedad, good luck it was, or we wouldn't havecome up in time to put that fellow to flight. "

Ellen, who had somewhat recovered from her alarm, assured Dan howthankful she felt to him and his shipmates and friends for the servicethey had rendered Norah and herself. 

"Service, Misthress Ferris! it was the greatest pleasure I've had sinceI was born, and I only wish I'd the same every day of my life. Whatwould Mr Massey have been after doing if that thundering villain hadgot you and Miss Norah upon his horses and galloped off through thecountry wid ye!--but he'd betther not be showing his face again in theseparts, whoever he is, " answered Dan. "As soon as we've seen you bothsafe home, we'll go in chase of him, and it will be hard if we don'tcatch him, too. "

Norah did not say whom she suspected the ruffian to be who had attemptedthe outrage; indeed, she was far too nervous to speak, and it was nottill, escorted by Dan and his friends, they arrived safely at home, thatshe mentioned her suspicions to Ellen. She begged her to make as lightas possible of the matter, for fear of agitating Captain Tracy in a waywhich might be injurious to him in his present state of health. Still, the circumstance could not be altogether concealed from him. Abductionwas at that time too common in Ireland for what had occurred to createmuch surprise. The only difficulty was to ascertain who the man couldbe, though it was generally believed that his intention was to carry offMiss Ferris, who was known to be an heiress. At that time thereactually existed in the neighbourhood an association known as theAbduction Club, all the members of which had sworn to assist each otherin carrying off such young ladies as either of them fixed upon. Bymeans of their spies, they made themselves acquainted with the fortunesof every marriageable girl and the domestic arrangements of the family. Sometimes, when she had not been claimed by any particular member, theydrew lots to whom she should belong, and the rest were then bound toassist the fortunate winner. No class of society, from the highest tothe opulent farmer or tradesman, was exempt from the depredations of theassociates. They themselves were mostly the younger sons or relationsof families of some standing, who, looking upon commerce as beneaththem, with too little education to succeed in the learned professions, if they could not obtain a commission in the army, spent their lives inidleness, and were known as squireens. Generally being able to borrowgood horses from their rich friends, they rode about the country habitedin red waistcoats lined with narrow gold or silver lace or fur, tightleather breeches, and top-boots; making themselves conspicuous at fairs, markets, races, and assizes, and in other places where peoplecongregated. They excelled in athletic sports, especially in the gameof hurling, when they took the lead among the young men of the peasantclass who engaged in it, and thus became identified with them, and couldon all occasions rely on their support. Though the crime of abductionwas punishable with death, as the girls who were thus carried off werein most instances immediately married, few were found willing toprosecute their husbands. The law was consequently almost inoperative, and the abominable practice up to this day had continued unchecked. 

Mr Ferris was of course highly indignant. He at once took steps todiscover the offender, though, as he had not succeeded in his attempt, there was little probability that he would be captured, or if so, punished. The annoyance, also, to which his daughter and her friendmust in future be subjected, from being unable to venture outside thegarden without a strong guard, was provoking in the extreme; still, thedaring characters of the men who were known to be combined for thepurpose rendered it unsafe for the young ladies to go abroad unless thusprotected. 

Dan and Pompey, with the other seamen of the _Ouzel Galley_, and severalfriends who joined them, as soon as they had left Norah and Ellen safeat home, set off in chase of the ruffians, armed with such weapons asthey could hastily obtain, in addition to the shillelaghs they hadbefore possessed. Following in the direction they had seen the horsemengoing, they made their way over all impediments, inquiring of every onethey met, and hoping by perseverance to overtake them. They learnt, however, after proceeding a considerable distance, that the men hadseparated, one going off with the led horses in the direction of themountains to the westward, another turning southward towards TramoreBay, while the third followed a road which would conduct him to Passage, near the mouth of the river, whence he could cross into Wexford. Theparties accordingly divided, but had not gone far when they lost alltrace of the fugitives, and as Dan observed, "They might as well belooking for a needle in a bottle of hay, as hope to find the spalpeen. "Late at night they returned to Kingscourt House, the residence of MrFerris, to report the ill-success of their expedition. 

"Bedad, your honour, we'll be after keeping a sharp look-out on thefellows, and if any one of them shows his ugly face in theneighbourhood, we'll be down upon him as quick as lightning, " said Dan. 

"But if you don't know the men--and from what I understand, you only sawtheir backs in the gloom--you will find a considerable difficulty inrecognising them, " observed Mr Ferris, "and may chance to lay hands onthe wrong persons. "

"Shure, your honour, we'll ask them if they're the right ones before wegive them a taste of the shillelagh, " answered Dan. 

"At all events, Connor, I wish you, and a dozen stout fellows you maypick out, to act as a guard at my house, to protect my daughter and herfriend, should any yet more daring attempt be made to carry them off, "replied Mr Ferris. 

"I'll do that same with all the pleasure in life, " answered Dan, "thoughit may be a hard matter to keep our eyes open to-night, seeing we werewaking Pat Casey till a late hour this morning, and then, after seeinghim laid dacently under the turf, had to drink long life and success tohis sperrit and a short stay in purgatory, where the praste told us hehad gone--though, being a kind-hearted man, he'd do his best to pray himout of it. "

"I have no fear of any fresh attempt being made to-night, so you may allsleep soundly in your beds, " said Mr Ferris; "but I shall require youto-morrow, and for some time to come after that, while I remain atWaterford. "

In those days the dinner-hour, even in the houses of the opulent, was attwo o'clock, and some time before that two well-manned boats, from thestern of which floated the British ensign, reached the quay atWaterford. Only three officers, however, stepped on shore, the captainand two others, whom he introduced as his lieutenants to Mr Ferris, whowent down to meet him. All were dressed in uniforms closely resemblingthat of the British navy, for such privateersmen were wont to wear. Captain Dupin, who spoke with a slight French accent, as most Jersey mendid at that period, was a fair, good-looking young man, with a somewhatshort though well-knit figure, his countenance betoking courage anddetermination. His first lieutenant, whom he introduced as MrMacarthy, was a man of a very different mould. His well-bronzedfeatures were concealed by a large beard and moustache, while a blackpatch over one eye, and another down his cheek, showing that he hadsuffered in the fight, did not add to the attractiveness of hisappearance. 

"As he is a countryman of yours, he was anxious to avail himself of yourinvitation, though scarcely recovered from wounds he received is ourlast action with a French ship, which we captured after a determinedresistance, " observed the captain. "He was shot through the mouth, which considerably impedes his speech; but he will be ablenotwithstanding to do justice to your good fare, as I have no doubt youwill perceive. "

Mr Macarthy shook hands with Mr Ferris, and expressed his satisfactionat finding himself once more on his native soil. 

"It is many a long year since I left the old country, and from that timetill I landed a few months ago in Jersey I have been knocking about indistant seas, " said the lieutenant. "Although Ballyadare, in Sligo, ismy native place, I have more than once in my younger days visitedWaterford, and this is not the first time I have been on shore at yourbeautiful town. Faith, sir, it is a place to boast of; so fine a river, such magnificent quays, and that old tower I see there--I forget itsname--where will you find the like?"

Mr Ferris, pleased with the compliment paid to his city, was ready tooverlook the somewhat rough manner and exterior of his guest. 

"Indeed, sir, " he said, "we are apt to boast of our virgin city and itsquays, a mile long as you will perceive, at which sixty sail of vesselscan unload at a time; of our dry dock, lately built by our townsman MrCongreve; of our conduits, which supply both our houses and the shippingwith water; of the privileges enjoyed by our citizens; and of ourmilitia, mustering five hundred men, and capable of giving a goodaccount of any enemy who may dare to invade our shores. You will, Ihope, meet some of the officers at dinner to-day. "

"By my soul, it is a city you may well be proud of, " answered thelieutenant; "and it is to be hoped that no enemy for their own sakeswill ever venture within gunshot of your redoubtable militia. "

The second lieutenant was introduced as a young Jersey man, Mr Latrobe. He spoke with more French accent than his chief, who accounted for hisso doing by remarking that he had not come to sea till he was nearlygrown up, and had during peace time served on board a French merchantvessel. "We Jersey men, " he added, "though our sympathies arethoroughly English, yet retain, as you know, the language and customs ofour Breton ancestors. "

"Come, gentlemen, I must conduct you to my humble residence, " said MrFerris, and, leading his guests up Hanover Street, so called by theloyal inhabitants in compliment to the reigning royal family, theyentered King Street, towards the west end of which was situated MrFerris's house, overlooking the river. On reaching the house, as therewas time to spare, Mr Ferris took them round his grounds, of which theywere loud in their compliments. So pleased did they declare themselvesthat they begged to go round them a second time, when the lieutenantmight have been seen narrowly observing the localities. As they pacedround the outer circuit on their walk, they met Ellen and Norah, to whomof course Mr Ferris introduced his guests. The officers bowed, andCaptain Dupin, addressing Ellen, expressed his admiration of herbeautiful garden and the taste with which it was laid out. 

"Surely I need not inquire whether you were the chief designer of theselovely terraces and sparkling fountains, and that picturesque rockwork, "said the captain, bowing as he spoke. 

"No, I can claim no merit for the beauties you admire, " answered Ellen;"my father purchased the property from the former owner. I should haveliked it better had it been left more to nature. "

"Ah, if you could see Jersey! How you would delight in my own nativeisland!" exclaimed Captain Dupin; "it contains just the scenery youwould appreciate. "

"I can assure you that in Ireland we have most romantic and beautifulscenery, " answered Ellen; "and in the county of Kerry are the lovelyLakes of Killarney, such as I believe all strangers consider the mostromantic in the world. "

"Ah, I know nothing of Ireland, though I may hope some day to be betteracquainted with it, " said the captain. 

The other two stood aloof, as if they did not consider themselves ofsufficient consequence to address the young ladies to whom theircommander was speaking. Ellen, offering to show Captain Dupin theaviary, led the way along the terrace. Norah followed by herself, leaving the two lieutenants in conversation with Mr Ferris. The elderof the two after a little time stepped forward, and Norah, lookinground, found him walking by her side. 

"Is this spot as attractive as some of the scenes you have visited inthe West Indies, Miss Tracy?" he asked, speaking low. 

Norah started as she heard the voice; but looking at the speaker, whosecountenance she failed to recognise, she asked, "How do you know that Ihave been in the West Indies, Mr Macarthy?"

"I heard from a seaman who came on board the _Orestes_ that you hadaccompanied your father on board the _Ouzel Galley_, " he answeredquietly. "Irishmen are wonderfully communicative, you know. It is anunusual thing for young ladies to take such a voyage in time of war. "

"I sailed before war had broken out, or I am very sure my father wouldnot have taken me, " she replied, banishing the idea which had flashedacross her mind. "He probably heard from the seaman that a young ladywas staying with Miss Ferris, and thus guessed who I was, " she thoughtto herself. 

After again going round the grounds, the party returned to the house, where the other guests had begun to assemble. Captain Dupin and hisofficers were duly introduced and cordially welcomed to Waterford. Among others, Lieutenant Vinoy was brought up by the host. 

"Though you gentlemen would look upon each other as enemies were you tomeet on the ocean, here, I trust, you will be friends, " said Mr Ferris. The officers bowed politely. 

"I ave moche plaisir to meet Monsieur le Capitaine Dupin in dishospitable maison, " said the French lieutenant; "if ve evare encountervis one anodare on de sea, den ve fight like des braves hommes--n'est-cepas, Monsieur le Capitaine?"

"I could not desire a greater honour, " answered the Jersey man. "Nor, by my faith, could I, " exclaimed the first lieutenant of the _Orestes_. 

"Ah, I moche fear I remain prisonare here to do end of de war, " sighedMonsieur Vinoy; "but, ma foi, I am too happy in dis charmante ville viddese aimable young ladies to vish to leave. It was de fortune de laguerre vich brought me here, and I vill not complain. "

"You might certainly have been much worse off, " observed Captain Dupin. "I have no doubt you fought your ship, like a brave man, till all hopeof victory was gone. "

"Ve vill not talk of dat, " answered the lieutenant, turning away, probably not quite relishing the remark, recollecting how he had beencaught napping. 

Three of the officers of the city militia were next introduced to thenaval guests. Judged by their uniform, they were remarkably finefellows, for their coats were blue, with scarlet linings and giltbuttons, their waistcoats and breeches being also of scarlet, and theirhats richly adorned with gold lace. They had evidently, as was natural, a decidedly good opinion of themselves, and were somewhat inclined tolook down upon the more simply dressed tars. The first lieutenant ofthe _Orestes_ eyed them askance from under his shaggy eyebrows, apparently regarding them, for some reason or other, with no friendlyfeeling. After exchanging salutations, he at once turned aside andaddressed himself to some of the civilians. 

"We are expecting a king's ship every day to visit our harbour--the_Champion_, 18-gun sloop of war, Commander Olding, " observed one of thegentlemen. "Contrary winds may have detained her, or perhaps she hasfallen in with a Frenchman; and I will venture to say, if such is thecase, that she has taken him, for the navy does not possess a moregallant and resolute officer than my friend. "

Captain Dupin involuntarily shrugged his shoulders and bowed. "I haveno doubt of the gallantry of the officers of the Royal Navy, " heobserved. An opportunity occurring, he stepped back and spoke a fewwords to his two lieutenants. The younger of the two looked somewhatagitated; though the elder, whatever thoughts were passing in his mind, retained a perfect composure. He managed to hand in Norah to dinner, and to obtain a seat by her side. He spoke in a low voice, which onceor twice, it seemed to her, was unnatural; but he accounted for it ashis commander had done to Mr Ferris, by saying that he had received awound in his mouth. He described many strange places and scenes he hadvisited, and appeared, notwithstanding the time he had been absent fromhis native country, to be well acquainted with various parts of Ireland. Altogether, he succeeded in making Norah think him an agreeable person, although ill-favoured and rather rough in his manner. Captain Dupin wasequally successful in gaining the good opinion of Ellen, near whom hesat; while he contrived at the same time to ingratiate himself, by hislively conversation and the compliments he paid to Ireland, with most ofthe guests--and all agreed that he was superior to most of the privateerofficers they had met. 

The feast need not be described; the viands were in abundance, andclaret, followed by whisky punch, flowed freely. A watchful observerwould have discovered that neither of the officers drank more than theycould help, though they were compelled to take no small quantity, simplyin accepting the pledges they received in turn from the rest of theguests. The usual Orange toasts were drunk--especially the chief one, "The glorious and immortal memory!" the whole party standing, althoughthey did not, as was occasionally done, shiver their glasses on theground--the principal inhabitants of Waterford being great admirers ofWilliam of Orange. Soon after this the ladies retired. The officers, to the surprise of the other guests, rose to take their leave, and somewere inclined to insist on their stopping. 

"It is altogether _contra bonos mores_, gentlemen, to leave us at thishour with only half a cargo on board, " exclaimed Mr Peter Vashan, oneof the sheriffs of the city; "we shall suspect you of being no true men. Sit down and help us to finish another dozen of claret. "

Similar expressions were uttered by others. Captain Dupin was firm, even though he saw angry and contemptuous glances cast on them by someof those whose rule of good fellowship he was about to infringe. 

"To tell you the truth, gentlemen, " he said, "I cannot be longer absentwith my chief officers from the ship. You know that privateersmen arenot the most orderly of characters; I am uncertain how my fellows maybehave during my absence, though I can answer for their good conductwhen I am among them. Before I left the ship I gave directions to havea slight entertainment provided, and I invite our generous host, withall who favour me with their company, to bring their wives and familieswith them. The evening is fine, and the moon will be up to light you onyour return; and, as an inducement to some who have an eye to business, I may add that we have on board part of the cargo of the last prize wetook, rich silks and brocades, and other manufactures of France, and asI am in no hurry to go into port, I shall be glad to dispose of them onmoderate terms; while I am anxious to purchase provisions and stores, which I am sure your town will supply of the best quality. "

The captain, as he spoke, looked round on the party, and was perfectlysatisfied that his invitation would be accepted, and that he would beable to obtain whatever he required for his ship. No further effort wasmade to detain him; even Mr Ferris promised to come, with his daughterand her friend, and most of the other gentlemen expressed theirreadiness to take the ladies of their families on board. Captain Dupinand his two lieutenants hurried down to their boats, which were inwaiting at the quay, the crews having, according to orders, not evenlanded or held any communication with the people on shore, notwithstanding the pressing invitations they had received from thetavern-keepers on the quay. 

"Begorra, I never knew a Jersey man who couldn't spake dacent English, "exclaimed one of the men, who had been trying to induce the sailors toland. "Their captain may be what he says he is; but, shure, it'sstrange for sailors to come into harbour and not to look out for a dhropof the crathur. "

Similar remarks were made by others, though they ceased when the captainand his officers appeared and hailed the boats, which came to the shoreand took them in. They immediately pulled down the river as fast as thecrews could lay their backs to the oars. This proceeding began toexcite the suspicions of the people on the quays, but they were oncemore lulled when it was known that they had gone on board to prepare forthe reception of visitors from the shore. 

When Norah heard of the invitation, she declined accepting it on theplea that her father required her attendance, which indeed was thetruth, as he was more unwell than he had been for some days. Havingalso lately been at sea, to her there was no novelty in a visit to aship; besides which, she had not entirely recovered from the agitationshe had suffered the previous evening. Ellen would have remained tokeep her company, pleased though she was at the thought of visiting aman-of-war; but her father wished to have her with him, as severalladies, wives and daughters of the sheriffs and aldermen, were going. The party, consisting of nearly thirty ladies and gentlemen, soonassembled at the quay. Their respective boats having been got inreadiness, with civic and private flags flying, the little flotillaproceeded at a rapid rate down the river, the tide being in theirfavour. 

Mr Ferris had invited Lieutenant Vinoy, who had won the good opinion ofhis captors by his quiet behaviour and amiable manners, to accompany theparty. He would probably like to see a British ship of war, and ofcourse there was no fear of his being detained on board. The lieutenantat first hesitated, but finally accepted the invitation, and accordinglyformed one of the party. 

The boats made good way, and though the pull was a long one, they sooncame in sight of the privateer, which lay in mid-channel. 

"Why, that craft has a spring on her cable, " observed Captain O'Brien, who had accompanied Mr Ferris; "her topsails are loose, as if she wasready to put to sea at a moment's notice. "

"So probably she would, should she catch sight of a Frenchman in theoffing, " observed Mr Ferris; "the enemy's merchant vessels do nothesitate to stand along this coast, as we have so seldom a man-of-war onthe look-out for them. Captain Dupin is of course aware of that, andwas consequently in a hurry to get us to pay him a visit. "

The ex-merchant captain said nothing, but still kept examining the_Orestes_ with a critical eye. "She may be a Jersey privateer, but shehas a French cut about her from her truck downwards, " he muttered tohimself. 

The leading boats went alongside, and the officers were seen standingready to assist the ladies on deck. The other boats followed, and thewhole party were soon on board. Hurried arrangements had been made fortheir reception; the after-part of the main-deck was roofed in withflags, and supper-tables had been rigged on either side, already spreadwith white cloths, on which several servants were placing dishes of allsorts, while a band of musicians began to play lively airs. 

"I must not boast of our music, " said the captain, bowing to the ladies;"but finding that some of my men could play on various instruments, Iformed them into a band, and perhaps the young ladies may be inclined towalk a minuet or to try a country-dance. "

No young ladies of the party were likely to decline such an offer. Thecaptain himself led out Ellen, and two or three of his officers, withLieutenant Vinoy and some of the young gentlemen from the shore, followed his example. The minuet being voted slow, a country-dancequickly succeeded it. The young ladies who had the officers of the shipfor their partners were struck by their extraordinary taciturnity; for, with the exception of the young lieutenant who had visited the shore, not one of them spoke a word. Captain Dupin remarked that they wererough fellows, little accustomed to the society of ladies, and were toobashful to speak--though Miss Kathleen O'Rourke, one of the belles ofthe party, observed that they seemed anything but bashful from theirlooks. 

"Ah, they are all more accustomed to French; indeed, scarcely one of mycrew knows a word of English, " said the captain. 

While the younger members of the party were dancing away on deck, thecaptain, requesting another gentleman to take his place, invited themerchants who had honoured him by a visit to come below into his cabin, where they found an elegant supper spread, with an abundance ofsparkling wines. He begged them to be seated, remarking that thedancers would be entertained on deck, and would prefer the fresh air tothe somewhat confined atmosphere of the cabin. 

"We older hands are seasoned, and the quiet we can here enjoy is more toour taste, " he said. The party at once set to; the wine flowed freely, and all declared they had never tasted finer claret or Burgundy. Thecaptain apologised for having only French wines on board, but remarkedthat he liked to have them of the best. After some time, one of thegentlemen reminded him that they had come on business, and begged to seesamples of the goods he had to dispose of. Others expressed the samewish. 

"As you desire it, gentlemen, I will have them brought, " replied CaptainDupin; and he spoke in French to one of the people in attendance, who ina short time returned, accompanied by two other persons bringing innumerous parcels and cases, pieces of cloth, satin and silk. Thecaptain called for a book, and read out the quantities of each, requesting his guests in the mean time to examine them. 

"They are sold in good faith, and I believe you will not bedisappointed, " he observed. "Now, gentlemen, " he continued, "I am inwant of a considerable amount of fresh provisions and stores for myship, and with which I feel sure you will be ready to supply me. Ihave, however, to remark that I require them immediately, and I shallfeel obliged to you if you will send on shore and order them to bebrought off without delay. From among so many honourable merchants Ihave no doubt that I can be speedily provided with the whole amount. "

"Will you furnish us with a list of your wants?" asked Mr Ferris, "andI and my friends will gladly send them on board as soon as we return onshore. "

"I do not mistrust your good intentions, " answered Captain Dupin, "butas time is precious to me, and I should be sorry to lose you, I mustrequest you to despatch orders to your managers and clerks to send offthe stores while you remain on board. "

"I thought so!" exclaimed the old sea-captain, bringing his fist down onthe table. "What fools we were to be so caught! May I ask you, CaptainDupin, how long you have carried the British ensign at your peak?"

"Since I came in sight of Waterford harbour, " answered Captain Dupin. "To confess the truth, I have practised a slight ruse on you; but beassured that I would not cause you or your friends, who are now sohappily amusing themselves on deck, the slightest annoyance beyond thedetention of a few hours--indeed, only until the stores you send forarrive. "

"Is this vessel, then, not a Jersey privateer, as we were led tosuppose?" asked Mr Ferris, with some little trepidation in his voice. 

"No, sir; I must own that she is the _Coquille_, belonging to Dunkirk, and that I am Captain Thurot, of whom you may possibly have heard, "answered the captain. 

"Thurot! the most daring smuggler that ever crossed the Channel, "whispered Captain O'Brien, in a low voice, to his neighbour; "we arecaught like rats in a trap. He is as cunning as he is daring, and willkeep us in durance till he gets what he wants. "

CHAPTER SIX. 

CAPTAIN THUROT DEMANDS A SUPPLY OF PROVISIONS--THE MERCHANTS SEND, FORTHEM--CAPTAIN THUROT'S HISTORY--THE DISCOVERY--MOST OF THE GUESTSALLOWED TO TAKE THEIR DEPARTURE--MR. FERRIS, WITH ELLEN AND CAPTAINO'BRIEN, REMAIN AS HOSTAGES--THE CHAMPION APPEARS IN THE OFFING--CAPTAINTHUROT ALLOWS THE HOSTAGES TO GO ON SHORE IN THE DINGHY. 

The astonishment and dismay of the worthy burghers of Waterford, who hadthus been so unsuspectingly entrapped on board the French privateer, canbetter be imagined than described. "I am surprised, Captain Thurot, that since you are disposed to act so courteously towards us, you didnot when on shore mention your wish, to have the stores sent on board, when I should have had no hesitation in procuring them for you, " saidMr Ferris. 

"My good sir, I would have done so, but I thought it more than probablethat the stores would be stepped on their passage, and therefore, tomake sure of getting them, I adopted my present plan, " replied CaptainThurot; "besides which, I have enjoyed the opportunity of returning yourhospitality, though in a very inadequate manner, I must confess. I havelikewise recovered one of my officers, who, as he came on board withyour consent, will not break his parole by remaining. I have also torequest that you will send the men captured by the _Ouzel Galley_ inexchange for your people, who will be detained on board till theirarrival. "

"But, sir, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien, who was by this time fuming withrage, "how are we to return to Waterford without hands to man ourboats?"

"Most of the young gentlemen on deck can pull, as I have no doubt cansome of you, my friends, " answered Captain Thurot; "and you may land atPassage, from whence you can send over to Waterford for conveyances forthe ladies, as we should be sorry to detain them against their will--though we hope that they will continue on board and keep up the dancefor some hours to come; it would be a pity to interfere with theiramusement by telling them of the little ruse which we have been underthe necessity of playing. "

Mr Ferris and the other gentlemen consulted as to what was to be done. One thing was very certain, that they could not help themselves; andthey finally agreed to send off privately for the stores and provisionswhich had been demanded without letting those on deck know of what hadoccurred. Writing materials were produced; each merchant was politelyrequested to send for what he could supply. 

"Be under no apprehension of any loss, " said Captain Thurot; "I promiseto pay liberally for all the stores I may receive. Though a privateer, I am not a robber; indeed, being your countryman, and loving Ireland asthe home of my ancestors, I should be sorry to treat any of you withwant of courtesy. "

"A countryman of ours!" exclaimed Mr Ferris, looking up. 

"Yes, sir, " answered the captain. "I took the name of Thurot from mymother; my grandfather's name was O'Farrel--and proud I am of a namewhich has never been disgraced. But I must not interrupt you, gentlemen. Go on with your writing; I will by-and-by, if you wish it, entertain you with my history. I have nothing to be ashamed of. "

The merchants resumed their pens, and having consulted together, theirorders were soon made out and despatched by one of the boats which hadbrought them on board. In the mean time the party on deck were footingit away right merrily, entirely ignorant of what had been taking placebelow; the officers of militia, notwithstanding their gay uniforms, finding themselves eclipsed by the superior terpsichorean attainments ofthe Frenchmen. Lieutenant Vinoy seemed in high spirit, and efficientlyperformed the office of master of the ceremonies, apparently feelinghimself quite at home. Some of the merchants, having finished theirdespatches, were about to go on deck. 

"Stay, gentlemen, " exclaimed the captain; "we will discuss a few morebottles of claret first. We will not interrupt the amusements of theyoung people by letting them know the character of my ship, for, dependon it, they will be treated with all due courtesy, and will not, Itrust, regret having come on board. "

The claret, which had been pronounced first-rate, was a temptation notto be resisted, and the guests, who had risen, making a virtue ofnecessity, resumed their seats, prepared to do justice to as manybottles as might be placed before them. 

"Now, gentlemen, " said Captain Thurot, "you shall, if it is your desire, hear my history; it will serve to occupy some of the time till thereturn of the boat. "

"By all means, captain; we shall be glad to have an account of the lifeof one whom none of us are likely to forget in a hurry, " said MrFerris. Others also expressed the same wish. 

The captain laughed. "It is pleasant to feel that there is no risk ofbeing forgotten by one's friends, " he observed; "and you will be stillless likely to do so when I have narrated a few of the incidents of mylife. I may remark that some of my acts may not be looked upon by youin the same light as that in which I regard them. I must be judged by adifferent code to yours. I have never owed allegiance to yoursovereign, and therefore you must not blame me for breaking his revenuelaws in the way which I shall have to tell you I have done. However, tomy history. My grandfather, Captain O'Farrel, was an officer in thearmy of King James the Second, and fought at the battle of the Boyne, sofatal to the royal cause. When the king was compelled to leave thecountry and retire to France, Captain O'Farrel was among the loyalgentlemen who followed his fortunes and accompanied him to SaintGermain. Here my grandfather, having been appointed one of thegentlemen of the king's household, met with Mademoiselle Thurot, abeautiful and accomplished young lady of ancient lineage, whose uncle, with whom she lived, was at that time a member of the parliament ofParis. A penniless adventurer, as Captain O'Farrel was regarded, waslooked upon with distrust by the young lady's relatives, who endeavouredto keep him at a distance. Love scorns difficulties, especially whenburning in the breast of an Irishman, and that Irishman a handsome, dashing officer who has seen service. The captain carried off the younglady, and she became his wife. So angry were her uncle and her otherwealthy relations in Paris that they discarded her, refusing tocontribute a sou to her support. My grandfather had alone the stipendhe received from his royal master, and when King James died he was leftto his own resources--they were small indeed. He tried by various meansto make an income, but the natives had in every way the advantage ofhim; and at last, with his young wife, and the remnant of his propertycontained in a valise, he retired to Boulogne, in the hope that some ofhis wife's relatives who resided in that town would have larger bowelsof compassion than those he had left in the city. The once gay andhigh-spirited officer found himself mistaken: they could not give anyencouragement to one who had set so bad an example to the youngermembers of their families; should they support Madame O'Farrel, theirown daughters might be throwing themselves away on some of the Irishadventurers, with whom the country swarmed, and expect to be providedwith houses and establishments. 

"My poor grandfather, almost broken-hearted, was on the point ofstarvation, when he received a small pension allowed by the Queen ofFrance to all those who had faithfully served their exiled sovereign. Hard service, wounds, and disappointment soon terminated his life; andthree months after he had been laid in his grave my father was born--fatherless before he saw the light--and soon became motherless, forMadame O'Farrel survived her husband scarcely a year. The destitutecondition of the orphan at length moved the compassion of some of hisrelatives of the Thurot family, who adopted him and brought him up undertheir own name. He was intended for the law, and studied for someyears; but he had Irish blood coursing through his veins, and, under theexpectation of obtaining a fortune with a wife, he fell in love andmarried. He was, however, disappointed in his hopes; but the lady soondying, gave him an opportunity of again trying the lottery of matrimony. His second wife was Mademoiselle Picard, the daughter of awine-merchant, or, as some people might have called him, a vintner; butif, as I hope was the case, he sold good wines, why should I be ashamedof him? My father's second wife was my mother; but at the moment of mybirth my father was deprived of her by death, and I lost the advantageof being nursed by a tender parent. My father was heartbroken, and whenhe looked at me, a poor frail infant, he believed that I should notsurvive. He had two duties to perform--to have my mother buried, and tocarry me to the baptismal font. While the tears were streaming from hiseyes, as he held me in his arms, a dignified and handsomely dressed ladyapproached, and, having inquired and heard the cause of his grief, offered herself as sponsor to the motherless child. She was MadameTallard, a lady of high rank and fortune--it being the custom of thecountry for ladies of distinction to offer themselves at that period ofthe year as sponsors for the children of the poorer classes. MadameTallard did more; she sent my father a present for me, and desired thatshould I survive till her return I might be presented to her. She wasas good as her word, and not only contributed to the expenses of myeducation, but I received much kindness from her and her family. When Iwas about fifteen, a stranger called on my father, and hearing whose sonhe was, announced that his name was O'Farrel, and claimed relationship. He stated that he was the commander of an Irish trader, and so workedupon my father and me by the account of the success of his voyages, thathe stirred up in my heart a strong desire to join him in hisenterprises. As our cousin promised to introduce me to various membersof the O'Farrel family, who were, he said, flourishing in Connaught, andwould be certain to welcome me cordially, my father, seeing also thatthere was but little chance of my pushing my fortune in France, consented to my going; but as I at that time could not speak a word ofEnglish, I should have had considerable difficulty in making myselfunderstood by my relatives or in understanding them. 

"My Irish cousin having fitted me out, I set sail with him for Limerick;but I found him wonderfully addicted to the whisky bottle, and beingalso of a harsh and tyrannical disposition, I soon quarrelled with him. Instead of proceeding direct to Limerick, we put in to the Isle of Man, where, not wishing to remain longer with my cousin, I took the libertyof deserting the vessel, and, running away inland, I hid myself in thebarn of a farmhouse till I thought she would have sailed. On coming outof my place of concealment, the first person I met was the owner of theproperty. He addressed me in English, of which language I could not, asI have said, then understand a word. On my telling him in French thatthe vessel to which I belonged had sailed away without me, he spoke tome in my native tongue, and asked if I was hungry--for I suppose Ilooked so. I replied that I was, and should be thankful for a loaf ofbread and a bottle of wine. He laughed and said that wine was not theliquor of the country, but that, if I would accompany him, he would giveme some bread and cheese and beer. I did not refuse his offer--and, _mafoi_, very excellent I found his viands. I asked him if he had anythingfor me to do, as I should be glad to serve him in return for hishospitality. He laughed again, telling me that I was a sharp boy, andthat, if I wished it, he would take me into his employment. He did so, when I found that he was the owner of several luggers which ran betweenFrance and the English and Irish coasts to land contraband goods. AfterI had remained on shore for some time, he asked me if I would like totake a trip to sea. I was perfectly ready to do as he proposed, and thenext day I went on board one of his vessels. We were never idle;sometimes bringing cargoes from France to the Isle of Man, and at othersrunning the goods across from France to Ireland. I thus gained a fairknowledge of the trade. My employer was pleased with me, and after Ihad served him for some time he sent me over to Carlingford, where Iremained for a year managing his business, which was to dispose of thegoods landed from the luggers. It was here that, by constantlyassociating with the people of the country, and seldom meetingFrenchmen, I learned to speak English with considerable fluency. On myreturn to the Isle of Man I resolved to put into execution an idea I hadlong entertained, of discovering my paternal relations. On telling myemployer, he advised me, should I fail in my object, to come back to himwithout delay. Finding a vessel bound for Dublin, I took my passage onboard her. Great was my disappointment on my arrival to discover that, although there was no end of O'Farrels, none of them would own me oracknowledge themselves related to the _ci-devant_ captain of KingJames's army. Still, I was not to be beaten, and with a dozen shillingsin my pocket I set off for Galway, where I heard that some of my familyresided. I was not disowned--for the reason that I could find no one todisown me--and with my last shilling gone, I returned, footsore andweary, to Dublin. 

"Well, gentlemen, I was now in an unfortunate plight, when I had thegood luck to meet with the French valet of a certain noble lord whosename I will not mention. He was pleased to fall in with a person whocould speak the language of _la belle France_, and on hearing that I wasof gentle birth, he offered to obtain for me the situation of my lord'spage. It suited my fancy, and, according to my notion, there wasnothing in it derogatory; so I accepted his offer, and for two yearsenjoyed a pleasant and easy life--especially as her ladyship'swaiting-woman was a very amiable and agreeable person. An unfortunatecircumstance brought my connection with the family to a close, and I wascompelled to take service with a noble earl whose residence was on thesea-coast of Antrim. I accompanied the earl on his shooting excursions, more as a companion than as a servant; but he was frequently absent fromhome, and I should have found the place very _triste_ had I not fallenin with some of my old smuggling acquaintances. With them Ioccasionally made trips, to keep up my knowledge of the sea, and bytheir means I was able to supply my friends with pieces of Indian stuff, a few yards of muslin, or tea, or any other articles in request. Asmany other persons wished to possess these things, and were willing topay for them, I commenced a regular commerce, which quickly filled mypockets with gold pieces. Leaving the earl's service, in which I couldnot conscientiously remain, I again took regularly to the sea, andhaving so many friends along the coast, I was able without difficulty todispose of my cargoes. A lady of some consideration in the county wasone of my chief purchasers. Some one giving information to the officersof excise that her house was full of smuggled goods, it was searched, and they were discovered, when I was accused of having brought themover. The officers accordingly laid their plans to entrap me. I hadcome across from the Isle of Man with three other boats in company; theywere seized, but I managed to make my escape, and sailed over to thecoast of Scotland. Here we landed our cargo, which we hid in a cave--but how to sell it now that we had got it safely on shore was thequestion. I proposed that three of us should assume the character ofpedlars, and dispose of it piecemeal throughout the country. My planwas adopted; a pleasant time I had of it, travelling from place to placeand visiting the lord's castle and the farmer's cottage. So successfulwere we that my share amounted to a hundred and fifty pounds. With thissum in my pocket I travelled across to Edinburgh, where, dressing myselfas a gentleman, I took lodgings, intending after seeing the city andenjoying myself for a brief space to return to France. I happened, however, to meet a Frenchman long settled in Edinburgh, and the owner ofseveral vessels which ran between Leith and London. Happening torequire a master for one of these vessels, he asked if I would takecharge of her. To this I agreed, and carried her safely into theThames; but, unhappily, a fire breaking out in a large warehouse nearwhich she was moored, she with several other vessels was burnt, and Iwith some difficulty escaped on shore with the property I possessed. Assuming my Irish name, I took lodgings in Carey Street, Lincoln's InnFields, for the sake of being near a Mr Donnell, an Irish gentlemanfamous for his knowledge of mathematics, from whom I receivedinstruction in navigation. Through his recommendation I obtained thecommand of a vessel, in which I made frequent trips backwards andforwards between the English and French coasts, greatly increasing mynautical knowledge and adding largely to my circle of friends. Iconceived a warm admiration for the English, for though they have theirfaults, they are a brave and generous people, and my wish on alloccasions has been to acknowledge their bravery and generosity. It waswhile I was in London that I used to visit a club held every Mondayevening in the Seven Dials, and frequented almost exclusively byforeigners, mostly Frenchmen. One evening, after they had imbibed morethan their usual quantity of wine, some of them began to abuse theEnglish and Irish, speaking of them in the most contemptuous manner. Ilistened without uttering a word for some time, till my patiencegradually evaporated, when, jumping up, I seized the two persons seatedclose to me by their noses, and, holding them fast, dragged them to thedoor, and then kicking them out, bolted it behind them. Returning to myseat, I said quietly, `Come, gentlemen, fill your glasses and let uschange the subject. ' Not one of the rest uttered a word, or venturedagain to speak ill of the nation among whom we were living. 

"I shortly after this obtained the command of a vessel which ran betweenDunkirk and London, occasionally putting part of our cargo on shore inany convenient spot where our agents were ready to receive it withouttroubling the revenue. For some years I carried on a free trade betweenvarious French ports and the English coast, my chief place of residencebeing London, where I had to go to settle my accounts; and then, wishingonce more to see my father, I went to Boulogne, where he still lived. Iwas now, in consequence of my successful voyages, looked upon as theking of the smugglers. I was proud of the title--but pride is often, asyou know, doomed to have a fall. I may venture to say that during thatperiod I did not import and export less than twenty thousand pounds'worth of goods every year. It happened, however, that the FrenchGovernment did not quite approve of my proceedings, and the president ofthe province, who happened to be the son of my old friend, MadameTallard, received orders to put a stop to our commerce. MonsieurTallard had been my friend and playmate in our youth, but duty compelledhim to be vigilant, and I and several of my associates were arrested. Some of them were hanged, but through his interference my life wasspared, though I was thrown into prison, where I languished for many along day. At length, however, the French Government requiring theservices of persons well acquainted with the English coast, I was sentfor to Paris, where I was desired to give such information as Ipossessed. I now expected to obtain my liberty, but, instead of that, those official gentlemen considered it prudent to keep me shut up tillthey wanted me. My friend Monsieur Tallard again interfered, and I wassuddenly transferred from prison to the command of a fine sloop of war. It was a pleasant change, I can assure you, gentlemen; but the intentionof invading England having been abandoned by the Government, I foundthat my ship was not likely to be employed. I accordingly obtainedleave to resign my commission, and to take the command of the _Coquille_privateer, the ship on board which I have had the pleasure of receivingyou as my guests. "

Whatever might have been the opinion held by the Irish merchants as tothe career of their host, they did not think fit to express them. 

"I congratulate you, Captain Thurot, on having at length attained aposition suited to your courage and talents, " said Mr Ferris; "and asyou have thought fit to play a trick on us, we have to thank you for thecourteous way in which you have carried it out. I hope your wants willbe supplied, and that we shall stand exonerated with our Government forhaving furnished an enemy with stores. "

"I will give you a certificate to the effect that you are undercompulsion, " said the captain; "and if you in any way suffer, I will domy best to make good the loss. "

"That would be a difficult matter, " observed Captain O'Brien, "though Ihope that our known loyalty will prevent our being subject to any unjustsuspicions. Now, gentlemen, " he continued, turning to friends, "weshould be wishing our entertainer farewell, or we shall lose the flood. "

The party rose. "I am sorry that, if you do go, you will yourselveshave to pull the boats up the river, unless some of you gentlemen andMr Ferris like to remain as hostages instead of your men, " said CaptainThurot. "Pray understand that I do not doubt the word of any one ofyou, but were I to allow all to return, the authorities on shore mightnot consider themselves bound by your promises, and might withhold thestores I require, as well as the men, I am somewhat anxious also aboutmy first lieutenant, who remained on shore about some business of hisown. I will not, however, make you answerable for him, unless he istaken prisoner, and then I shall expect you to return him safe on board;and I must have a promise from you that you will do so. Perhaps, inorder to induce those same authorities, who are collectively at timessomewhat stubborn, to act more promptly, it might be convenient if MrFerris and his daughter and you, Captain O'Brien, would consent toremain on board my ship until my people are sent back. Monsieur Vinoycame on board with your full sanction, so that I consider myself atliberty to detain him. In the case of Mr Ferris and Captain O'Briencomplying with my wish, you can take your men to row the boats up theriver. The plan will, I should think, greatly facilitate matters. "

"Not a bad plan, " exclaimed two or three of the other gentlemen who wereto obtain their liberty. "Ferris, you will not object to remain? noryou, O'Brien? Without our men we shall be hours getting up toWaterford. "

Mr Ferris was always ready to sacrifice himself for the public good, though he would have preferred returning home. 

"I must hear what my daughter says on the subject, " he answered; "I willnot detain her against her wish. At the same time, having perfectconfidence in the honour of Captain Thurot, I am ready to remain onboard, in order, my friends, to save you and your families frominconvenience or anxiety. "

"In that case, so am I, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien. "I had mysuspicions from the first that all was not right, and I deserve somepunishment for allowing myself and you to be entrapped. "

"Very kind!"

"Very generous!"

"Very public-spirited!" cried the other gentlemen, who were eager to getout of the scrape as soon as possible. It became necessary at last tolet the party on deck know the true state of the case, and to desirethem to prepare for their departure. Some would not even now believethat they had been deceived; others were very indignant. The militiaofficers pulled their moustaches, swearing that they would return withtheir men and capture the pirate, although they could not helpacknowledging that they had been politely treated by the Frenchmen. Ellen was perfectly ready to remain with her father; she had a thoroughconfidence in sailors of every nation, and as it now wanted but two orthree hours only to daylight, she could have the enjoyment of a row upthe river in the morning instead of during the night. She sent amessage to Norah begging that she would not be anxious on her account. 

Nothing could exceed the politeness of Captain Thurot and his officersas they handed their visitors into the boats, now manned by their propercrews, who swore that the Jersey men were broths of boys, and it wasjust a pity that they couldn't speak a little better Irish. Thoughstill able to pull, the boatmen gave undoubted proofs that they had notbeen stinted in their liquor. 

"Now, bhoys, " cried one of the men, standing up and pulling off his hat, "three cheers for the Jerseyman, and may good luck go with her on hercruise--hip! hip! hurrah!" and their voices sounded far and wide acrossthe waters of the harbour. The boats were soon lost to sight in thedarkness. Mr Ferris and Ellen, with Captain O'Brien, having stoodwatching them to the last, Lieutenant Vinoy drew near and expressed ahope that Mr Ferris would not accuse him of breaking his parole. "Forhad I done so, I should not have been worthy of addressing you, " heremarked. 

"Certainly not, my friend, " said Mr Ferris; "we brought you on board, and your captain tells me that he has detained you. "

"Ah, that is indeed a satisfaction, " exclaimed the lieutenant. "I maynow give a message from the captain, who begs that you will takepossession of his cabin, which is entirely at your service; you mustconsider it yours till the return of the boats with our men. They willsoon, I hope, for your sakes, make their appearance. "

Mr Ferris felt satisfied at having sacrificed himself for the benefitof his friends. Not that he experienced the slightest apprehension ofhaving to suffer any inconvenience. Ellen declared that she liked thefun, and only hoped that Norah would not be anxious about her. Stillthe time went by; the grey dawn was breaking, and no boats had appeared. Captain O'Brien, who was much more fidgety than his friend, frequentlywent on deck to take a look-out. Ellen, who was reclining on a sofa, had fallen asleep, while her father sat by her side. A stream of brightlight coming through the cabin windows awoke her. Just then CaptainO'Brien came down. 

"By my faith, I believe our friend is going to carry us off to sea!" heexclaimed; "I suspected there was something in the wind, and, goingaloft, I discovered a large ship in the offing; so did the Frenchmen, and they immediately commenced hauling on their spring and letting fallthe canvas ready to make sail in a moment. They don't like goingwithout their men and the promised provisions; but they will have to doit if the boats don't return quickly, for I'm much mistaken if thevessel I saw isn't the _Champion_, which we have so long been lookingfor. "

Ellen, who had hitherto been asleep, started as she heard CaptainO'Brien speak. "The _Champion_, do you say?" she asked. 

"I think it more than probable that she is, " said the captain. Ellendid not reply, but the thought--and to her it was an agitating one--immediately occurred to her mind, "The _Champion_ will surely attack theFrench ship. " It was confirmed by the next remark her father made. 

"If so, the Frenchman will have to fight for it, for Captain Olding isnot likely to let him go without questioning him, " said Mr Ferris. 

"But where do you think, my friend, we shall be in that case?" askedCaptain O'Brien. "Thurot will scarcely send us on shore first in one ofhis boats, and I see no signs of our own. "

"Could we not get him to make a signal for a boat from the shore? Hesurely will not detain my daughter, with the prospect of having to fighthis ship, " exclaimed Mr Ferris, becoming anxious. "How mad I was toallow her to remain!"

"Do not be alarmed about me. I trust that we shall have no difficultyin getting on board the _Champion_ should she enter the harbour, " saidEllen. 

"We may be confident that Thurot will not wait for her here, " saidCaptain O'Brien; "but I will go on deck and get him without delay tomake a signal for a boat from the shore, if ours are not in sight. Ifthey are, he will probably wait for them. "

On going on deck Captain O'Brien found that the corvette had slipped hercable, that the topsails were set, and that the crew were aloft loosingthe other sails. Still, in spite of the wide folds of canvas which wererapidly spread on the ship, the wind was so light that she made butlittle way. There was yet time for a boat to come off from the shore, and Captain Thurot without hesitation made a signal as he was requested, firing a gun to draw attention. No boat however, appeared. 

"Captain Thurot, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien, going up to him, "I mustbeg that you will send Miss Ferris and her father on shore before youleave the harbour. It would be terrible to expose her to all the risksof a battle--and that you will be engaged in one with yonder ship, Ihave no doubt. She is a British ship of war, and is sure to attack youwhen she finds out your character. "

"But I intend to avoid her if I possibly can, and if compelled to fight, I will place Miss Ferris and you two gentlemen in as safe a position aswe can find on board, " said Captain Thurot. 

"The safest, however, would not be satisfactory under thecircumstances, " replied Captain O'Brien. Captain Thurot looked greatlyannoyed. 

"I know that, " he said, "but it is necessary to send the boats ahead totow. Were I to run the risk of losing the ship, the crew, and even theofficers, would mutiny--these privateersmen are difficult characters todeal with; as it is, they will be discontented at not obtaining thestores and recovering their shipmates. My first lieutenant, also, is onshore. If I send you away, I have no guarantee that the stores will bedelivered, or that my people will be restored to me. "

"You shall have the word of honour of two Irish gentlemen, " answeredCaptain O'Brien, "that should yonder vessel not prove to be the_Champion_, or any other man-of-war, everything shall be arranged as youwish; the stores and men shall be sent off to you, and your firstlieutenant restored, if we can find him. "

Still Captain Thurot hesitated. "You believe that ship out there to bea British sloop of war?" he asked. 

"I feel almost certain that she is the _Champion_; that she is a largevessel of your own class, and carries eighteen guns of heavy metal; and, moreover, I believe that if you venture to engage her she will take you. If you follow my advice you will do your best to escape from her. "

While this conversation was going on, the larger boats were beinglowered, and were now sent ahead to tow. There was a light air from thewestward; the stranger's courses were rising above the horizon in thesouth-east, just clear of Hook Tower. Could the _Coquille_ once got outto sea, she might either by running before the wind round thesouth-eastern point of Ireland, or by keeping close-hauled stand alongthe southern coast towards Cape Clear. 

"I confess that I am unwilling to part with you till the last moment, "said Captain Thurot, "but my courtesy will not allow me to detain theyoung lady and to expose her to the risk she would have to run. I willtherefore give you my small boat, if you will take charge of her andconvey Miss Ferris and her father to the shore. "

"With all my heart, and I am much obliged to you, " exclaimed CaptainO'Brien. "If you will order the boat to be lowered, I will get them upon deck. The sooner we are off the better; the tide is sweeping out ofthe harbour, and we shall have a hard pull of it, at all events. "

He hurried below, and conveyed the satisfactory intelligence to hisfriends. By the time that they were on deck the dinghy was alongside, the courses were hauled up, and the men ahead ordered to cease pulling. Captain O'Brien stepped into the boat; Mr and Miss Ferris descended theaccommodation ladder. After a brief farewell to Captain Thurot, whowith his officers bowed them politely out of the ship, the dinghy shovedoff. 

CHAPTER SEVEN. 

ELLEN AND HER FATHER, WITH CAPTAIN O'BRIEN, WATCH THE CHAMPION ANDCOQUILLE FROM PORTALA HEAD--THE FIGHT--THE SHIPS DISAPPEAR IN THEDISTANCE--RETURN TO WATERFORD--NEWS OF THE CAPTURE OF O'HARRALL--ELLEN'SANXIETIES--GERALD SENT TO MRS. MASSEY--DURING THE WIDOW'S ABSENCE OWENRECEIVES A VISIT FROM O'HARRALL--CONCEALS HIM--THE PURSUERS COME TO THECOTTAGE--THE WIDOW'S ALARM--OWEN ENABLES O'HARRALL TO ESCAPE. 

The worthy captain had not handled a pair of oars for many a year, buthe seized the sculls and pulled away lustily towards the western side ofthe harbour. As to rowing up it against the strong tide then runningout, that, he saw, was hopeless, Mr Ferris being no oarsman. The_Coquille's_ sails were let fall, and the men in the boats giving way, she in a short time was clear of the harbour, and was seen to standclose-hauled towards the south-west, the tide being in her favour. Thestranger had by this time made her out, and was steering on the oppositetack towards the harbour's mouth. Being far to leeward, there appearedbut little chance, unless the breeze should freshen, of the two shipsmeeting. 

"I only hope they may, " said the captain, as he tugged away at the oars. "Thurot is a fine fellow, no doubt about that; but he deserves to bepunished for his impudence, and if the _Champion_ gets alongside him, he'll find that he's caught a Tartar. Olding isn't the man to partcompany with an enemy till she strikes, or one or the other goes to thebottom. His officers are like him, I hear, and I shouldn't beastonished to see the _Coquille_ brought in a prize before many hoursare over. "

Ellen looked pale and anxious while the captain was speaking. 

"We knew Mr Foley, the second lieutenant of the _Champion_, very wellin Dublin, when she lay at Kingstown, " observed Mr Ferris--"a fineyoung fellow. I am sure also that you have described Captain Oldingtruly. "

The captain was all the time pulling away with might and main, nowlooking ahead to judge of the direction to take, and now watching thetwo ships. 

"Thurot hasn't calculated on getting becalmed under the land; if he doesthat, he'll find the _Champion_ soon walk up to him, " he observed. "Pulling is harder work than I thought for, or my arms have grownstiffer than they used to be. The sooner we can get on shore thebetter, and we can wait there till the tide turns, when perhaps we shallfind some hooker running up to Waterford which will take us in tow. I'll pull in for Portala Bay, which you see just inside Red Head. "

"As you please, " said Mr Ferris. "By climbing to the top of the Headwe shall, I fancy, be able to watch the proceedings of the two ships. "

The captain pulling on, the boat soon reached a small bay just to thenorthward of a headland at the western side of the entrance of Waterfordharbour. Ellen was eager at once to climb to the summit of the height. The captain and Mr Ferris having drawn up the boat, they set off, andwere not long in gaining it. From thence they could command a view ofthe whole coast of Waterford as far as Youghal Bay, towards which the_Coquille_ was standing. Her boats had been hoisted up, but she wasstill, even with a favourable tide, making but slow progress. The shipto the eastward had now come completely into view. The captain took asteady look at her. 

"She is a sloop of war--I thought so from the first, " he exclaimed, "andfrom the cut of her canvas I have little doubt that she is English. "

As he spoke, the stranger's ensign blew out from her peak. 

"Yes, I knew I was right--she is the _Champion_, depend on it. If thebreeze favours her, far as she is to leeward, she'll be up to CaptainThurot before noon, " he continued. "If she once gets him within rangeof her guns, she'll not let him go till he cries peccavi. "

Ellen was seated on a rock which formed the highest part of theheadland. Even under ordinary circumstances she would have watched thetwo vessels with much interest, but the intensity of her feelings may besupposed, as she thought of one who was on board the British ship; foralthough the gallant lieutenant had not yet spoken, she fully believedthat he had given her his heart, and she could not avoid confessing toherself that she had bestowed hers in return. In a few short hours hemight be engaged in a deadly strife with a ship equal in size and thenumber of her crew to the _Champion_; and though she could not doubtthat the British would come off victorious, yet she well knew the riskto which each of her gallant crew would be exposed. The _Champion_ hadstood within a mile of the mouth of the harbour, when she tacked andsteered for the French ship. The breeze, as Captain O'Brien hadforetold would be the case, gradually favouring her, enabled her to gomuch faster through the water than the other. The captain several timespulled his watch, resembling a big turnip in size, out of his fob. 

"The tide will soon be on the turn, and if we are to get home to-nightwe must take advantage of it, " he observed, "though I should mightilylike to see the end of this. "

"Oh, do remain, I pray you, " said Ellen; "we can have no difficulty ingetting back to Waterford, for the weather promises to be so fine. Doyou think it possible that Monsieur Thurot can escape?"

"The chances are against him, Miss Ellen, but it is hard to say what mayhappen, " answered Captain O'Brien. "Captain Olding is not the man, as Ihave observed before, to let an enemy slip through his fingers; in lessthan half an hour he will get near enough to the Frenchman to send hisshot on board, and he'll stick tightly to him, no fear of that. "

Ellen held her breath, as she at length saw the ships approaching eachother. A puff of white smoke issued from the starboard bow of the_Champion_. The _Coquille_ returned it from her stern-chasers, but theshot fell harmlessly into the water. Again and again the _Champion_fired; it was evident that she could only bring her foremost gun tobear, unless by keeping away and thereby losing ground. 

"Thurot knows the coast as well as, or better than, Olding, and isunwilling to lose the advantage of being to windward, " exclaimed CaptainO'Brien. "See, he keeps his luff, and the _Champion_ is compelled to dothe same; I thought it would be so. The _Champion_ is losing thebreeze, which has hitherto been in her favour, and if she doesn't manageto wing the Frenchman, the fellow, who has evidently a fast pair ofheels, will slip by between her and the land. See, she's not going tolet him do that. Hurrah! she's kept away; there go her broadside guns. They'll have told, I hope, with effect on the Frenchman. No, by George!every spar is standing, " exclaimed the captain, as the smoke from the_Champion's_ broadside cleared away. She immediately again came to thewind. The ships were still too far apart for the shot to do muchdamage; they both stood on for some time longer without firing, and werenow so greatly increasing their distance from Red Head that the threespectators could but imperfectly discern what took place. Again wreathsof smoke circled above the side of the _Champion_, and flashes were seento issue from that of the _Coquille_, as, imitating the English ship, she put up her helm and kept away across the bows of the latter. 

"Thurot has made up his mind to run for it, " cried the captain; "he'ssquaring away his yards, and Olding's after him. The Frenchman has nostomach for a fight, that's very certain; those privateersmen preferplunder to glory. If Olding doesn't ply him briskly with his guns, thechase will get away after all. I had hopes of seeing the _Coquille_brought in here as a prize; we could then have afforded to forgive hercaptain the trick he played us. "

In vain the captain and his companions waited for any event to show themwhich ship was likely to be the victor. They were both at length hulldown, their masts and spars standing apparently uninjured. Poor Ellenhad watched them with intense interest. How long it might be before heranxiety could be removed, she could not tell; that the _Champion_ wouldbe taken, she did not believe possible. But, alas! many of those onboard might be killed or wounded; several days might pass before the_Champion_ could come into Cork harbour. With straining eyes she gazedtowards the two ships gradually become less and less distinct. 

"Come, Ferris--come, Miss Ellen, my dear--we must be on our homewardvoyage, or our friends will become alarmed, and it will be reported thatwe have been carried off by the Frenchman, " said Captain O'Brien. 

Very unwillingly Ellen left the height and accompanied her father andthe captain to the boat. He had still some distance to pull, though hekept a look-out for a larger boat or a sailing hooker on her way up toWaterford. At length a little high-sterned craft was seen standing outof one of the many small bays which indent the western shore of theharbour. The captain stood up, and shouted and waved, and the hooker, hauling her wind, hove to to await their coming. The skipper, knowinghe should be amply recompensed, was delighted to receive them on boardand to take their boat in tow; and Ellen, seated on a sail, was waftedup the river in a very different style to that of Cleopatra in herbarge, as far as the mouth of the Suir; when, the wind failing, CaptainO'Brien, with the assistance of one of the crew of the hooker, pulled upthe remainder of the distance to Waterford in the _Coquille's_ dinghy. 

It was late in the evening. As they approached the quay they werewarmly cheered by a number of the townspeople who had heard of theiradventure, information of the departure of the French privateer havingalready been brought up to Waterford. It was soon evident to Mr Ferristhat some other event of importance had occurred. 

"What has happened, my friends?" he inquired. 

"Shure, yer honour, one of the French officers has been caught hidingaway in your garden, " answered Dan Connor, who was one of the nearest tohim among the crowd. "The thief of the world! he made a mighty finefight of it; but we ran in on him, after he had cut down three or fourof us, two being kilt entirely--but we knocked his sword out of his handand seized him, and he's lodged comfortably in the Ring Tower, out ofwhich he isn't likely to get in a hurry. "

"Of which French officer do you speak?" asked Mr Ferris; "we left ourlate prisoner on board the _Coquille_. "

"It wasn't him, yer honour, but a big fellow with, a patch on his cheekand another over his eye, " answered Dan. "He isn't a Frenchman at allat all, but from the oaths he swore he's Irish all the world over--thethunderin' big villain--no other than Brian O'Harrall, who has a priceon his head. It cost us pretty dear to take him too. "

Further inquiries convinced Mr Ferris that the supposed French officerwas the outlaw who had so long evaded the grasp of justice. Theprisoner, he understood, was under a strong guard. Ellen being muchfatigued, he accompanied her home before going to ascertain particulars. Norah, who greeted her affectionately, looked pale and agitated. 

"I have had a dreadful fright, " she said. "My father had insisted on mytaking a turn in the garden, and as I reached the rocky walk at the endof the terrace, out of sight of the house, who should appear before mebut the first lieutenant of the privateer, who had dined with usyesterday. I had then an undefined suspicion of him, and no sooner didhe speak than I was convinced that he was the very person whom we metthe other evening, and who attempted to carry me off, and who, notwithstanding his disguise, was, I am sure, the man who was picked upat sea by the _Ouzel Galley_, and acted as second mate on board her. Iknew that I had had the misfortune to excite his admiration, but I hopedwhen he was taken on board the privateer which captured us that I shouldnever again see him. He, however, it appears, was well known to CaptainThurot, who had appointed him his first lieutenant. He made the mostoutrageous professions of affection; I, of course, would not listen tohim; and dreading his violence, before he was aware of what I was aboutto do, I darted from him and ran, faster than I had ever run before inmy life, towards the house. He pursued, entreating me to stop and hearwhat he had to say. Feeling that he was not to be trusted, I continuedmy flight, and providentially just then caught sight of Dan Connor andsome of the crew of the _Ouzel Galley_, who had come up to see myfather, and while waiting to do so had been allowed to stroll into thegarden. Several of the workmen and two of the gardeners, who happenedto be close at hand, joined the seamen, and the whole party rushed atthe stranger, who had by this time reached the bottom of the hill andfound retreat impossible. On this, I understand, he drew his sword andmade a desperate defence, and though unhappily he wounded two of themen, the rest boldly threw themselves upon him, and wrenching his swordfrom his hand held him fast. During his violent struggles to freehimself the patch over his eye fell off, as did his heavy moustache, andsome of the men, as they examined his features, recognised the pirateO'Harrall, the very man of whom Mrs Massey gave you the account. I hadrushed into my room, too much frightened and agitated to watch what wastaking place. He was carried off to prison, and will of course bebrought to trial, in which case I fear that I shall have to appear as awitness against him. I was afraid for some time to tell my father, forthe same reason that I did not before inform him of the attack made onus. However, he now knows all that has happened, and he tells me thathe is well acquainted with O'Harrall's history, and believes him capableof the most desperate acts of violence. "

Ellen had forgotten her own anxiety in listening to Norah's recital. She now described to her friend what had occurred, and the feeling whichhad agitated her while watching the two ships. Norah offered suchcomfort as one young lady under the circumstances could give another. 

"I have heard my father say that ships of war often meet and fire manyshot without doing each other any harm, " she remarked; "and you know, mydear Ellen, that even though some of the crew of the _Champion_ may bekilled or wounded, there is no especial reason that Lieutenant Foleyshould be among the sufferers; and it is the lot of naval officers to beconstantly exposed to the risk of battle in war time. "

"I know it too truly, " replied Ellen; "but it was dreadful to see theship on board which I knew him to be sailing away to attack so renownedand skilful a captain as Monsieur Thurot--then, to have to wait so longfor the issue of the battle. "

"Perhaps we shall have tidings of the arrival of the _Champion_to-morrow, " remarked Norah; "and, from what you tell me, Monsieur Thurotwas more anxious to escape than, to fight. "

"So I at first thought, " said Ellen; "but I heard Captain O'Brien tellmy father that he suspected Thurot's object was to draw the English shipaway from the Irish coast, that should he come off victorious he mighthave the better chance of securing his prize. It was a relief to me tohear Captain O'Brien say he did not for a moment believe that the_Champion_ would be beaten; on the contrary, that it would be much morelikely that she would take the _Coquille_. Still, there must inevitablyhave been a fierce battle; and oh, Norah, if you knew how I feel forNorman Foley, you would understand my anxiety. "

"I can fully understand it, " said Norah, "and I often think how sad itmust be for poor women left at home, to know that those they love areexposed to dangers and hardships of all sorts which they are utterlypowerless to relieve. Such must be the lot of all sailors' wives andthose who have engaged their hearts to sailors--and yet it would becruel to the poor men if on that account they could get no one to lovethem. "

"Yes, indeed, " said Ellen, sighing; "but then, remember, we can pray forthem, and we can do our best to make them happy when they return home. "

Norah at length persuaded Ellen, who had had but little rest on theprevious night, to lie down and try to forget her anxiety in sleep. Soon afterwards Gerald came in. He had been rather indignant at nothaving been taken when the party visited the supposed Jersey privateer. 

"Had I seen Monsieur Thurot, I should have recognised him at once, for Imarked him well when he came on board the _Ouzel Galley_; and I suspect, too, I should have detected his first lieutenant, in spite of hisdisguise, " he exclaimed. "I wonder you did not find out that he was ourmate Carnegan. "

"I did more than once fancy that I knew his voice, but it seemed soimprobable that he should be on board a Jersey privateer that I banishedthe idea, " answered Norah. "Now, Gerald, I want you to go and inquireafter Mrs Massey and Owen; they may hear rumours of what has occurred, and will wish to know the truth. You will have time to go there and beback again before dark. "

Gerald, who was always good-natured and anxious to please Norah, undertook to go and deliver any message, written or oral, she might wishto send. She had already a note prepared for Owen, and with it Geraldset off. He found Owen much better, and ready, if the doctor would lethim, to walk into Waterford to see Norah; but Mrs Massey was sure thathe overrated his strength, and told Gerald that Norah must not expecthim for some days. She was much interested at hearing the account whichGerald gave of the various occurrences of the last two days. 

"And can that unhappy man have really been captured? What a sad endingto a once respected family!" she exclaimed. "He cannot expect pardon. I bear him no ill-will, though his family has been the ruin of ours; andeven now, in the hope that he may have time for repentance, I wouldthankfully hear that he had escaped rather than suffer the death hiscrimes deserve. "

"I should certainly not have suspected that the Carnegan we had assecond mate on board the _Ouzel Galley_ could have been a murderer andpirate, " said Gerald. "The men, however, were inclined to believe fromthe way he was saved that he was in league with the Evil One, and theywill now be convinced that such was the case. "

"Satan would rather have let him drown, " said Mrs Massey, "unlessindeed he wished to employ him in some still more wicked deed. Heundoubtedly mates use of those who willingly yield to him as his toolsto work out his designs. "

While Mrs Massey had been talking to Gerald, Owen had been inditing ananswer to Norah's note, with which, rather later than he had intended, Gerald set off to return home. It was quite dark before he reached thetown. He was proceeding along a narrow lane which offered a shorter cutthan the high road, when he heard the footsteps of a person running atfull speed, and directly afterwards a man rushed by him whosecountenance he could not see; but it struck him at the time that thefigure greatly resembled that of Carnegan, the second mate of the _OuzelGalley_. He was doubtful for a moment whether he should follow: thoughbrave enough under ordinary circumstances, he felt pretty certain thatif such was the case O'Harrall would not scruple to knock him on thehead or to blow his brains out; and so he did the next best thing whichoccurred to him--he ran on, intending to make his way to the Ring Towerto give information that the prisoner had escaped; though he fullyexpected to meet a party in hot pursuit of the fugitive. 

Mrs Massey was at supper with her son, when there came a knock at thedoor, and a bare-headed damsel appeared. 

"Mrs Massey, my mother's taken mighty bad entirely, and will it plazeye to come and see what ye can do for her?" she exclaimed, in apetitioning tone. Mrs Massey, who was proud of the medical knowledgeshe exercised for the benefit of her neighbours, immediately arose. 

"Indeed, and I'll come, Molly, " she answered. "Just wait till I put onmy hood and fill my basket with such things as I may require. "

She speedily getting ready, told Owen that she would soon be back, andthat Mrs Hogan would know that she could not leave him all alone forany length of time; and off she set, with Molly Hogan carrying a lanternbefore her. 

Owen trimmed the lamp which burnt on the table, and sat down to readtill his mother's return. He had not long been thus occupied, whenhearing the door open he looked up, expecting that Mrs Massey hadreturned for something she had omitted to take with her. Instead of hismother, he saw standing before him the second mate of the _OuzelGalley_. For a moment he thought that he must be dreaming. 

"You know me, Owen Massey, " exclaimed his visitor, "You saved my lifeonce, when the devil well-nigh had me in his clutches, and I come tothrow myself on your generosity--to ask you to render me a furtherservice. Should I be recaptured, I should be doomed to the gallows, andI have no fancy for that fate. Conceal me for a few hours, and I shallbe able to get off in safety; refuse to do so, and I shall fall into thehands of my pursuers. "

Owen hesitated, not because he was aware that the man before him wasO'Harrall, the enemy of his family, but because he was unwilling toexpose his mother to the penalty of harbouring a fugitive from justice. He rose from his seat and said, "I now know you to be Brian O'Harrall. "His visitor started, and drew back a pace, as if about to leave thecottage, believing that all hope of assistance must be abandoned. "Stay, " continued Owen, his generous feelings getting the better of him, "I do not on that account the less desire to save you if I can. Shouldyou not have been traced here, I may yet be able to do so. "

"I am not likely to have been traced, for my flight can scarcely yethave been discovered, " answered O'Harrall. "You will run no risk, and Iwill be grateful if I can find an opportunity. I have proved that I amnot destitute of gratitude. When on board the _Ouzel Galley_, Iobtained better terms for you from Thurot than you would otherwise haveenjoyed. "

"Follow me, then, " said Owen, "and I will conceal you till you have anopportunity of escaping; but promise me that you will not again returnto this part of the country. "

"I have no hesitation in doing that, for I intend to do my best toescape from Ireland, never with my own free will to come back, " answeredO'Harrall. 

"That is sufficient, " said Owen; and he led the way through the cottageto an outbuilding at some short distance, over which there was a loft, long disused. Owen found a ladder, by which the fugitive mounted to it. 

"You can easily leap to the ground when you think fit to continue yourflight, " said Owen, who had followed him up. "I will bring you somefood, to afford you support both for the present and on your journey;and if you want money, I will supply you. "

"I give you my thanks, but I have a purse full of gold. Be quick, however, with the food, or my pursuers may be here and prevent you frombringing it to me, " replied O'Harrall. 

Owen on descending removed the ladder, and, hurrying into the pantry, collected such provisions as he could most easily find, and for thedisappearance of which he could account the next day to his mother. Hecarried them to the fugitive, and then again replaced the ladder in thespot from which he had taken it. Having done this, he returned to thesitting-room and threw himself into a chair, resting his head on hishand. He had performed a generous action, but still he questionedhimself whether it was a right one. He was attempting to conceal fromjustice an undoubted malefactor; it was an act then, as now, too commonin Ireland, and was sure to meet with the sympathy of the people shouldit be discovered. Owen possibly might have partaken somewhat in thefeeling general among all classes, that it was a right thing to protectthose in distress, whatever their crimes against society. A moregenerous motive had influenced him, and he might have been less inclinedto act as he had done should a person indifferent to him, and equallycriminal in the sight of the law, have thrown himself upon his mercy. Owen did not know the full wrong O'Harrall had attempted to inflict uponhim; even had he been aware of this, it might not have altered hisconduct. 

Some time passed before his mother returned; during it, he did his bestto calm his feelings, for he had determined not to tell her what hadoccurred, hoping that before the next morning O'Harrall would havedisappeared. Shortly after she entered the cottage the old lady urgedOwen to go to bed. 

"You look somewhat pale, my son, " she said, holding the light to hisface, "and late hours do not suit an invalid. "

"When you set me the example, I will go and turn in, " answered Owen, laughing. As he was speaking, loud shouts were heard, and severalpeople came running up and knocking loudly at the door. 

"Who is it?" asked Mrs Massey. 

"Shure, it's Pat Magragh. Are ye safe inside, Mrs Massey, honey?"inquired one of the men from the outside. 

"And where else should I be?" answered the widow, recognising the voiceand going to the door. Owen felt very uncomfortable, for he fullyexpected that inquiries would be made for the fugitive. 

"Shure, it's no matther at all, thin, " exclaimed the man. "As we got toMolly Hogan's, she told us that ye'd just left the cottage, and it mightbe the big villain we were hunting might have fallen in wid ye and doneye harm; but if ye didn't see him, it's all right, and we must bejoining the rest of the bhoys who ran after him. "

"Whom do you mean?" asked Mrs Massey. 

"Brian O'Harrall, to be shure, " was the answer; "he's broken out of theRing Tower, nobody knows how--except he got the help of the devil andhis imps. "

"Thank Heaven I did not meet him! it would have well-nigh driven me outof my wits, " said the widow, trembling at the thoughts of the supposeddanger she had escaped. 

"Good night, Mrs Massey; keep your door closed, lest he should turnlike a fox and bolt in, " cried Pat Magragh, as he and his companionshurried away in pursuit, as they believed, of the escaped criminal. Mrs Massey did as she was advised, and sat down, endeavouring to calmher agitation, and feeling but little inclined to go to bed. 

"It is useless to sit up, mother, " observed Owen, after Mrs Massey hadbeen talking for some time about the escape of O'Harrall. "The man, ifhe has got away, is certain not to return. At all events, you will beas safe in bed as anywhere else. "

After some persuasion Mrs Massey consented to retire to bed, and afterlistening for some time at last fell asleep. The window of Owen's roomlooked directly down upon the outbuilding in which the fugitive wasconcealed. Owen felt much relieved, from believing that those who hadgone on were not likely to think of examining the place; still, he couldnot go to sleep, and putting out his candle he sat down at the window towatch, hoping that O'Harrall would take the opportunity of slipping outand getting off to a distance, no watched in vain. After some hours heheard the tramp of feet along the road and the voices of men shouting toeach other. They were the people who had gone in chase of O'Harrall. Could the outlaw have continued his flight and, after all, have beencaptured? Owen listened attentively, and felt convinced that they werereturning to the city without having overtaken the fugitive, he could nolonger restrain his wish to ascertain whether O'Harrall was still in theloft, and cautiously descending the stair, he lighted a lantern and wentout. To place the ladder so as to reach the trap was the work of amoment. He ascended to the loft, and throwing the light towards thefurther end, he saw the man he came to look for sleeping soundly. 

Before Owen had advanced a step O'Harrall awoke and, springing to hisfeet, saw who it was. 

"I came to tell you, " said Owen, "that the men who had gone in pursuitof you have, to the best of my belief, returned to the city, and nowwould be a favourable time to make your escape. "

O'Harrall hesitated. "What o'clock is it?" he asked. 

"Just past midnight, " refilled Owen. 

"Are you certain that the men who are hunting for me have returned tothe city?" asked O'Harrall. 

"Judging from what I heard, and the direction in which their voices diedaway, I am confident of it, " said Owen. 

"Then I will follow your advice, " answered O'Harrall. "You haveincreased the debt of gratitude I owe you. I have no means of showingthat I am grateful; but do me one favour more--accept this ring; itbelonged to your family. It has a curious device on it, which is itschief value. I wish you to believe that, reckless as I am, I stillretain some of the feelings I possessed when you knew me in days goneby. Come, take it; I cannot leave this place till you have done so. There, man, take the ring; it might have been yours by right. "

Owen took the ring and placed it on his finger. 

"If we ever again meet, however much changed you may be, I shall knowyou by that, " said O'Harrall. "Now, farewell--may a happier fate beyours than will probably be my lot!"

"Stay a moment, and I will ascertain that no one is near, " said Owen, asO'Harrall was about to descend the ladder. He hid the lantern, and wentout into the open part of the garden and round to the front of thehouse. Clouds obscured the stars; not a sound was to be heard, exceptthe voice of some bird of night, which came from a distance. By some itmight have been thought of ill omen, but Owen was above thesuperstitions of the ignorant. He returned to the outhouse, and in alow voice called to O'Harrall, who immediately descended the ladder. 

"I feel sure that no one is on the watch, " said Owen, "and it may bemost prudent for you to get away at once. "

"You are right, " answered O'Harrall. "Again farewell, Massey; though wemay never more see each other, I shall always remember that I have metwith one honest and generous man. "

He did not, however, put out his hand, perhaps supposing that Masseywould consider himself contaminated by touching it. 

"Go into your house, " he continued, "and let me follow my own course, that you may not even know what direction I have taken. "

Owen did as he was advised, leaving O'Harrall standing beneath theshelter of the buildings. Closing the door he returned to his room, when on looking out of his window, he found that O'Harrall haddisappeared. His mind felt greatly relieved at the thought that he wasno longer harbouring a fugitive from justice. On going into the gardenthe next morning, he could perceive no traces by which it mightperchance be discovered that O'Harrall had been there, and he determinedthat the occurrence should be known only to his mother and himself. Heconsidered that it would be wrong to conceal it from her, and, sittingdown, he told her what he had done. She did not speak for a minute ormore. 

"You acted rightly, my son, " she said at length. "The O'Harralls havebeen our bitter enemies, but our holy religion teaches us that we shouldnot only forgive our foes, but do good to those who most cruellyill-treat and abuse us; whatever man may say, God will approve of youract, for he knows the motive which prompted you. "

CHAPTER EIGHT. 

ARRIVAL OF THE CHAMPION--MR. FERRIS GOES ON BOARD--BRINGS BACKLIEUTENANT FOLEY WOUNDED--GERALD JOINS THE CHAMPION AS MIDSHIPMAN--ANACCOUNT OF HIS SHIPMATES--THE CHAMPION SAILS--CAPTAIN TRACY AND NORAH ATHOME--THE OUZEL GALLEY PREPARING FOR SEA--RETURN OF THE CHAMPION--SAILSAGAIN--OWEN APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND OF THE OUZEL GALLEY--MR. FERRIS ANDELLEN GO TO DUBLIN--THE OUZEL GALLEY SAILS--NORAH'S LIFE AT HOME--MR. FERRIS INTENDS TO GO TO JAMAICA--THE OUZEL GALLEY COMES BACK, ANDCAPTAIN TRACY RESOLVES TO GO ROUND IN HER TO DUBLIN. 

"News, Norah! I bring you news, Miss Ellen, " cried Gerald, rushing intothe drawing-room where his sister and her friend were seated. "I havejust heard that a man-of-war has brought up inside the harbour, with hermain-topmast gone and her sails riddled with shot. They say that she isthe _Champion_, and that she has had a desperate action with a Frenchship, which she sent to the bottom, or which got away from her. Whichwas the case, I can't exactly make out, but she has lost I don't knowhow many officers and seamen, for there hasn't been such a bloody fightsince the war began. The wounded, I hear, are to be sent on shore, andwe shall thus, I suppose, know all about the matter. "

Ellen turned pale as Gerald was speaking. "Have you heard who thekilled and wounded are?" she asked, in a trembling voice. 

"No; I could only learn the name of the ship, and that there has been asharp action there can be no doubt, " answered Gerald. 

"Perhaps Gerald's account is exaggerated, " remarked Norah, observingEllen's agitation. "If the ship is the _Champion_, Mr Ferris is sureto go down and visit her; he will ascertain the truth of the report. "

"I must--I must go and tell him what has happened, in case he should nothave heard it, " said Ellen, rising. She found Mr Ferris in hiscounting-house, on the ground-floor. He immediately ordered his boat, and telling Ellen that, should he find any wounded officers who mightrequire to be cared for on shore, he would bring them up, he desired herto make preparations for their reception. Gerald, who was on thelook-out for him, begged that he might accompany him on board. Theboat, with six stout hands, rapidly made her way down the river. 

Ellen and Norah, like good housewives, lost no time in seeing the sparerooms got ready for their expected guests. The occupation tended torelieve Ellen's mind. 

"Perhaps, after all, there may be no wounded officers, " said Norah. "Gerald's account was very vague--people nearly always exaggeratedisasters. "

"But I saw the beginning of the battle, and heard the dreadful gunsfiring--and some of those on board may have been killed, " said Ellen, scarcely able to restrain her feelings. 

The young ladies had some time to wait after the rooms had been gotready. Ellen was constantly going to the window, from which she couldsee the river and watch for the return of the boat. Norah, like afaithful friend, did not quit her. 

"There comes the boat, " exclaimed Ellen, at length. "Oh, see, Norah!there is a person wrapped up in blankets lying in the stern-sheets; myheart told me that he would be wounded. "

"It is better so than had your heart told you he would be killed, and ithad proved a true prophet, " said Norah, smiling and trying to cheer upher friend. Ellen would have hurried down to the quay, but Norahpersuaded her to remain at home. "He may not be Lieutenant Foley, remember, " observed Norah, quietly; "and if he is, you are more likelyto agitate him than to do him any good by rushing down to the quay. Think how odd it would look were you to exhibit your feelings in public, or, still more so, should the wounded man prove to be a stranger. "

Norah's sensible remarks prevailed in inducing Ellen to remain quiettill the arrival of the party in the boat. Mr Ferris was the firstperson who appeared. 

"You must not be alarmed, my dear child, " he said. "There has been afierce engagement, in which two officers and several men were killed--"

"Oh, father, who were they?" cried Ellen. 

"A master's mate and a midshipman, " answered Mr Ferris; "but I am sorryto say that Mr Foley was among the most severely wounded, and he gladlyaccepted my offer to take him on shore; so I brought him up here, andyou and Norah will, I am sure, do your best to look after him. "

While Mr Ferris was speaking, the men bearing the wounded lieutenantarrived. Ellen, restraining her feelings, received him with becomingpropriety, though his pale lips and wan cheek made her heart sink. Hewas forthwith conveyed to the room which, had been prepared for him. Dr Roach, who had been an army surgeon, and knew well how to treatgunshot wounds of every description, was immediately sent for, and theyoung officer was placed under his charge. 

"We'll pull him through, young lady, " he observed, after he had visitedhis patient. "You will naturally wish to know what I think of the caseof this fine young officer, who has been bleeding for his country. Youneed be under no serious apprehensions; he will be fit for duty againshortly. You saw how quickly I doctored up Mr Massey, in whom, if I amnot wrongly informed, Miss Norah here takes an interest. "

Norah looked conscious. "Young people have hearts, and small blame tothem if they fall in love now and then, " remarked the doctor; "and now, my pretty maidens, good-bye to you, for I want to hear more about thebattle. I could not let my patient tell me. Remember, I leave himunder your charge, but I must lay an embargo on your tongues; talking, or listening to talking, isn't good for wounded men, though you may singhim to sleep with your sweet voices. "

Owen was well enough to accompany Mrs Massey when she returned Norah'svisit, and, moreover, to stroll with her into the garden. He now firstheard of O'Harrall's conduct; his brow flushed as she told him, but herestrained his feelings, and did not let even her know that he hadassisted his rival's escape. 

"Could the fellow have been aware that she was my betrothed wife, andyet, after such conduct, ventured to claim my protection? I am thankfulI did not then know of his behaviour; I might have been tempted torefuse him my aid. " Such were the thoughts which passed through Owen'smind. "However, bold as he is, he is not likely again to appear in thisneighbourhood. "

Owen and Norah, having each other's society, forgot how the time wentby, till Gerald came hurrying up to call them into the house. He hadjust returned from his visit to the _Champion_; he was full of what hehad heard of her engagement with the _Coquille_. Two officers had beenkilled, and two, besides Mr Foley, wounded; three men had been killed, and several wounded. The Frenchman, instead of being sent to thebottom, having knocked away the _Champion's_ main-topmast and cut up herrigging, had managed to get off and run out of sight before her damagescould be repaired. Captain Olding had chased in the direction the_Coquille_ had last been seen, but had failed to come up with her, andwas compelled to steer for Waterford. 

"And, do you know, Norah, " continued Gerald, "I've made up my mind to goon board a man-of-war. They all say that Captain Olding will take me, and place me on the quarter-deck, if Mr Ferris introduces me and wouldsay a word in my favour; so if our father approves of it, I hope to goat once, instead of waiting for the _Ouzel Galley_. "

"If it would better promote your fortune to serve on board a man-of-war, I will not hinder you, " said Owen, as they walked towards the house. 

"I would rather you should remain on board the dear old ship, to act asOwen's mate, " observed Norah; "but if our father allows you to go onboard the _Champion_, neither will I try to alter your determination. "

Captain Olding had come up to the house to inquire after his lieutenant. He and Captain Tracy had been shipmates in their younger days. He waswell pleased, he said, to be able to forward the views of his friend'sson. It was therefore settled that Gerald should join the _Champion_ atonce, and Norah was busy from morning till night in preparing hisoutfit. Captain Tracy was now able to get about, and even tosuperintend the repairs of the _Ouzel Galley_. He secretly was somewhatproud of having a son belonging to the Royal Navy. It was the road tohonour and fame; Gerald might some day become one of England's admirals. Still, had the captain intended to continue at sea himself, he wouldhave wished to keep his boy with him, and he would also gladly have hadhim accompany Owen Massey. Gerald himself was in high glee; he madefrequent trips down to the _Champion_, and always came back with somefresh account of what she had done, and of what his future messmates, the midshipmen, fully expected she would do. He described them to Norahas first-rate, jolly fellows, up to all sorts of fun. 

"And you may tell Miss Ferris, if you like, " he added, "that they allsay there isn't a more gallant officer in the service than LieutenantFoley, and they hope that he'll soon get well and rejoin the ship. Theydon't speak quite so favourably of her first lieutenant, Jonah Tarwig, who seems as if he had swallowed the mizen-royal-mast as he was lookingaloft one stormy night when the ship was taken aback and it was carriedaway. He is six feet two in height--how he manages to stow himself inhis berth it is hard to say, but it is supposed that he doubles his legsback, for as to coiling away his body, that would be impossible. Themaster, old Billhook, is a rough diamond, but he understands navigation, and spins tough yarns by the score; I'll tell you some of them one ofthese days. The purser, Simon Cheeseparings--that isn't his real name--was a slopseller in Wapping, but outran his creditors and had to come tosea to escape from Newgate; and the doctor's a Scotchman whose namebegins with Mac, and for brevity's sake Mac he is always called. Nowyou know all about the gun-room officers; but the best fellows, out andout, are in our berth. We've got two old mates, Beater and Crowhurst--at least, they are old compared to the rest of us, and they are alwayscomplaining that they are not port-admirals. Their characters answer totheir names, for Beater is never without a cob in his hand, and he usesit pretty freely; and Crowhurst is always boasting of his own mightydeeds or those of his ancestors--and if you are to take his word for it, they (his ancestors, I mean) came over with William the Conqueror, andought to be dukes at the least. However, putting their peculiaritiesaside, they're capital fellows, and, if they have an opportunity, willshow that they have the true metal in them--so my chum, Nat Kiddle, says. He doesn't pretend to be anybody, though I can tell you he's abroth of a boy, and it's a pity he wasn't an Irishman, for he'd dohonour to the old country; but he happens to be the tenth son of anEnglish farmer, whose brother was a lieutenant in the navy, and took himto sea, but his uncle having been killed at the end of the last war, Nathas to shift for himself. Though he has tumbled into a good manyscrapes, he has always managed to fall on his feet. Then we've got ayoung lord, Mountstephen; he is always called Molly, but he doesn't atall mind, and declares that he'll some day show the Frenchmen what anEnglish Molly can do. In reality, he is the pet of the mess--notbecause he's a lord, but because he's a very nice little fellow, wholooks as if he ought to be in the nursery instead of knocking about in asloop of war. But I don't know, Norah, whether you'll care to hearabout the rest of us. "

"Oh yes, " answered Norah; "I am very much interested, especially in thelittle lord. I hope you'll help to take care of him. "

"Yes, that you may depend on it I will, " said Gerald; "if I get intoscrapes, I'll take care he doesn't--though I don't intend to get intoany myself, notwithstanding that they say Irishmen always do. They'vedubbed me Paddy already, but of course I'm proud of that, and shallalways stick up for old Ireland, and sing `Erin-go-bragh' on alloccasions. Well, I'll tell you about the rest of our mess another day, and something about the warrant officers. We've three of them, thegunner, boatswain, and carpenter--and as chance will have it, the firstis a Scotchman, the second an Englishman, and the third an Irishman; andthough they're mighty good friends, they are always wrangling abouttheir respective countries, each one declaring his own to be superior tothe others in every respect. Barney O'Rourke hailed me at once as acountryman, and was mighty pleased to see one young gentleman, at least, from the Emerald Isle who would stick up for our country's honour. `And, by my faith, that's what I intend to do, ' I answered--and webecame sworn friends. There now, Norah, I think you know a good dealabout our ship already, and when Lieutenant Foley gets about again, which I hope he'll do in a few days, you will learn a good deal more;and when we're away, you'll be able to fancy me on board among myshipmates. "

Norah sighed as she thought how soon her young brother, who had neverbefore been parted from her, would be away, with the chance of notcoming back for three or four years, for the _Champion_ had only latelybeen commissioned, and might before long be sent to a foreign station. At length Captain Olding, the _Champion_ being ready for sea, orderedGerald on board to perform, duty as a midshipman. He intended, however, to return in the course of two or three weeks, expecting by that timethat his second lieutenant would be sufficiently recovered to resume hisduties. Norah accompanied her father and Owen down the river to wishGerald good-bye, and to see the ship sail. She felt rather sad as theboat shoved off, when the anchor was apeak and the white canvas letfall, and the ship began to glide majestically away through the calmwaters of the harbour--for, besides that she grieved to part with heryoung brother, the thought occurred to her that the _Ouzel Galley_ wouldbe the next ship she should see taking her departure from port. Owen, who was now able to be constantly with her, offered, not unsuccessfully, all the consolation in his power. Captain Tracy, being now well enoughto go about, removed with her to their own cottage, situated a shortdistance from Waterford, and within a mile of Mrs Massey's abode. Itwas a pretty spot. The cottage, with its porch covered with clematisand eglantine, stood in a good garden in which the captain delighted towork during his leisure hours. From the windows could be seen thebroad, shining river and the shipping in the distance on one side, andfrom the other the mountainous regions to the westward. Altogether, noyoung lady could have desired a more romantic bower. 

The captain, by his successful voyages, had been able to save asufficient sum to live in comfort, with a handmaiden, Biddy O'Halloran, to attend on him and his daughter, and a gessoon to look after the cowsand pigs and to work in the garden. Still, notwithstanding her presenthappiness, it was but natural that poor Norah should reflect that in ashort time Owen must sail away in command of the _Ouzel Galley_, and besubject to all the dangers of the sea, increased in war time by thechance of being captured by the enemy. He and her father were nowabsent all day long, attending to the fitting out of the ship, which wasmaking rapid progress. Her owners had decided on sending her back tothe West Indies, and Owen assured Norah that, as he should probably finda cargo waiting for him, he should not be long absent. She paidfrequent visits to Ellen, who could heartily sympathise with her. Lieutenant Foley had entirely recovered from his wound, and would haveto rejoin the _Champion_ as soon as she arrived in the harbour, in whichshe was every day expected. Norah thought that the lieutenant deservedall the praises bestowed on him by Gerald, though of course he was notequal, in her estimation, to Owen. Still, she could not be surprisedthat her friend had given him her heart, especially as he had owned thathe had given his to Ellen; and they were now regularly betrothed withthe full approval of Mr Ferris, and were to marry as soon as Mr Foleyhad obtained the rank of commander. 

The days and weeks went rapidly by. Mr Ferris intended, as soon asLieutenant Foley had joined his ship, to return with his daughter toDublin. This would be a great loss to Norah, as she was acquainted withbut few other young ladies in the neighbourhood; indeed, from havingbeen at school with Ellen, they were more like sisters than ordinaryfriends. Ellen had begged that she would visit her in Dublin, but shecould not leave her father, and still less did she wish to quitWaterford till the _Ouzel Galley_ had sailed; after that, she felt thatshe should have no spirit to enjoy the gay society of the metropolis, even should her father insist on her accepting Ellen's invitation. 

The arrival of the _Champion_ was announced at last by Gerald, who earlyone morning rushed into the house. 

"We came in last night, and are to sail again this evening, so Iobtained leave to run up to see you, " cried Gerald. "I've got lots totell you, " he continued, after he had exchanged greetings with hisfather and sister, and was seated at the breakfast-table. "We haven'thad any actual fight, but we've taken several prizes, one of them, asbig as the _Champion_, cut out in gallant style. She was seen at anchorin Saint Martin's Roads, and the captain determined to have her. Westood away, and the Frenchman must have supposed we had gone; but atnight, when it was very dark, we stood back again. Three boats werethen lowered, and I had the good luck to be sent in one of them. We atonce pulled away for the roads with muffled oars. There lay the shipright ahead of us; we could just see her masts against the sky. TheFrenchmen must have been all asleep, or keeping a very bad look-out, forwe were alongside and our fellows almost on her deck before we werediscovered. The Frenchmen, thus taken by surprise, made but a veryfeeble resistance, and though a few of them were knocked over, we didn'tlose a man. The cable was cut and the topsails sheeted home before thefort began to fire, and as the wind was off shore, we got out of rangewith very little damage. We earned our prize into Plymouth, and ourcaptain, I believe, gained some credit for his exploit; though exceptthat he designed it, he took no part, for old Tarwig commanded one boat, and the master, Billhook, another, and one of our mates and I went inthe third. Had half of us been killed, I suppose more would have beenthought of the affair. While at Plymouth we heard from the bumboatwomen, who have always the most correct intelligence, that we were to besent to the West Indies, and we soon found that they were right; but thecaptain got leave to come in here first, to take Lieutenant Foley onboard, and to obtain fresh provisions; so I shall be visiting the oldscenes again, and, I hope, fall in with Owen. That will be good fun;perhaps we shall have to convoy him home, or maybe, should the _OuzelGalley_ fall into the hands of the enemy, retake the ship. Faith, shouldn't I be delighted. "

"Oh, don't talk of such a dreadful thing!" exclaimed Norah. "I hopethat you may have to convoy him home, and that we may see you both backhere in five or six months. "

Gerald could stay but a very short time, as he had been ordered toreturn on board with Lieutenant Foley. Norah and Captain Tracyaccompanied him into Waterford. They found the lieutenant ready tostart, and Norah remained with Ellen, who had just taken farewell of herintended husband. Owen, having joined the captain and Norah, went downto the quay to see Gerald off. 

"We shall meet, I hope, soon, Owen, " said the young midshipman. "I feelhalf ashamed of myself for deserting you; but if you knew the life welead on board the _Champion_, you wouldn't be surprised at my preferringher to the dear old _Galley_. "

"The time may come when you may think differently. But good-bye, mylad; I hope you will enjoy yourself and come back safe, " answered Owen, as Gerald sprang on board. 

The lieutenant gazed with eager eyes towards the windows of the largehouse overlooking the river, where he could see a white handkerchiefwaving to him. Two or three more years might pass before he could againpress the hand lately clasped in his, and it was a hard matter for himjust then to keep up his spirits. Soon after the boat returned onboard, the anchor was hove up, and the _Champion_, under all sail, stoodto the south-west. 

In the evening Mr Ferris desired to see Owen. "My partners and I havegiven you charge of the _Ouzel Galley_, Captain Massey, and we trustthat you will be as devoted to our interests as your predecessor hasbeen, " he said, giving Owen for the first time the title of captain. "Having undergone a thorough refit, we hope that she will require nofresh repairs for some time to come. We intend to insure her among ourfriends in Dublin, and they, knowing her good qualities and your carefulcharacter, would be ready to underwrite her at a moderate premiumconsidering the war risk. "

"You may rely on my taking the best care I possibly can of the ship, "answered Owen, "and, as she has (I may say it without fear) a fair pairof heels, on my keeping clear of every enemy I may sight. "

"That is what we wish, Mr Massey, " said Mr Ferris. "We don't want menwho will run their noses into danger; and true courage and seamanshipwill best be shown in your case by cleverly escaping from your foes. You will get the ship ready for sea as soon as possible, and take yourcargo on board, and we will then send you further directions fromDublin. "

Owen took leave of his employer and returned home. The next day MrFerris, accompanied by Ellen, proceeded to Dublin. 

Norah's day of trial came at length. She ought not to have complained, as she had enjoyed Owen's society for some months. The _Ouzel Galley_having shipped her cargo, chiefly of salt provisions, and other produceof the fertile south of Ireland, hauled out into the stream. Her oldcaptain, with Norah and Mrs Massey, went on board to bid farewell toOwen, and proceeded down the river till she had crossed the bar, whenCaptain Tracy took Owen by the hand. 

"Heaven speed you, my boy!" he said. "May He who guarded me through themany dangers of the ocean take care of you, and bring you back in safetyto those who will ever give you a loving welcome! And now, the shorteryou cut the parting with those two the better. "

Mrs Massey saw that the time had come; she threw her amis round theyoung captain's neck, and asked God again and again to protect him. Then she let Norah take her place, while Captain Tracy helped her downinto the boat alongside, in which Owen soon afterwards placed Norah. They had said their last words of farewell; Norah's had been whispered, for her heart was too full to allow her to utter them aloud. CaptainTracy took his seat in the stern-sheets. "Cast off!" he cried to thebowman. The boat dropped astern; Owen was seen standing aft and lookingover the taffrail; the pilot, who had still the command, ordered thecourses to be let fall, and the _Ouzel Galley_ glided onward. As longas the boat was in sight, there stood Owen gazing at Norah and hismother, as again and again they waved. More than once the old captainturned round to take another look at the ship whose keel he had seenlaid, each timber and plank of which he had carefully watched as theshipwrights had fixed them in their destined positions--that ship on thedeck of which he had stood when she glided into the water for the firsttime, and which he had since navigated with watchful care on everyvoyage she had made, amid rocks and shoals, and over many a league ofocean. 

Mrs Massey had consented to spend a few days with Norah. Though herown heart was heavy, she knew that she could console that of the younggirl, so unused to the trials of life; while the old captain himself, she saw, required cheering, and thus in benefiting others she forgot herown anxieties. The captain had out his chart: he had marked the way thewind blew, and knew to a nicety the rate at which the ship was sailing, and could thus calculate from hour to hour the exact spot on which shefloated--always provided, as he observed, if the wind holds as it didwhen she quitted port. 

At length Mrs Massey returned home, and Norah settled down to her dailyoccupations. Norah was not free from some anxiety on her own account, for she could not forget the attempt which had been made to carry heroff, or divest herself altogether of the fear that she might besubjected to a similar outrage. She therefore never ventured abroadwithout her father's escort, while he at home ever kept his firearmsready for her defence. Still, as week after week went by, her hope thatO'Harrall had quitted the country, and that he would not again ventureto molest her, increased. She heard occasionally from Ellen, thoughletters were long in coming, and more than once the mail had beenstopped on the road and plundered--a too frequent occurrence to bethought much of in those days. 

Norah, notwithstanding her fears, was unmolested. The captain had givenout that if any one should venture to run off with his daughter he wouldnot obtain a farthing of his property--a wise precaution, for itprobably prevented any of the squireens in the neighbourhood from makingthe attempt--added to the fact, which was pretty generally known, thatshe was engaged to marry Owen Massey. 

Month after month went by. Ellen at first wrote her word that she wasgoing much into society--more, indeed, than she liked--while she had anabundance of occupation at home in attending to her father's household. Latterly, from her letters, she appeared to be living a more quiet lifethan at first. She mentioned her father, who seemed to be much out ofspirits, though she could not divine the cause. She again invited Norahto come up to Dublin and help to cheer him up. 

"You are a great favourite of his, you know, " she wrote. "He delightsin hearing you sing, and your merry laugh and conversation will do himgood. "

But Norah could not be induced to leave her father; besides which, sheconfessed to Ellen, she was looking forward in a short time to thereturn of the _Ouzel Galley_, and she would be sorry if Owen should notfind her at home on his arrival. Ellen, in reply, told her that the_Ouzel Galley_, after calling at Waterford, would probably have to comeon to Dublin, and she continued--"And my father, finding it necessary togo out to Jamaica, intends taking a passage in her; and I havedetermined to obtain leave to accompany him. I fear that he will objectto my doing so, on account of the danger to which I may be exposed; but, you know, as I generally manage to have my own way, I hope to overcomehis objections. The ship also will form one of a large fleet ofmerchantmen under convoy of two or three men-of-war, and as the _OuzelGalley_ sails well, even should the convoy be attacked by the enemy, weshall have every chance of getting off. You must not be jealous of me, my dear Norah; indeed, I heartily wish that your father could spare youto bear me company; and I dare say that the young captain would wish thesame, did he know of the proposed plan. Pray tell him of it when hecomes into Waterford, and I have an idea that he will join hispersuasions with mine. "

This letter made Norah's heart beat quickly. She was much surprised, too, at hearing of the intention of Mr Ferris to go out to the WestIndies; but, much as she would have liked to accompany her friend, shefelt that it would be impossible to leave her father. 

"I was afraid that things were not going on straight, " observed CaptainTracy, when she told him of the news she had received. "However, MrFerris is the man to set them to rights, and he'll do it; but I wishthat Miss Ellen, instead of going out with him, would come and stayhere. She expects to meet the lieutenant, but he'll be here, there, andeverywhere, and she mayn't see him all the time she is there. "

Norah, in reply, told Ellen what Captain Tracy had said; but Miss Ferrishad made up her mind to go if she could, and was not to be deterred fromher purpose. One evening Norah was seated at the open window with herwork before her, while her father occupied his usual armchair, smokinghis pipe, when a rapid step was heard approaching the house. Norahuttered a cry of delight, and, hurrying to the door, the next moment wasin Owen Massey's arms. 

"I am glad to see you back, my lad, " cried the old captain, grasping hishand; "you've made a quick voyage, and a prosperous one, I hope?"

"As prosperous as I could desire, " answered Owen. "We have had two orthree narrow escapes from the enemy's cruisers, but the _Ouzel Galley_is in good trim, and never sailed better. I heard in Waterford that Iam to proceed to Dublin, " he continued; "so I paid my mother a visit, and she bade me hurry on here. I can remain but a short time, for Imust be on board again early to-morrow. "

"We'll make the most of you, then, my lad, " said Captain Tracy, "andNorah looks as if she intended to do so. "

She was the first to tell Owen of the intention of Mr Ferris to go outin the _Ouzel Galley_ to Jamaica, and that Ellen had made up her mind toaccompany him. "She has asked me to pay her a visit before she goes, "she added, "and I should much like to do so could I leave my father, butthat I cannot do. "

"Nor shall you, my girl, for I will go with you, " said the captain, whohad overheard her remark. "We'll go in the _Ouzel Galley_--to my mindthere's less danger at sea than from those land pirates, thehighwaymen--and if you can pack up your traps in time, we'll go aboardto-morrow morning. What say you, Owen? Will you take us aspassengers?"

Owen expressed his pleasure at the proposal, and Norah had no doubt thatshe could pack up in time. Owen put aside all fears of capture by theenemy; indeed, the Channel was so well guarded by British ships of warthat there was little danger, he thought, on that score. He had toomuch confidence in his own seamanship to think of shipwreck. After allarrangements had been made, he went back to spend the rest of theevening with his mother, while Norah and the captain, with Biddy's help, prepared for their departure. 

CHAPTER NINE. 

THE OUZEL GALLEY SAILS FOR DUBLIN--A STRANGE SAIL TO THE SOUTHWARD--FOLLOWS THE OUZEL GALLEY--THE CHAMPION SENDS MR. FOLEY AND GERALD TOPRESS SOME OF HER MEN--NORAH IN DUBLIN--MR. FOLEY AND GERALD IN COMMANDOF A PRESSGANG--AN ADVENTURE ON THE LIBERTIES--A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERCAPTURED--PRESSED MEN CARRIED OFF--ELLEN AND MR. FERRIS SAIL IN THEOUZEL GALLEY--CAPTAIN TRACY AND NORAH RETURN TO WATERFORD--THE OUZELGALLEY WITH THE CONVOY BOUND FOR THE WEST INDIES--SHARP ACTION WITHFRENCH FRIGATES--THE ENEMY BEATEN OFF. 

Norah and Captain Tracy were on board the _Ouzel Galley_ before noon thenext day, accompanied by Owen. They had gone round to bid Mrs Masseygood-bye; it cost her much to part again so soon with her son, but shewas proud of seeing him captain of so fine a ship, and had learnt tobear many trials with fortitude. 

As the breeze blew up the harbour, the _Ouzel Galley_ had to beat out, which, with a favourable tide, she succeeded in doing in a few tacks, after which she had a fair wind for Dublin. Dan, coming aft, hat inhand, welcomed Miss Norah, and wished she was going to sail with themthe next voyage--Pompey, who presumed on long service with CaptainMassey, imitating his example, and making an appropriate speech. Norahthanked them, and, it is just possible, secretly wished that she was toremain on board. 

A bright look-out was kept for any sail which might heave in sight; for, though Owen believed that there was no risk of encountering an enemy, itwas still possible that a French privateer might be on the watch to pickup any merchant vessel which might come within her grasp. The windfell, and the _Ouzel Galley_ made but little progress during the night. Whatever others might have done, Norah did not complain; she was in nohurry to have the trip over. Dawn had just broken, when, as a mistwhich had for some hours hung over the ocean began to clear away, a handwho had been sent aloft shouted out, "A sail to the southward!" Owen, who was on deck, at once went to the mast-head to take a look at thestranger. She was a large ship under all sail, but the mist preventedhim from making out very clearly what she was. 

"She is bringing up the breeze, " observed Captain Massey, when hereturned on deck; "but as we shall probably get it before long, we maykeep ahead of her. "

"We'll try our best to do that same, " said the old captain; "it would behard to be trapped just as we are going into port. "

"I should never forgive myself for having allowed you and Norah to comeon board, " said Owen, feeling much more anxious than he would have donehad he been alone. 

"Don't trouble yourself about that, lad, " answered the captain; "she ismore likely to be a British ship than a Frenchman, and she hasn't got upto us yet, nor will she, I trust, before we are safe in the Liffey. Ishall be glad, however, when we get the breeze. "

They had not long to wait before cat's-paws were seen playing over thesurface of the ocean. The sails were trimmed, and the ship began toglide through the water; faster and faster she moved, but the strangerastern still gained on her. Norah soon followed her father on deck, andthe rising sun shining on the white canvas of the ship astern revealedher more clearly to view. 

"Is that ship chasing us?" she asked, with a little trepidation in hervoice. 

"She is following in our wake, but she may be a friend for all that, "answered Owen, anxious not to alarm Norah. "Should she prove to be afoe, we'll do our best to keep ahead of her. Fortunately, we have aport to run for, and have every chance of gaining it before she comes upwith us. See, we have the Wicklow mountains already in sight, and itwill not take us many hours to reach Dublin if the wind holds as it doesnow. "

"I quite agree with you, Owen; we have very little cause to fear, gowe'll go below and take our breakfasts with good appetite, " said thecaptain, the steward having just announced that the meal was ready. 

On returning on deck they could perceive no change in the relativeposition of the vessels; but as the day drew on the wind dropped, andthe stranger appeared to gain on them. Still they made some way, andcould distinguish the Round Tower and ruined house on Dalkey Island, offthe Wicklow coast, when it fell perfectly calm, and though the Bay ofDublin was almost in sight, they were unable to reach it. The oldcaptain took many a glance through his spy-glass at the ship astern. 

"She looks more like an English man-of-war than a Frenchman, " he said toOwen; "see what you make of her. "

"I agree with you, sir, " said Owen. "She is standing after us simplybecause she is bound to the same port, and if so, we need not troubleourselves further about her; anyway, we shall be safe at anchor beforelong, and an enemy would scarcely venture into the bay to cut us out. "

Still Owen, not being altogether free from anxiety, walked the deck thegreater part of the night, waiting for a breeze. It came at length, towards the end of the middle watch, and as before, astern. He had lostsight of the stranger during the hours of darkness, but when dawn broke, as the _Ouzel Galley_ was off Kingstown, he saw her coming up rapidlynot a mile away. With the increasing daylight he made her out, however, to be undoubtedly a British man-of-war. 

"No mistake as to that point, " observed Captain Tracy, who joined him ondeck; "I thought so from the first. "

What was their astonishment, therefore, when the corvette fired a guntowards them. The _Ouzel Galley_ still stood on, when the sound ofanother gun came booming over the calm sea. 

"It is the signal to us to heave to. We must obey, " said Owen; "thoughthey perhaps think that we are too strong-handed, and wish to press someof our men. "

"There's no help for it, " observed the old captain; "better at the endof a voyage than the beginning of one, as far as the owners areconcerned; but it is a cruel thing for the poor men to be carried awayfrom their families just as they are expecting to get home. "

The yards were braced up, and the ship hove to. In a short time thecorvette, getting abreast of her, lowered a boat and quickly pulledalongside, with a lieutenant and midshipman in her. As they sprang ondeck, the latter came running aft. 

"Don't you know me, father?" he exclaimed, as he got up to CaptainTracy. 

"What, Gerald, my boy! You've grown so tall and brown that, thinkingyou away in the West Indies, I didn't till this moment, " answeredCaptain Tracy. 

"But I thought it was he, " cried Norah, as Gerald bestowed on her abrotherly embrace. He then shook hands with Owen, to whom LieutenantFoley, who was the other officer, had at first addressed himself; but, seeing Norah, he advanced and paid his respects, inquiring for herfriend Miss Ferris. 

"She is well, and about to sail for Jamaica on board this vessel, "answered Norah. "You will, if you land at Dublin, have an opportunityof seeing her. "

"I hope, then, that the _Ouzel Galley_ will form one of the next fleetwhich we have received orders to convoy to the West Indies, " saidLieutenant Foley. "Having been sent home with despatches, we landed atPlymouth, and were on our way round here when we ran out of our coursein chase of a strange sail. She, however, escaped us, and we are nowbound into Dublin Bay. Are you going to remain on board?" he asked. 

"I am afraid not, " said Norah; "but I am sure that it will besatisfactory to Mr Ferris to learn that your ship will convoy them. Should I see them before you do, I will tell them so. "

Thereon the lieutenant sent several messages to Ellen, which Norahpromised to deliver, as duty might possibly delay him from going onshore. He then turned to Owen. 

"I was sent to press some of the hands out of your ship, " he said, "butif you are about again to sail, I feel authorised to take only those whohave not agreed to return with you; and I must beg you to muster yourcrew. "

Whatever might have been the intentions of the men, they one and allagreed to re-enter for the next voyage on board the _Ouzel Galley_, andOwen thus secured an experienced crew instead of the untried hands hemight afterwards have picked up. 

"It is fortunate that you fell in with us instead of any otherman-of-war, or you would have lost your best hands, " said Gerald; "andwe, I suspect, shall have to send pressgangs on shore to pick up all thefellows we can find. You had better give a hint to your men not totrust themselves out of the ship, for all would be fish who come to ournet, they may depend on that. "

Gerald had to return with Lieutenant Foley to the _Champion_, while the_Ouzel Galley_, having taken a pilot on board, at once ran up theharbour, when Norah and her father proceeded to Mr Ferris's. Thearrival of the _Ouzel Galley_ was hailed with great satisfaction by MrFerris; still more so was the news Norah gave Ellen, that the _Champion_was one of the ships of war appointed to convoy the _Ouzel Galley_ andthe other merchant vessels to the West Indies. All diligence was usedin discharging her cargo and taking a fresh one on board; and in shortertime than usual, thanks to the assistance rendered by her old captain, she was ready for sea. Owen had the happiness of spending the eveningswith Norah, and Ellen was the better able to dispense with her societyas Lieutenant Foley managed frequently to get on shore, bringing Geraldwith him. Their time, however, was not always passed so agreeably, asthey had on several occasions to take charge of the pressgangs sent onshore to pick up men, and more than once they were engaged in prettysevere encounters with the unwilling seamen whom it was their duty tocapture. 

Mr Foley and the young midshipman were spending the evening at MrFerris's, when they were summoned out. 

"We must wish you good night, " said the lieutenant to Ellen, returning;"we have some duty to attend to, and shall afterwards have to go onboard our ship. "

The ladies came into the hall, and were somewhat astonished at the garbwhich the two officers quickly assumed. Over their neat uniforms theyput on large Flushing trousers, thick coats of the same materialbuttoned up to their throats, round which they tied large comforters, while on their heads they wore weather-beaten sou'-westers. A cutlass, buckled on by a leathern belt in which a brace of pistols were stuck, showed that they were about to proceed on an expedition in which roughplay might be expected. 

"Where are you going?" asked Ellen, in some trepidation. 

"Only to obtain a few loyal seamen to serve his Majesty, " answered thelieutenant. "The fellows don't know their true interests, and mayperhaps offer some opposition; but don't be alarmed--we hope to be onshore to-morrow to give a good account of ourselves. "

The lieutenant and midshipman set off under the guidance of thecaptain's coxswain, a Dublin man, who had come for them. Proceeding toa public-house on one of the lower quays, they found a dozen seamendressed and armed as they were. The lieutenant having given themdirections, they followed him and his guide to that part of Dublin knownas the "Liberties, " inhabited by the dregs of the population. The nightwas dark; no lamps illumined that part of the town. The lantern carriedby Larry Flynn, the coxswain, enabled the party to thread their waythrough several narrow streets till they reached a house, at the door ofwhich he stopped. 

"This is it, yer honour, " said Larry; "but we must be mighty quick, orthey'll be after escaping along the tiles. "

On this he gave a gentle knock at the door. "Hist! Mother O'Flanigan, open the door, or I'll be taken hold of by the watchmen, " he whisperedthrough the keyhole, as he heard a step within. 

"Who is it?" asked the voice. 

"Shure, it's Dennis Donovan, whom ye'll be after knowing, I'm thinking;but quick, quick, mother dear, or it'll be too late and I'll be caught. "

As he spoke the bars were withdrawn, and the lock turned, and the oldwoman, forgetting her usual caution, slowly opened the door. On thisLarry sprang in, and before she had time to shriek out thrust a woollencomforter into her mouth. 

"Hold her fast, Bill!" he exclaimed to one of the men who had beendirected to guard the door, while the lieutenant and Gerald, with therest, rushed along a narrow passage, at the end of which another female, a stout, sturdy-looking Amazon, appeared with a light in one hand and apoker in the other. 

"Who are ye, ye brutes?" she exclaimed, "coming to disturb a dacenthousehold at this time of night? Shure, the childher are in bed, andye'll be waking them up and sending them into fits, the darlints. "

"It's joking ye are, Misthress Milligan, for divil a child have ye gotin the house, barring a score of bhoys with big whiskers on theirfaces, " answered Larry; "so just keep a dacent tongue in your mouth, andbe quiet with that poker. "

Mrs Milligan, finding that she was known, and as it would be useless todeny that she had guests in the house, shrieked out at the top of hervoice, "Run, bhoys, run--the pressgang are on ye!" at the same timeattempting, with her formidable weapon, to prevent the seamen fromopening the door before which she stood. Larry, however, dashingforward, wrenched it from her hand, and giving her a shove which senther reeling into the arms of those behind him, burst open the door withhis cudgel; and, the harridan having been handed along to those in therear, the rest of the men followed him into the room. It was anapartment of some size. At one end was a table covered with mugs, a jugor two, and several bottles of large proportions, and surrounded bybenches; while at the other end were four beds, each with a couple ofoccupants, who had endeavoured to conceal their features by thecoverlets. Larry pointed to them, and he and his companions springingforward and drawing off the coverlets, brought to view eight fully cladseamen, who, offering no resistance, quietly submitted to their fate;though sundry oaths and throats of vengeance showed that they believedthemselves to be the victims of treachery. 

"There are more of them stowed away above, " exclaimed Larry; and, leaving the room, he sprang up a rickety stair. 

"Who comes there?" cried a gruff voice from the top. The speaker hadprobably been aroused by the noises below. "You'll pay dear for it, whoever you are who attempt to interfere with me. "

"Shure, Dick Rowan, your time has come at last to serve his Majesty, threaten and bluster as you like, " cried Larry, as he and the restcontinued their ascent. 

"Take that!" cried the previous speaker, firing a pistol, the bulletwhistling near Larry's ear, but striking in the wall behind him. Beforehe could draw another, Larry and the lieutenant threw themselves uponhim, and in spite of his struggles dragged him downstairs. His shoutsaroused several other men, who rushed out armed with bludgeons andpistols. 

"Come up here at your peril, " cried one of them, who appeared at thehead of the stair, flourishing his bludgeon and holding a pistol in hisleft hand. 

"It's not such orders from the like of you we've a mind to obey, " saidLarry, who having handed over the men just taken prisoners, was, withthe lieutenant and Gerald, about to ascend the steps. Gerald was struckby the voice, and as Larry threw the light of his lantern before him, herecognised, as he believed, the features of Carnegan, the second mate ofthe _Ouzel Galley_--or rather O'Harrall, as he has been better known tothe reader. 

"Seize the ruffian, " cried Gerald; "he is an escaped prisoner. I knowhim!" He sprang up the steps as he spoke, Mr Foley, Larry, and severalof the men following. 

"Take that for your knowledge, youngster, " cried the man, firing hispistol; and finding that it had missed Gerald's head, though by a hair'sbreadth alone, he lifted his cudgel and would have effectually put anend to his young assailant, had not Larry interposed his cutlass, and, before the man could again raise his weapon, inflicted so severe a woundthat he was compelled to drop it. The lieutenant and more seamen comingup threw themselves on him, and in spite of several other people who hadcome out, he also was secured. The rest retreated into the room, butwere pursued before they could make their escape from the windows, whichthey were attempting to do. One fellow was hauled back just as he hadgot outside, and in a short time every male inmate of the house wascaptured. 

Rapid as the pressgang had been in their movements, the alarm had beengiven outside, and a mob was already collecting in the street, evidentlywith the intention of rescuing the prisoners. There was no time, therefore, to be lost. Mr Foley ordered his men to drag them out andhurry them along, each of the pressgang holding a pistol to the head ofhis prisoner. Larry had taken charge of the man whom Gerald supposed tobe O'Harrall. The ruffian at first waited along quietly enough, but bythe way he turned his head he was evidently on the watch for anopportunity of escaping. 

"If ye attempt to do it, a bullet will go through yer head, as shure asye're a living man, " cried Larry, in a tone of voice which made theprisoner feel certain that he would be as good as his word. His escapewould have been the signal for the rest to attempt breaking loose. MrFoley and Gerald, with two of the men who had no prisoners to guard, brought up the rear, and had enough to do to keep the rapidly increasingmob at bay. It was mostly composed, however, of women and boys, whoshrieked and shouted, and hurled abuse on the heads of the pressgang. By degrees, however, they were joined by several men carryingshillelaghs, but the strict enforcement of the law against thepossession of firearms prevented the lower orders in the city fromhaving them. Growing bolder as their numbers increased, and seeing thatthe pressgang was about to escape from their own especial domain, theymade a furious attack on the rearguard, who could only keep them at bayby a free use of their cutlasses, with which several of the assailantswere wounded. At length the lesson the mob received made them holdback, though they vented their rage in still louder execrations, howlingas an Irish mob alone can howl. 

"Not very pleasant work this, Tracy, " observed Mr Foley to themidshipman. "However, as we've got thus far, I hope that we may succeedin conveying our prisoners to the boats. "

"One of them, at all events, is likely to make further efforts toescape, " said Gerald. "He is the very man, if I mistake not, who gotout of the King Tower at Waterford, and even if we carry him on board, he is likely to prove a troublesome customer. "

"We'll soon bring the most troublesome down to their proper bearings, "answered the lieutenant. "If he is a good seaman, he'll answer ourpurpose. "

"We haven't got him safe on board yet, sir, and if these fellowsgathering round us show any pluck, we shall have a hard matter to keephim and the rest of the captured men, " said Gerald, looking down thestreet, the few lights in which dimly showed a mass of people rushingforward, the shillelaghs of the men waving wildly above their heads. 

"Go on ahead, Tracy, and urge Larry to move faster, " said Mr Foley. "Do you keep your eye on his prisoner and see that he doesn't escape. "

Gerald obeyed the order, and the seamen did their best to drag forwardtheir captives by threats of blowing out their brains if they did notkeep their feet stirring. Gerald was not mistaken as to the object ofthe crowd, though they had apparently intended to attack the head of hisparty; seeing them passing, they now came rushing on at greater speedthan before. 

"Stand back, " cried the lieutenant, "or we'll fire; it will be your ownfault if any of you are killed. "

No regard, however, was paid to his threats. Some of the more daring ofthe crowd leaped forward, springing now on one side, now on the other, under the idea of escaping the bullets which might be fired at them. The lieutenant and his two men on this had begun to flourish theircutlasses, which in such an affray would be of far more use thanpistols, and serve, as before, to keep their assailants from coming toclose quarters; still, as they retreated the mob advanced, and everymoment threatened to make a rush, when by their superior numbers theymust have succeeded in overwhelming the lieutenant and his men andrescuing their prisoners. At this juncture a loud hurrah was heard, anda fresh body of seamen came hurrying along the street. The mob nosooner saw them than the greater number scampered off to a safedistance, where they gave vent to their feelings by uttering the mostfearful howls and hurling maledictions on the heads of the pressgang;but the prisoners must have seen that all hope of escape was gone, forthey now quietly submitted to their fate, and when they reached the quaystepped, as ordered, into the boats. 

The man whom Gerald supposed to be O'Harrall was put into his boat. "Wehave met before, " said Gerald, after they had pulled some little waydown the river; "I wonder you don't know me. "

"It must have been a long time ago, then, sir, for I haven't theslightest recollection of ever having set eyes on you, " answered theman. 

"What, were you never on board the _Ouzel Galley_?" asked Gerald. 

"Never heard of her till a couple of days ago, when I saw her alongsidethe quay, " was the reply. 

"What, don't you know the name of Carnegan?" said Gerald. 

"I may know it--but it isn't my name, " answered the man. 

"Then perhaps it is O'Harrall, " said Gerald. 

The man started. "How did you come to know that name?" he asked; addingquickly, "But that isn't my name either. If you want to know it, Michael Dillon is my name; and since I am to have the ill luck to becompelled to serve his Majesty afloat, I intend to show that it's one noman need be ashamed of. "

"It is very extraordinary, " thought Gerald. "This man's answers are sostraightforward that I suppose I must have been mistaken. " He did notfurther question the prisoner. The boats at length reached the ship, and the captives were sent below under a guard. Mr Foley, at Gerald'ssuggestion, gave orders that Dillon especially should be strictlywatched, as should any of them leap overboard, they were sure to havefriends waiting in readiness to pick them up. 

This was only one of several expeditions made by the pressgang on shore, though none were so successful. On each occasion they were hooted bythe mob; and not without reason, when husbands were torn from theirwives, fathers from their children--several of those taken being either'long-shore men or not even sailors--but men were wanted, and CaptainOlding had been directed to get as many as he could pick up, to supplythe other ships expected shortly to form the convoy of the fleet ofmerchantmen. Two frigates arrived a few days after this, and orderswere issued to the merchant vessels to rendezvous in the bay. Everyeffort was made to get them ready, as those not prepared would probablyhave to wait for many months before another convoy would sail. 

Ellen, as might have been expected, had gained her object, and herfather had consented to her accompanying him on board the _OuzelGalley_. It is as difficult to describe as to analyse the feelings withwhich poor Norah parted with her. She was sorry to lose her friend; shefelt a very natural jealousy of her--or, if it was not jealousy, shewould thankfully have changed places. Still more gladly would she havegone with her--though not for a moment did an unworthy doubt of herfriend, still less of Owen, enter into her mind. But notwithstandingthis, even had the offer been made to her to go out with Ellen, shewould not have deserted her father. When she and Captain Tracy stood onthe deck of the _Ouzel Galley_, as the stout ship sailed out of harbour, she succeeded in maintaining her composure. Not, indeed, till thesignal gun was fired for the fleet to get under way, and she and thecaptain had taken their seats in the boat to return to the shore, didshe show any signs of the feelings which were agitating her. 

"Cheer up, Norah, " said the old captain; "we'll pray that they may havea prosperous voyage and speedy return, and it won't be many monthsbefore we see the _Ouzel Galley_ coming back trim as ever into WaterfordHarbour. Owen will soon make his fortune with the favour of Mr Ferris;he is a favourite captain, that is evident, and the house can put many achance in his way of turning an honest penny. Perhaps after next voyagethe ship will be requiring another repair, and as Owen will then have toremain for some time on shore, he may think fit to make you his wife, and I'll not object if he has your consent. I only wish Gerald werewith him; the lad's thrown a good chance away, but he was so bent onjoining the Royal Navy that I hadn't the heart to hinder him, though Imight have been wiser to do so. "

Thus the old captain ran on, his remarks contributing not a little tocalm his daughter's feelings and to induce her to look forward hopefullyto the future. 

After spending a few days more in Dublin, the captain being employed intransacting some shipping business for the firm, he and Norah set offfor Waterford, where, in spite of his apprehensions of being attacked byRapparees, highwaymen, or abductors, they arrived in safety. 

Meantime the _Ouzel Galley_, with about sixty other merchantmencollected from Liverpool, Glasgow, and various Irish ports, set saildown Channel, convoyed by the 32-gun frigates, _Thisbe_ and _Druid_, andthe _Champion_ corvette; "Old Blowhard, " as he was called, captain ofthe _Thisbe_, acting as commodore. The _Champion_ had a busy time of itwhipping up the laggards and calling in the stragglers, who would, inspite of orders to the contrary, steer their own course. The _OuzelGalley_ was among the well-behaved of the fleet, always keeping herproper position; and though she could have run well ahead of most ofthem, Owen never failed to shorten sail when necessary, for which he wascomplimented by Mr Ferris. Perhaps Ellen might have preferred morefrequently seeing the _Champion_, which she soon learned to distinguishfrom the rest of the fleet. The _Druid_ was employed much as the_Champion_; but Old Blowhard kept his proper position in the van, makingsignals with his bunting or guns as occasion required. 

The greater portion of the passage was accomplished without an enemy'scruiser having been sighted; indeed, no small French squadron would haveventured to approach the formidable-looking fleet, as many of themerchantmen carried guns, and three or four of them would have been amatch for any frigate, or, at all events, would not have yielded withouta hard struggle. 

Meantime Gerald, who was disposed under all circumstances to makehimself happy, thought the _Champion's_ employment very good fun, notwithstanding the grumblings of old Beater and Crowhurst, who werefrom morning till night abusing the slow-sailing "sugar-hogsheads, " asthey designated the merchant craft. He was only a little disappointedat having no opportunity of paying his friend a visit on board the_Ouzel Galley_--a feeling probably shared with him by the secondlieutenant. The _Champion_ had been compelled to dispose of most of thepressed men between the two frigates, retaining only a few to make upher own complement. Among them was the man captured in the Dublinlodging-house, who had entered under the name of Michael Dillon. WhenGerald came to see him oftener, the supposed likeness to Carnegan woreoff, though still there was a wonderful similarity in the voice andmanner. Dillon soon showed himself to be a bold and active seaman, andthereby gained the good opinion of the officers, though his behaviourwas generally surly, especially towards the English portion of the crew. He took pains however, to ingratiate himself with the Irishmen, bybeing always ready to do a good turn to any of them, very frequentlyeven sharing his grog with them--the highest mark of regard one seamancan show to another. Gerald, who naturally observed the man, fanciedthat he looked at him with a suspicious eye, and was inclined to keepout of his way; but at the same time he treated him, as he did the othermidshipmen, with the required amount of respect, though certainly notwith a particle more. 

"You see, Tracy, I told you that Dillon and the rest of the pressed menwould soon be brought into order by the discipline of a man-of-war, "observed Mr Foley one day to Gerald, who was in his watch. "Blusteringfellows, such as he appeared, become in a few weeks perfectlylamb-like. "

"I wouldn't trust him overmuch, sir, nevertheless, " answered Gerald. "From a remark the carpenter made to me the other day, he has formed nofavourable opinion of him. He has several times found him talking in alow voice to the men, as if he had some especial object in view, and MrO'Rourke thinks that, if he had an opportunity of doing mischief, hewould do it. "

"I am not fond of hearing unfavourable reports of the men, and Irecommend you not to indulge in the habit of making them, unlessofficially required so to do, " said the lieutenant, rather annoyed atGerald's remarks. 

"I had no intention of bringing them to you, sir, " answered Gerald; "butwhen you spoke of Dillon, I felt myself called on to say what I hadheard, especially as I have had suspicions of the man from the first. Iindeed believed him to be a person we had on board the _Ouzel Galley_, and who, it was afterwards discovered, had been guilty of an act ofpiracy and murder. "

"But if he is not the man you took him for, you should overcome yourprejudice, " remarked the lieutenant. 

"I try to do so, sir, " said Gerald, "and I should have thought no moreabout him if I hadn't heard remarks which aroused my former suspicions. "

"I believe you are right, after all, Tracy, " said Mr Foley; "we'll keepan eye on the man, and not place him in a position where he can do anyharm. "

This conversation took place when the convoy was about four or fivedays' sail from the West Indies. 

"The commodore is signalling, sir, " cried young Lord Mountstephen, whowas acting as signal midshipman, "`A sail to the southward!--the_Champion_ to chase and ascertain her character. '"

"Make the answering signal, " said Mr Foley. "Tracy, go and report tothe captain. "

The wind was at this time about south-east. The _Thisbe_ was in herusual station to windward of the fleet and abeam of the leading vessel, and the fleet with flowing sheets was steering to the westward. The_Champion_, hauling her wind, stood out from among them. 

"The commodore suspects the stranger to be an enemy, " observed thecommander to Mr Foley. A look-out with sharp eyes was sent aloft, toreport as soon as the sail indicated by the frigate should appear insight. She was before long seen, and was evidently a large shipstanding to the north-west, a course which would bring her up to theconvoy. 

"We must have a nearer look at her, " said the commander; "she is moreprobably a friend than an enemy. "

"Two other sail, " cried the look-out from aloft, "following in the wakeof the first. "

Still the corvette, according to orders, stood on. As she approachedthe stranger, the commander changed his opinion. 

"They are Frenchmen, " he observed to his first lieutenant; "we'll keepaway and run back to the commodore. If, as I suspect, all three arefrigates, or perhaps larger craft, we shall have to bring them to actionand allow the convoy to escape. "

The announcement caused considerable excitement on board. "We shallprobably be in action before the day is out, " cried Gerald, as he wentinto the midshipmen's berth, "and have pretty hot work, too, if theFrenchmen show any pluck. "

"The best news I've heard for many a day, " said old Crowhurst. "Notwithstanding all I've done for my country, it's the only chance Ihave of getting promoted. "

"I don't see how that's to be, " said Gerald; "mates are not oftenmentioned in despatches. "

"But if a happy shot were to knock either of our superiors on the head, I should obtain the rank I merit, " replied the mate. "For that matter, I've seen service enough and done deeds sufficient to deserve being madea commander or post-captain. "

"Long life to you, Captain Crowhurst!" exclaimed Gerald. "If I was aLord of the Admiralty I'd promote you to-day and superannuate youto-morrow. I don't suppose the service would be greatly the loser. "

"That youngster requires a cobbing, " said Beater, who perceived what theother did not, that Gerald was laughing at him; and he pulled out hiscob, prepared to inflict condign punishment. 

"Now don't, till the action's over, " said Gerald, getting ready to makehis exit from the berth; "then, if the enemy's shot hasn't taken eitherof our heads off, you'll be welcome to do what you like--if you cancatch me--and I don't intend that you should do that same just now;" andGerald sprang through the doorway out of reach of the irate old mate. The other members of the berth talked over the probabilities of theexpected fight. One and all were ready enough for it, especially two orthree who had never yet seen a shot fired in anger; they having butlittle conception of what the result of a hard-fought action would be, even should they prove victorious. 

As soon as the _Champion_ got within signalling distance of thecommodore, Captain Olding reported three sail of the enemy in sight. 

On this the _Thisbe_ hoisted a signal to the _Druid_ to join her, whilethe merchant vessels were directed to keep together and to stand on asthey were steering. The three men-of-war now hauled up a little, thesooner to meet the enemy, the _Champion_ being to windward of thefrigates. 

"Old Blowhard expects that the enemy will take us for the advancedfrigates of a large fleet, and will probably think it wiser to keep outof our way than to come nearer, " observed Captain Olding to his firstlieutenant, "Though we should beat them, we should gain but little by anaction. "

"I agree with you, sir. I never fancied fighting for barren glory, Iconfess, " said Mr Tarwig; "and as our first duty is to defend ourconvoy, I conclude that the commodore will be satisfied if we can beatoff the enemy. "

"We may hope to do that, even though the _Champion_ will be somewhatovermatched; but I can trust to the ship's company to do their duty, "said the captain, in a firm tone. "Clear the ship for action, MrTarwig. "

"Ay, ay, sir, " answered the first lieutenant, giving the necessaryorders. Lieutenant Foley and the other officers set about carrying themout with alacrity. He was glad to be actively employed, for manyanxious thoughts oppressed his mind. He could not conceal from himselfthe fearful odds to which they were exposed, and what might possibly bethe issue of the approaching conflict. One of the enemy was certainlygreatly superior in force to the _Champion_, and the other two Frenchships might be much larger than the _Thisbe_ and _Druid_. Even shouldtheir own ships be disabled, though not captured, many of the merchantfleet might fall a prey to the Frenchmen, and the _Ouzel Galley_ mightpossibly be among the number. What then would be the fate of Ellen andher father? It was of the greatest importance to Mr Ferris to reachJamaica without delay, and instead of that he might very likely becarried to France, or detained as a prisoner in one of the French WestIndia islands; while Ellen must be exposed to much annoyance andsuffering. He himself had no coward fears for his own life; but he knewfull well, should he fall, the grief and anguish it would cause her. 

All such thoughts were, however, put to flight as the two squadronsapproached each other, the _Thisbe_ leading and the _Champion_, according to orders received from the commodore, bringing up the rear. Old Blowhard's object was to disable one of the French frigates beforehe attacked the other two, so that she might become a more equalantagonist for the _Champion_. As the squadrons approached, it was seenthat each of the French frigates carried more guns than the _Thisbe_ and_Druid_, and nearly twice as many as the _Champion_. Old Blowhard, however, nothing daunted, stood on, firm to his purpose of attacking theenemy and leaving the convoy time to escape. The leading French frigatewas a considerable way ahead of her consorts; on seeing the determinedbearing of the English, she shortened sail, while they spread all thecanvas they could to come up with her--the _Thisbe_ carrying all shecould set, in order to attack her before they could accomplish theirobject. Just as the _Thisbe_ brought the enemy on her lee bow, thecommodore threw out a signal to the _Druid_ to keep away and to rake theFrench frigate, while he poured his whole broadside into her. He alsoordered the _Champion_ to imitate his example, and then to come aboutand fire her larboard broadside. The French captain might, of course, defeat these various manoeuvres by either keeping away or hauling hiswind. 

Every person on board was watching anxiously to see what he would do. No moments in a seaman's life are so intensely exciting as those when, before a shot is fired, his ship is standing into action. The wind wasmoderate, the sky of a cerulean hue, and the sea tolerably calm, therays of the sun glittering on the snowy crests of the waves. Thelooked-for moment at length arrived. The _Thisbe's_ foremost gun brokethe deep silence which had hitherto reigned over the ocean. It wasrapidly followed by her broadside guns, to which the Frenchman repliedwith spirit. The _Druid_, suddenly putting up her helm, fired the wholeof her larboard broadside into the Frenchman's bows, then again luffingup in time to fire her starboard guns, trained well aft, before the_Champion_ got into a position by which she might suffer from theirshot. The corvette now stood in to action, running so close to herlarge antagonist that their respective yardarms almost touched, most ofthe shot from the French frigate's upper deck going harmlessly over her, though she suffered considerably from those of the main-deck. Herrigging, however, escaping much damage, she was able to haul her windand come about. Notwithstanding the severe punishment she wasreceiving, the French frigate gave no signs of surrendering. 

"We can tackle her now, I think, by ourselves, " observed Captain Oldingto his first lieutenant. The commodore, however, had no intention ofallowing his small consort to do that. His first broadside had cut awaymany of the braces of the French ship, and severely wounded hermainyard. He now, consequently, having come about, was able to range upon her starboard quarter directly after the _Champion_ had passed on. Again pouring in his broadside, he shot away the French frigate'smizen-mast, which came crashing down on deck. Shouts rose from thedecks of the English ships as what had occurred was seen. Both theEnglish frigates had now to engage the two Frenchmen--one following theother, they were quickly exchanging broadsides. The _Thisbe_ thenaddressed herself especially to the second French frigate, while the_Druid_ took the third in hand, the commodore ordering the _Champion_ tocontinue her attack on the first till he could come to her assistance. 

All three of the English ships had by this time lost a number of men, though they had inflicted still greater damage on the French frigates. Captain Olding fought the corvette bravely, manoeuvring to keep ahead ofhis antagonist. The great object had already been gained, the escape ofthe merchant fleet, the topgallantsails of the rearmost vessels of whichhad long since disappeared beneath the horizon. Though the _Champion's_rigging remained uninjured, with the exception of a brace or two cutthrough, she had received some severe damages in her hull. Three menhad been killed, and six, including her gunner, wounded. 

"We are succeeding better than might have been expected, Tarwig, "observed Captain Olding. "If we can't make this fellow strike, we cankeep him from running away or joining his consorts. See, there goes the_Druid's_ mainmast, and there comes her foremast. Blowhard must takecare not to have both the enemy on him at once, or he may fare nobetter. "

For a few minutes it was difficult to see what the four ships wereabout, so close were they together, and enveloped in smoke; for the fallof the English frigate's masts had encouraged the Frenchmen (whose firehad somewhat slackened) to fresh exertions, and their fire was renewedwith greater vigour than before. Lieutenant Foley turned his eyetowards them, for it was very evident that the corvette, unless shecould knock away another of her antagonist's masts, was not likely togain the victory. He anxiously looked for the commodore's promisedassistance. Presently, one of the combatants was seen issuing from thesmoke, followed closely by the other, and standing towards the corvette. Unless she could make good her escape, her capture or destruction wasscarcely problematical. The _Thisbe_ was following, firing her guns asthey could be brought to bear; but she could not arrive in time to savethe corvette. Captain Olding had no intention of deserting hisconsorts; he hauled up, therefore, to the southward in order to tack andstand down towards the _Druid_. He now saw that the hulls of the Frenchfrigates were sorely battered. One of them threw out signals, whentheir leading frigate, coming round on the starboard tack, made all sailto the northward, as did both the others, apparently having had enoughof fighting. The commodore now signalled to the _Champion_ to standafter the convoy, and he himself was soon afterwards seen following, having sent a party of his hand on board the _Druid_ to assist her inrepairing damages. 

CHAPTER TEN. 

THE CHAMPION STEERS AFTER THE MERCHANTMEN--THE MERCHANTMEN SIGHTED--SHOTS HEARD--TWO VESSELS SEEN ENGAGED--THE CHAMPION RUNS ALONGSIDE THEOUZEL GALLEY--HER CREW DRIVES BACK THE PIRATES--SHE GOES IN CHASE OF THEPIRATE--NORMAN AND GERALD LEFT ON BOARD THE OUZEL GALLEY--DAMAGESREPAIRED--PROCEED ON TO JAMAICA--TWO FRESH FOES SIGHTED--THE CHAMPIONENGAGES THEM--THE THISBE AND DRUID APPEAR--THE ENEMY FLIES--THE CONVOYENTERS PORT ROYAL HARBOUR--GERALD RETURNS ON BOARD THE CHAMPION--HISANNOUNCEMENT DISAPPOINTS CROWHURST--LIEUTENANT FOLEY AT EAST MOUNT--ELLEN AND HER FATHER GO TO BELLEVUE. 

The _Champion_, under all sail, ran on to overtake the convoy andannounce the satisfactory intelligence that the enemy, severelyshattered, had been beaten off. A look-out was kept from the mast-head, but as yet no sail were in sight, and as the sun was sinking low, therewas no hope of coming up with them before dark. Still, it was possiblethat the corvette might do so before the next morning. By that timethey would be approaching the Bahama or Windward Channel, a short way tothe southward of Saint Salvador, as the Spaniards called it, or CatIsland, as it was named by the English buccaneers--the first landbelonging to America discovered by Columbus on his voyage in search ofthe Indies. 

"They are not likely to attempt running through the passage withoutwaiting for our convoy, " observed the first lieutenant to Norman Foley. "Besides the French, the Bahamas still swarm with picarooning rascals, who are ever on the look-out for merchant craft, and would not scrupleto lay aboard any they fancy they can overcome. "

"Even the most daring would scarcely venture, I hope, to attack a fleetamong which are so many armed vessels, well able either to defendthemselves or to retaliate on an intruder, " answered Lieutenant Foley, whose thoughts immediately flew to the _Ouzel Galley_. 

"They would run the chance of getting off scot free in the confusiontheir sudden appearance would make, " said Mr Tarwig. "There is noexploit, however hazardous, they would not undertake with the chance ofobtaining a good booty. I took part in the capture of several notoriouspirates a few years ago. One fellow blew up his ship rather thansurrender, and all died hardened villains, as they had lived. "

"The greater need for us to overtake our friends without delay, "answered the second lieutenant, who shortly afterwards went forward totake a look through his night-glass, in the hope of distinguishing someof the lights which the merchant vessels had been directed to hang overthe sterns. In vain, however, he swept the horizon with his telescope;had the lights been there, he must have seen them. The commander wasalmost as anxious as the second lieutenant to overtake the fleet ofmerchantmen, though he was influenced simply by the desire to do hisduty. The watch below had turned in, but most of the officers kept thedeck; even old Crowhurst was continually on the forecastle in the hopeof seeing the looked-for lights. 

"I fancied that they would have shortened sail and waited for ourcoming, " said Gerald. "What can have induced them to run on?"

"The fear that the Frenchmen would thrash us and overtake them, "answered old Beater; "they judge of us by themselves. "

"There are as brave fellows in the merchant service as in the RoyalNavy, " said Gerald, who was piqued at the old mate's remark. "When Iwas on board the _Ouzel Galley_, we held out as long as any ship of warof similar force would have done. Depend on it, had the merchantvessels been allowed, they would have come to our assistance if we hadwanted them. "

"A pretty pass we should have come to, to require their aid, " exclaimedCrowhurst, in a scornful tone. 

"We may require it some day, and you'd be the first to shout for help, "answered Gerald. "I took a fancy to the navy, but I'm not going tostand by and hear the merchant service abused. "

"Cock-a-doodle-doo! What dunghill have you got to the top of, youngster?" cried the old mate. 

"One from which I can crow as loud as you do, " said Gerald--at which achuckle was heard from several of the men standing within earshot. Crowhurst's anger was rising; he was considering what punishment heshould inflict on the audacious youngster, when the cry was heard of "Alight ahead!" and presently afterwards several others were seen. Therecould be little doubt, from their position, that they were shown bymerchant vessels, though the darkness prevented the vessels themselvesfrom being distinguished. A sharp look-out was kept that the corvettemight not run foul of any stragglers who were neglecting to show theirlights. Presently the sound of a shot was heard, followed by severalothers coming up faintly against the wind. 

"Those sounds come from the north-west, " observed the master. 

"One of the merchantmen on shore, I fear, " said the commander. 

"Those guns we hear are nearer to us than any land. The leading vesselsare not up to Atwood Quay yet, " answered the master. "Depend on it, some of the convoy are attacked and are defending themselves. "

"Let us hope that they may do so successfully till we can get up toassist them, and turn the tables on the Frenchmen, " answered thecommander. 

"Little doubt about our doing that, " said the master. "Judging by thereports, the enemy's ship is not a heavy one--a brig or sloop at themost--or she may be one of those picarooning craft often found cruisingin these seas. "

The last remark was heard by Norman Foley, who had just then joined thespeakers. An indefinite apprehension seized him that the _Ouzel Galley_might be the vessel engaged, but from what Ellen had told him he feltsure that Captain Massey, if attacked, would not yield as long as hecould keep his ship afloat. The breeze, which had fallen light atsundown, now freshened up, and the corvette made good way through thewater. At length the rearmost merchantman was overtaken. CommanderOlding hailed, and her master, in reply, gave her name. 

"What do those guns mean?" asked Captain Olding. 

"Can't say, sir, " was the answer. 

"Whereabouts in the fleet is the _Ouzel Galley_?" inquired Norman Foley. 

"She was among the leading vessels at sundown, and to the northward ofmost of them, " answered the master. Before any other questions could beput or replies received, the _Champion_ glided by the slow-sailingmerchant ship. Several other vessels were passed, generally too far offfor any exchange of words. Now even the flashes of the guns could beseen, and the exact position of the combatants observed. They were buta short distance from each other, one to the northward, hanging on thequarter of the other. The drum beat to quarters, and the watch belowcame tumbling up on deck, hurrying to the guns. It was impossible inthe darkness to distinguish the nationality of the two vessels, whichappeared to be about the same size. Captain Olding, addressing thecrew, ordered them on no account to fire, lest they might injure afriend instead of a foe. As the _Champion_ stood on, he kept a sharpwatch through his telescope on the combatants, neither of which seemedaware of his approach. Presently the sternmost was seen to put down herhelm and lay the other aboard on the lee side. 

"The sternmost fellow is an enemy, we may depend on that, " observed thecaptain; "we can't use our guns without the risk of injuring ourfriends. "

As the _Champion_ drew near, loud shouts and cries could be heard, andthe flashes of muskets and pistols seen. It was evident that a fiercecombat was taking place; the boarders were called away ready for action. 

"Shorten sail!" shouted the captain, "see the grappling-irons ready! upwith the helm!"

The next instant the two ships came in contact. Norman Foley and Geraldwere the first to spring on board; the dreadful idea had taken hold ofboth of them that the vessel attacked was the _Ouzel Galley_. Of this, the moment they reached her deck, they were convinced when they caughtsight of Owen Massey's figure, cutlass in hand, backed by Dan andPompey, combating with an overwhelming number of enemies, who appearedalready to have gained possession of the greater part of the ship. Among those who formed the boarding-party was Dillon, who showed as muchalacrity as any one. He was soon in the midst of the fight, attackingthe boarders of the other ship with desperate fury. The leader of thelatter was dressed in a fantastic manner, to give ferocity to hisappearance. He was soon crossing blades with Dillon. 

"These fellows are pirates!" shouted Captain Olding. "Cut them down;give them no quarter--a reward for the man who gets hold of theirleader!"

Dillon and his antagonist had made several cuts at each other, which hadbeen parried with equal skill by both, when the pirate, hearing whatCaptain Olding shouted out, sprang back apparently to regain his ownship. Dillon, instead of attempting to stop him, warded off a blowaimed at him by another man, and thus enabled the pirate, with aconsiderable number of his followers, to leap on board his own vessel. The lashings which held her to the _Ouzel Galley_ were at the samemoment cut, and before the British seamen could follow she dropped fromalongside. Her helm was then put up, and her head-sails filling, sheran off before the wind. 

Gerald grasped Owen's hand. "Faith, you've had a narrow escape!" heexclaimed. 

"Indeed, we have, " answered Owen; "and, I fear, have lost a large numberof our crew. Had you not come up, we should every one of us beenkilled. "

"Where are Miss Ferris and her father?" asked Norman Foley, turninground to Owen, whom he now recognised. 

"They are safe, I trust, below, and will be glad to see you and hearthat they have no longer cause for apprehension, " answered Owen. "Ihave too many duties on deck to go. "

The lieutenant sprang below, just at the moment that Captain Oldingordered the crew of the corvette to return on board and thegrappling-irons to be cast loose. 

"We must chase the pirate and punish him for his audacity, " heexclaimed. 

It was some time, however, before the order could be obeyed and thecorvette got clear of the merchantman. Gerald had remained on board. "I ought to tell Mr Foley, or he will be left with you, " he said; andhe followed his lieutenant below. Before he returned on deck the shipswere clear, and the corvette was making sail to go in chase of thepirate. 

Owen had persuaded Mr Ferris and Ellen to go into the hold, to whichthey had been hurried when the first shot had been fired by the pirate. Owen had for some time before been suspicious of the strange sail, whichhe saw standing up on his starboard quarter, and, thinking that she wasvery probably an enemy's privateer, was not taken altogether unprepared. He had ordered his powder and shot to be brought on deck, and the gunsto be loaded and run out ready for action; when, therefore, a shot fromthe stranger came flying close to his stern, he fired in return, and atthe same time making all sail, endeavoured to keep ahead of her. Shenow fired shot after shot from her foremost guns, and he had no longerany doubt that she was an enemy which had borne down on the fleet, hoping to pick up one or two of the merchant vessels and be off withthem before morning. 

"The fellow has made a mistake in attacking us, " observed Owen to hisfirst mate. "His greediness tempted him to attack a big ship--he mighthave succeeded had he run alongside some of the brigs astern. "

Pompey, who had accompanied Mr Ferris and his daughter below, returnedto report that he had seen them safe in the hold. "De gentlemen want tocome back and fight, but de young lady no let him--she cry so, and holdhis hand, and say he get kill; so at last he sit down and stay quiet, "remarked Pompey. 

"I am very glad to hear it, " observed Owen; "he could be of no use inworking the guns, and it would be a sad thing to have him injured. "

These remarks were made in the intervals of firing. The enemy, however, did not leave them long at rest; their shot soon began to tell withfearful effect; several of the crew fell killed or wounded, and thesails and rigging were much cut about. Still Owen's men were staunch, and stood manfully to their guns, running them in and out so rapidly, and pointing them so well, that they inflicted as much damage as theyreceived; and by the way he manoeuvred his ship he kept the stranger ata distance, and prevented her from running up alongside, which it wasevidently her intention to do. She, however, it appeared, by possessinga numerous crew, had an immense advantage in being able to repair herdamages far more rapidly than could the people of the _Ouzel Galley_those their ship received. At length, however, the rigging of his shipwas so much cut up that Owen could no longer manoeuvre her as he haddone, and the pirate, taking advantage of his condition, ran alongsidehim. 

"The enemy are about to board us!" cried Owen; "be ready to repel him--they'll give no quarter!"

The crew, leaving their guns, seized the boarding pikes which had beenplaced round the mainmast for their use, and, drawing their cutlasses, stood prepared to defend their ship against the fearful odds opposed tothem. So occupied had been the combatants that neither of them hadperceived the approach of another ship. Uttering wild shouts andshrieks, a number of dark forms were seen scrambling on board the _OuzelGalley_. The moment they appeared they were attacked vigorously by hercrew, led on by Owen and his mates, and many were hurled into the sea ordriven back on board their own ship. His success encouraged him toattempt cutting his ship free from the enemy, but while he and his menwere thus engaged, a loud voice from the deck of his opponent was heardshouting, "At them again, lads! We mustn't be beaten in this way. I'lllead you; follow me!" and the next moment, another party of boardersappearing, the crew of the _Ouzel Galley_ were compelled again to standon the defensive. And now, in overwhelming numbers, the enemy cameleaping down on the deck, and Owen, with anguish, saw that his chance ofopposing them successfully was small indeed. Still, like a brave man, he determined to fight till the last, urging his mates and crow not toyield as long as one remained alive. At this juncture a loud crashingsound was heard, and a large ship was seen gliding up on his larboardside. The hearty British cheer which greeted his ears assured him thatsuccour had arrived, and the next instant the crew of the _Champion_came pouring on board. The subsequent events have already beennarrated. 

Norman Foley, on going below, soon made his way into the after hold, where he found Miss Ferris and her father. The crashing of the shipstogether, the shouts and shrieks of the combatants, had greatly alarmedthem both. Mr Ferris had been desirous of going on deck to ascertainthe state of affairs, and, indeed, had it not been for his daughter, hewould have taken a part in the fight. He had done his utmost to calmher terror, but believed that she had too much cause for it, and hadfound it a difficult task. On hearing Norman Foley approach, she wasseized with a not unnatural dread that some of the enemy had made theirway below; but on recognising him, forgetting in her joy the reserve shegenerally exhibited, she sprang forward and threw herself into his arms. 

"We are safe--we are safe, father!" she exclaimed; "and you, Norman, have been the means of preserving us. Oh, how we have been longing foryou! We thought you were far away, and that that fearful ship wouldcapture us. "

Norman, of course, expressed his happiness at having arrived in time tosave the _Ouzel Galley_ from the enemy, and in a few words explainedwhat had happened. 

"You may now with safety come into the cabin, " he said, "for thepirate--such I suspect she is--will not again venture to fire. I mustthere, however, leave you, to return to the _Champion_, as we shallcertainly pursue the fellow and punish him for his audacity. "

"We shall be glad to get out of this dark place, " said Mr Ferris. "Doyou help my daughter, and I will follow. "

Just as Norman and Ellen were about to enter the cabin, Gerald appearedto summon him on board the _Champion_. After a hasty farewell, hesprang on deck, just in time to see his ship separated from the _OuzelGalley_ and making sail in chase of the pirate. Not, however, unhappyat the occurrence, he returned to the cabin. 

"I am very glad we shall have your assistance in getting the ship torights, " said Mr Ferris, "for I fear she is sadly short-handed. "

"Tracy and I will give all the aid we can. I wish we had a few of the_Champion's_ hands with us, " answered the lieutenant. 

"Tell me what to do and I will assist you, " said Mr Ferris. 

"Oh, then I too will come on deck--though I am afraid I cannot help youmuch, " exclaimed Ellen. 

Her father would not have prevented her, but Norman begged that he wouldbe content to remain below. 

"I regret to say that the deck of the ship presents a scene too dreadfulfor Miss Ferris to contemplate; and the rigging has been so much cutabout that there is still danger from falling blocks or ropes--you mightat any moment meet with a serious accident. "

Ellen was at length persuaded to retire to her cabin, Norman promisingnot to leave the ship without coming to bid her farewell. The deck ofthe _Ouzel Galley_ did indeed present a fearful scene. Several of thepirates lay dead between the guns, while five of her own crew had beenkilled, and many more badly wounded; every plank was slippery with gore, the rigging hung in festoons, the sails were rent and full of holes. Here and there the bulwarks appeared shattered by the shot, which hadalso damaged the boats and caboose, the masts and spars. 

As now and then other vessels of the fleet came passing by, inquirieswere made as to what had occurred. "Attacked by a pirate--beatenoff--_Champion_ gone in chase, " was the only answer Owen had time togive. 

"No thanks to those who, by clapping on more sail, might have come toour aid, but did not, " he could not help remarking to Mr Ferris. 

The first thing to be done was to attend to the wounded, who werecarried to their berths, where Mr Ferris offered to assist in bindingup their hurts and watching them; the next was to heave the deadoverboard. This sad office was quickly performed, as there was no timefor even the pretence of a service; the dead would not be the worse forgoing without it, and the attention of the living was too much occupiedto listen to a word spoken. Before committing the bodies of the piratesto the deep, however, they were examined by the light of a lantern, tobe sure that no spark of life existed in them, and to ascertain to whatcountry they belonged. Two were men of colour, and the others whitemen, rough, savage-looking fellows; but it was difficult to decide as totheir nationality. 

"It matters little what they were, " said the second mate, who wasattending to that duty; "they were pirates, and have escaped the ropethey deserved--of that there's no doubt. Heave them overboard. "

Not a moment was to be lost in repairing damages. All hands now set towork to fish the masts and spars, and repair and splice the standing andrunning rigging. Scarcely had they commenced than day broke, and as thelight increased the _Champion_ could be seen in chase of their lateopponent, who was running under all sail to the north-west. 

"That fellow is well acquainted with these seas, or he wouldn't besteering as he now is. Reefs and rocks abound in that direction, but heknows his way among them, and intends, if he can, to lead his pursuerinto a scrape, " observed Owen. 

"Our master is too wide awake to be so caught, " answered Gerald, "andthe chances are that the pirate escapes. She must be a fast craft; forsee, she continues well ahead of our ship, if she isn't gaining on her. "

A look-out was now kept for the two islands which are found on eitherside of the Windward Passage--that known as Long Island being to thewest, Crooked Island to the east, both thickly surrounded with rocks andreefs, so that it is necessary to avoid hugging the shores of either oneor the other. Crooked Island was first sighted, on the larboard hand. It being some time, however, before the _Ouzel Galley_ could again makesail, the greater part of the fleet passed by her, though no one offeredto send assistance. The _Champion_ could still be seen, hull down, butthe chase was lost sight of. Norman Foley and Gerald were frequentlywatching their ship through the glass. 

"The fellow has escaped, after all, " cried the former, as he handed thetelescope to Gerald; "our ship has kept away, and is steering for thepassage. "

"Can the commander suppose that we were killed, that he doesn't comeback to inquire for us?" observe Gerald. 

"I conclude that such must be the case, " said the lieutenant. 

"Then, sir, I suspect old Crowhurst will be bitterly disappointed whenhe finds that he isn't to step into your shoes, " said Gerald; "he'llcomplain that he has lost another chance of getting promoted. "

"I hope that he may obtain his promotion some other way, " answered MrFoley, laughing. "It is so commonly the wish of old mates, thatlieutenants should not find fault with them, as they don't wish us anyill. "

"I should think, sir, that that was the worst they could wish a man, "said Gerald. 

"Not at all, provided they don't take any steps to carry out theirwishes, " answered the lieutenant. "However, your messmate will not longbe allowed to indulge in his dream. "

The _Ouzel Galley_ was now one of the last of the fleet, most of theother vessels having passed her. The corvette was seen making signalsto them to keep together; and now that they were so near theirdestination, they were all eager to hurry on, in spite of the risk ofcapture from any of the enemy's men-of-war or privateers which might belying in wait for them off the coasts of Cuba and Saint Domingo. MrFoley had fully expected that by this time the _Thisbe_ and _Druid_would have come up with them, but neither of the frigates had yetappeared. He took many an anxious glance astern; but the day drew on, and yet they were not in sight. 

"I wish we could see them, " he observed to Owen; "for, though the_Champion_ will give a good account of any ship of her own size, if morethan one of the enemy's cruisers were to get in among the fleet, some ofthem would be pretty sure to be carried off, as all, I fear, would notfight as well as you have done, Captain Massey. "

"We must run the chance, sir; it won't do to be waiting for thefrigates, and we may hope to get into Port Royal without another brush, "answered Owen. 

By crowding on all the sail she could carry, the _Ouzel Galley_ soon gotagain into the body of the fleet, which was now steering south in prettycompact order. When the next morning broke, the east end of Cuba was insight, while the _Champion_ was a short distance ahead, leading thefleet. A bright look-out was kept, but no strangers were seen. Somehours' run brought the north-west end of Hispaniola in view. Ellen cameon deck to enjoy her first sight of West Indian scenery. LieutenantFoley was, as may be supposed, very happy in her society, and was in nohurry to make known his existence to his friends on board the_Champion_. He had as yet had no opportunity of signalling thecorvette; he therefore entertained the hope that he might be able toremain on board till their arrival at Port Royal. 

The fleet was about half-way across the broad bay of Gonaves, formed bytwo headlands which stretch out on the western side of Hispaniola, whentwo sail were seen standing out from the north-eastern corner. Theywere large ships, but whether friends or foes it was difficult todetermine. Soon after they were discovered they spread more canvas. This circumstance was suspicious; signals were made by the _Champion_and some of the nearer ships, and she hauling her wind stood backtowards the strangers. They, however, pressed on as before. Mr Foleyand Gerald were now wishing that they were on board. 

"If those are either French or Spaniards, the _Champion_ will have abrush with them, sir; big as they are, she'll beat them off too, "exclaimed Gerald. "I wish we could go and help her. What do you say, Captain Massey?"

"That, with our diminished crew, we could be of no real assistance;besides which, it is our duty to get into harbour as quickly aspossible, " answered Owen. "I am sure Lieutenant Foley will agree withme. "

"There is no doubt about it, " said the lieutenant, who would have beenvery unwilling, on Ellen's account, to run the ship into danger, evenhad he not seen the folly of so doing. The _Champion_ having placedherself between the strangers and the fleet, again kept away. Sheapparently was satisfied that they were enemies, and too large to attackwith any hope of success. 

"Captain Olding is doing his duty, as he always does, " observed NormanFoley to Owen; "in spite of the great disparity of force, he will do hisbest to defend the convoy. See, he is signalling; what does he say, captain?"

Owen examined the signal-book. "`Fleet to make all sail and steer forJamaica'--that is what we are doing, though, and few of the vessels cancarry more canvas than at present, " he answered. 

Some, however, were seen setting royals and studding-sails. Every shipin the fleet pressed forward over the calm blue waters with all the sailshe could carry. The sight was a beautiful one, as the canvas shone inthe rays of the bright sun darting from a cloudless sky and Ellenlikened them to swans of snowy plumage gliding over some inland lake. She felt less anxiety than did either Mr Foley or Owen, who saw moreclearly the danger to which the _Champion_ was exposed. Already theguns of the enemy were heard as they opened on their small antagonist, while she returned them with her stern-chasers. 

"By the way the enemy are firing, their aim is to wing the _Champion_, and she'll then, they hope, become an easy prey, " said the lieutenant toOwen. "They may be mistaken. Captain Olding is not the man to strikewhile he has a stick standing. "

Some time more passed by. The French gunnery may not have been verygood. Still the _Champion_ sailed on, not a mast nor a spar knockedaway, though her canvas was riddled with shot. Should she be disabled, it was pretty evident that several of the merchantmen must be captured, and that the _Ouzel Galley_, crippled as she was, would be among thenumber. The proceedings of the _Champion_ and the enemy were thereforewatched with intense anxiety. 

"There goes her main-topmast, " cried Owen, almost with a groan. 

"I ought to be on board, " said Lieutenant Foley. "I must ask for one ofyour boats, Captain Massey. "

"You should be welcome, but not one of them can swim, nor could I spareyou any of my hands; so I am afraid, sir, you must be content to remainon board the _Ouzel Galley_, " answered Owen. "Your presence could notchange the fate of the day, and you would be made a prisoner by theFrench, instead of having a chance of escaping. "

The fire of the enemy now became hotter than ever, when Gerald, who hadgone aloft, shouted, "Two ships in sight to the northward!"

"What are they like?" asked Owen. 

"One looks to me as if one were under jury-masts; the other's allataunto, " answered Gerald. 

"I trust so, " ejaculated Owen; "if so, they must be the _Thisbe_ and_Druid_. "

Lieutenant Foley immediately joined the midshipman at the mast-head, carrying his spy-glass. "I have no doubt that they are friends, " heshouted, after inspecting them narrowly; "the enemy have made them out, and are signalling each other. "

The eyes of many on board the merchant fleet were turned in thedirection of the two ships, which in a short time could be descried fromthe deck. Shouts arose from many a throat when the Frenchmen were seen, having hauled to the wind, standing back up the bay; while the gallantlittle _Champion_ continued her course after the convoy she had sobravely defended. The frigates, instead of following her, stood intothe bay in pursuit of the Frenchmen. At nightfall, however, they wereagain descried running out, having apparently either missed the vesselsthey were in chase of, or found that the latter had got into harbour forshelter. The convoy now stood on till the end of Jamaica was rounded. 

The following day, as soon as the sea breeze set in, the merchantmenapproached Port Royal harbour, the _Ouzel Galley_ being among theleading vessels. Ellen stood on the deck admiring the magnificent and, to her, so novel scenery, with Norman by her side to point out itsvaried features. Stretching away east and west appeared lofty bluemountains rising above a stratum of clouds which rolled along theirprecipitous sides; in some directions the rugged hills were seenfurrowed by ravines, while in others steep cliffs descended abruptly tothe sea; in many places appeared the richest vegetation, covering thesides of the slopes, and here and there patches of bright emerald green, with the white residences of the managers just visible amid them. Atlength, right ahead could be seen the town of Port Royal, at the end ofa narrow spit of land known as the Palisades, composed of sand andovergrown with mangroves, which sweeps round from the east and runs forseveral miles directly west, the town being at the western end. The newtown has risen above the ruins of its wealthy, iniquitous predecessor, suddenly overwhelmed by an earthquake, and in a few seconds sunk manyfathoms deep beneath the ocean. The spit forms a natural breakwater tothe magnificent harbour of Port Royal, or Kingston, capable ofcontaining in its spacious basin the fleets of all the world. Thebatteries of Port Royal completely command its entrance, aided by theguns of Fort Augusta and the Rock Fort on the opposite side. The _OuzelGalley_, as she ran in, passed close under the ramparts of Fort Charles, thickly studded with heavy ordnance which would have effectuallyprevented the entrance of a hostile fleet. This passed, she stood on upthe extensive lagoon, towards the further end of which, on the northernshore, could be seen the city of Kingston, a wide plain extending for aconsiderable distance inland, backed by a series of irregular mountainsrising one beyond another, hills piled upon hills of various elevations, with picturesque valleys, dark chasms, and numerous trees. Far off, onthe top of the declivity on which the city stands, were visible thebarracks of Hope Park Camp, and nearer, on a still more conspicuousspot, the well-known Admiral's Pen, the residence of the navalcommander-in-chief on the station. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ and most of the merchantmen ran up the lagoon tillthey came to an anchor off Kingston. As the _Champion_ had not yetentered the harbour, Lieutenant Foley undertook to escort Mr and MissFerris on shore, intending as soon as he had done so to engage a shoreboat and return on board his own ship. Gerald begged to be allowed toremain on board, and his lieutenant promised to call for him on his waydown the harbour. No sooner, however, had the party left the ship than, seeing a passage boat on her way down to Port Royal, Gerald hailed herand desired to be put on board the _Champion_, which, he calculated, would by that time have come into port. Very soon, greatly to hisdelight, he saw her come to an anchor, just before the boat reached PortRoyal; and as he climbed up on one side, the captain in his gig shovedoff on the other. As he stepped through the gangway he discovered bythe countenances of those who observed him that his appearance createdconsiderable astonishment; but, without answering any of the questionsput to him, he went aft to the first lieutenant, and reported himself ascome on board. 

"Why, Tracy, it was supposed you were killed!" exclaimed Mr Tarwig. "Has Mr Foley escaped as well as you?"

"Yes, sir, I am happy to say so, " answered Gerald; and he brieflyrecounted what had happened. 

"The captain will be glad to hear this, " observed Mr Tarwig, who havingno time for talking, resumed the duty he was carrying on; and Geraldhurried away to try the effect the news he had brought would produce onhis older messmates. He looked out for old Beater, who was not to beseen, and he observed Crowhurst on the forecastle. 

"There he is, crowing as loud as ever, " thought Gerald, as he remarkedthe consequential air with which the old mate walked the deck andshouted to the men. The lately trim corvette was much knocked about;besides the loss of her main-topmast, many of her other spars had beenwounded, her sails riddled with shot, while her bulwarks and deck hadbeen torn open in several places, one of her guns disabled, and most ofher boats damaged. 

The first person he met who had time to exchange a word with him was thepurser. "What, Tracy, " he exclaimed, "you still in the land of theliving! I had written D at the end of your name; I shall have thetrouble of crossing it out again. We were going to put up your effectsfor sale to-morrow. "

"Much obliged to you, sir, " answered Gerald, "and must apologise forgiving you so much trouble. Were Mr Foley's effects to be sold at thesame time? I suppose Beater or Crowhurst expect to get promoted in hisplace. "

"Beater has got all the promotion he ever will, poor fellow, " answeredMr Cheeseparings; "he was the only officer killed in our late action, though we had six men wounded. But Crowhurst is looking forward to gethis lieutenancy to a certainty. "

"I concluded that he would do so; but as Mr Foley happens to be alive, he will be rather disappointed, " said Gerald. 

"Dear me! has he escaped too?" exclaimed the purser. "Well, though Ihaven't to sell his effects, I really am glad; and so, I am sure, willbe Billhook and Mac. "

"If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll go and communicate the pleasingintelligence to Crowhurst, who will, I hope, rejoice as much as thegun-room officers, " said Gerald. Directly afterwards he met Nat Kiddle. "Come along, " he said, "and see me pull old Crowhurst down a peg ortwo. "

The two midshipmen met Crowhurst coming aft. "What, youngster, are youalive?" he exclaimed. "I shall have some work for you and Kiddledirectly. "

"Yes, old fellow, I'm alive and well, " answered Gerald, "and will returnto my duty as soon as the commander or one of the lieutenants ordersme. "

"Let me tell you, youngster, I don't choose to be called old fellow, andas I am acting lieutenant, you will obey my orders. "

"Certainly, " said Gerald, "till Mr Foley returns, which I expect hewill do this evening. "

"What--you don't mean to say so!--did Mr Foley escape with you?"exclaimed the old mate, his countenance falling, and his whole airchanging in a moment. Gerald then, with infinite satisfaction, described the way he and the lieutenant had been left on board the_Ouzel Galley_. Not being required just then, he dived into the berthto recount his adventures to the rest of his messmates. 

In a short time the two frigates came in, and anchored near the_Champion_, where already lay several other large ships of war formingthe Jamaica fleet, under the command of Admiral Cotes. Gerald found hismessmates not very much out of spirits at the loss of Beater. The oldmate's body lay between two guns, covered by an ensign; and it, withthat of two other men who had been killed, was carried on shore andburied in the graveyard of Port Royal, where so many gallant Britishseamen sleep their last. 

Meantime Mr Ferris and Ellen had gone on shore, escorted by LieutenantFoley. Those were the palmy days of Kingston. Men-of-war andprivateers were constantly coming in with rich prizes, whose cargoesadded greatly to the wealth of the city; the streets were crowded withblacks carrying bales of all descriptions to the stores; merchants'clerks were hurrying to the quays to superintend the unloading ofvessels, and naval and military officers were moving about in alldirections; the seamen on leave were rolling here and there, shoutingforth their sea ditties; while black and brown women with baskets offruit and vegetables were standing at the corners of the streets, oftensurrounded by a party of Jack-tars, who quickly emptied them of theircontents. 

A short walk soon brought the lieutenant and his friends to thecounting-house of Mr Thomas Twigg, the agent of the firm, and arelative of one of the partners. They were at once shown to a largeairy room over the office, looking out on the harbour, containing atable spread for luncheon, consisting of numerous West Indiandelicacies. Mr Twigg, of course, pressed the lieutenant to remain. 

"You don't know whether your ship has come in, and even if she has, they've got on very well without you, and an hour more or less can makeno difference, " he observed. Norman Foley was in no hurry to take hisdeparture. "Mr and Miss Ferris are coming to my pen, about five milesoff, " continued Mr Twigg, "and I hope you will accompany them. Weshall start in about a couple of hours, when there will be more shade onthe road than there is at present. "

The lieutenant, very unwillingly, was compelled to decline theinvitation, but agreed to remain to see his friends off. On hearing ofGerald, Mr Twigg insisted on sending on board the _Ouzel Galley_ toinvite him, and Gerald afterwards found that in his eagerness to witnessthe disappointment of his messmate he had thereby lost a pleasantexpedition, he having left the ship before the message arrived on board;but, soon afterwards, who should come in but Captain Olding, who was sodelighted to find that his lieutenant and midshipman had escaped, thathe at once gave them both leave to accept Mr Twigg's invitation. Norman Foley had the happiness of accompanying Ellen in one carriage, while Mr Ferris and his friend, who had much to talk about, went inanother. Ellen was, of course, delighted with the scenery and thetropical vegetation, so new to her, though she possibly did not examinethem as minutely as she might have done under other circumstances:Norman would have to leave her in a day or two, and he might not returnfor a long time. She had heard her father say that he expected shortlyto accompany Mr Twigg to an estate on the other side of the island, andeven should Norman's ship come into Port Royal, he might not be able topay her a visit. Of course he promised to come if he could, even thoughhe might be able to remain only a few hours. Bellevue was a beautifulspot about fifty miles off, on the other side of the Blue Mountains, ashort distance from Saint Ann's Bay, and Norman hoped that his shipmight be cruising off the north coast, and that he would then have anopportunity of seeing her. At all events, they neither of them weremore unhappy than was necessary at the thoughts of their approachingseparation. 

On their arrival at East Mount, Mr Twigg's country house, Ellen wasamused by the number of black slaves who rushed out to receive them, chattering and laughing, and doing their best to welcome the strangers. The house was a one-storied building, with a broad verandah round it, standing on the summit of a hill of considerable elevation overlookingthe plain, with Kingston and the harbour in the distance; it was thusexposed to the sea breeze, so necessary to anything like enjoyment inthe tropics. Mrs Twigg, a buxom little lady--a fitting partner to hersprightly, jovial spouse--received Ellen with a hearty welcome toJamaica. She evidently saw how matters stood between her and the younglieutenant, and, as far as her sense of the duties of a hostess wouldallow her, left them together as much as they could desire, while MrFerris and her husband were for the greater part of the day absent atKingston. Those two days while Norman remained at East Mount were amongthe brightest they had hitherto enjoyed. The place seemed a perfectEden, with its green lawn kept ever verdant by the sparkling streamwhich flowed down on one side from the hill above, bordered by thegraceful and variously shaped trees of the tropics--the tall maplearrow, surrounded by its flowering crown of yellow; the Spanish needle, with its dagger-like leaves; the quilled pimploe, a species of cactus;and numberless others, from the branches of which hung lilac and purplewreaths in rich festoons--while the sweet notes of the featheredsongsters ever and anon burst forth, and here and there could be seentiny humming-birds flitting from flower to flower, fluttering for amoment and then darting off with the speed of lightning, their gem-likeplumage glittering in the sun. 

Ellen and Norman, though they often talked of the past, spoke most ofthe future, when he should have gained his promotion, and, the war beingover, might quit the service without dishonour and live on shore. 

After arranging his affairs in Jamaica, which he believed would occupysome months, Mr Ferris proposed returning to Ireland. He intended tomake the voyage in the _Ouzel Galley_ when she could sail under safeconvoy. In the mean time he expected to spend two or three months atBellevue, and Norman hoped that they might there again meet. Happilyfor themselves, they were ignorant of the dark storm which was brewingover the island. 

At length Norman's leave expired, and he had to return on board the_Champion_. A few days afterwards Mr Ferris and Ellen, accompanied byMr and Mrs Twigg and their family, set off across the island forBellevue. 

CHAPTER ELEVEN. 

THE OUZEL GALLEY ORDERED ROUND TO MONTEGO BAY--FRESH GUNS AND STORESTAKEN ON BOARD--A CRIMP BRINGS OFF SOME MEN IN NO UNUSUAL CONDITION--TWOVOLUNTEERS--VISIT FROM GERALD--THE OUZEL GALLEY SAILS--SUSPICIONS AS TOONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS--MONTEGO BAY REACHED--A DINNER ON SHORE--WARNINGS--LAST SIGHT OF THE OUZEL GALLEY FROM THE SHORE--BELLEVUE ANDITS INHABITANTS--ARCHIE SANDYS--DESCRIBES A JUMBY DANCE--SIGNS OF ACOMING STORM--A HURRICANE--ANXIETY REGARDING THE OUZEL GALLEY--EFFECTSOF THE HURRICANE. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ was soon unloaded. Some time, however, was spent inrepairing the damages she had received from the pirate, after which Owenwas preparing to take on board a fresh cargo, when he received orders toproceed round to Montego Bay, where a large amount of produce, which thefirm had purchased from a neighbouring estate, was awaiting shipment. 

"You will run but little risk, I hope, from the enemy's cruisers, andagainst them we have at all events insured, though not to the fullamount, for we know that we can trust to the sailing qualities of the_Ouzel Galley_, and to your courage, judgment, and seamanship, " wroteMr Ferris. "If a convoy can be procured, you will of course takeadvantage of it; but if not, so great is the importance of getting theproduce home without delay, that we leave it to your discretion to sailalone, should you judge that to be most to our interest. You are alsoat liberty to increase your armament by two or four guns, if you cancarry them, and not only to replace the men you lost in your action withthe pirate, but to add ten or a dozen more hands if you can obtain them. You will thus, we hope, be able to beat off any of the enemy's smallercruisers or such a piratical craft as attacked us coming out; though youwill, of course, use all the means in your power to avoid a contest andto make the best of your way home. "

Owen was naturally flattered with the letter, though he considered thatthe dangers he would have to encounter were much greater than those hewas likely to meet with in a run home under a sufficient convoy. Gerald, who had been to Kingston, was paying him a visit on board on hisway down. 

"I wish that I could go with you, " he exclaimed, "and so, I dare say, will our second lieutenant. It isn't far off, I fancy, from where MrFerris is staying. I'll tell Foley--though I don't think there's muchchance of his getting leave, and we shall be sent to sea as soon as weare ready, for the admiral isn't the man to let the grass grow on thebottom of any of his ships. "

"I wish that you could come, for I shall find it rather solitary, " saidOwen. "However, I see no chance of that, and I will now go on shore toget the guns--I'll have the four of them--to order some of the stores Irequire, and to do what I can to pick up men. "

"I'll try to pay you another visit, " said Gerald, as he was about tostep into the boat alongside. "If I don't see you again, remember togive my love to my father and Norah--and may you have a prosperous triphome. "

While Gerald went down the harbour, Owen landed, taking with him Dan andPompey. The purchase of the guns was an easy matter, as there wereplenty to be had, taken out of prizes. He chose two long brass guns, 9-pounders, and two short ones of heavier calibre. The stores werequickly ordered, too; but to procure the men was more difficult. Itwould be hopeless to expect to get them at all, were he particular as tohow he got them or what class of men he got. Still, if he could havehis choice, he would take a smaller number of good men rather than hiscomplement of inferior hands. There were, of course, crimps who wouldbe ready to supply him, and he was compelled to apply to one of thesepersonages, who promised to send him on board six or eight hands beforenext morning. In the mean time Pompey met two old shipmates, blackslike himself, for whom he could answer; and Dan fortunately found acountryman of his own, also a trusty fellow. With these three handsOwen returned to the ship, and the following day the guns and storeswere received on board, the former mounted on their carriages and thelatter stowed away. Sufficient hands only were wanting to enable him tosail. His friend, the crimp, was as good as his word; which was notsurprising, considering that he was to be well paid for it. Towardsevening a boat came alongside with the crimp and six men, two of whomonly were sitting upright, while the rest were lying along the thwarts. Jonas Jobson, the crimp, a big-boned mulatto, dressed in a broad-brimmedhat, nankeen trousers, and a white jacket, dispensing with a shirt orother clothing, came up the side. 

"Dere dey are, cappen, " he said, "prime seamen when dey come to demself, and only just a little drunkee now. Dese two will answer for dem. Here, you come up, Sam Tar, and you, Jack Noddin. "

The two men summoned managed to get up the side, though it was veryevident that they were half-seas over. Still they answered forthemselves in a tolerably satisfactory manner, and assured the captainthat they knew the others, who were as good seamen as ever stepped--only, when they could get a drop of liquor, they would. "There's nodenying of it, " said Sam Tar, "and so do I--only I knows when to stop, and they don't;" and Sam gave a lurch against Mr Jobson, which calledforth an angry rebuke from that gentleman. Owen was not, as may besupposed, altogether satisfied, however. The men were hoisted on boardand laid on the deck. Except for their breathing, they might have beenso many corpses, so utterly helpless were they. 

"You've brought me a pretty lot, " said Owen; "they're not likely to cometo till I get to sea, and then it's more than probable, to my mind, thatthey'll not be worth their salt. You should have brought off sober men, that I might have judged of them. "

"Ah, cappen, you berry hard on me. How could I keep the men sober? Andberry likely if I did dey not come 'tall, " answered Mr Jobson, withwonderful effrontery. "You werry 'tickler; oder cappens take any deycan get--drunkee or no drunkee, dese men prime hands when dey come todemself. "

Still Owen was firm in refusing to take the drunken men, even though Tarand Noddin muttered that if their mates did not join, neither wouldthey; whereat Mr Jobson began to fear that he should have his labourfor nothing, and calling for a bucket, filled it alongside and dashed itover the inanimate forms placed on deck. At first the shower-bathproduced not the slightest effect, but after several buckets had beenthrown over the men, one of them began to move and to stretch out hisarms as if swimming; then another grunted, and desired with sundryunsavoury epithets to be left alone; while a third actually sat upright, and looked stupidly about him. The fourth, however, remained motionlessas at first, when Mr Jobson threw another bucket of water over him. Atlast one of the mates lifted the man's arm; the moment he let go it fellto the deck. He then felt the hand. 

"Why, Mr Jobson, you've brought us off a dead man!" he exclaimed. "Heis as cold as ice already. "

Mr Jobson stooping down, having convinced himself of the fact, coollyobserved, "Why, he alive yesterday when he come to my house. "

"Yes, and you allowed him to drink himself to death, " said Owen. "You'll take him on shore with you, for he couldn't have died on boardthis vessel. "

Mr Jobson demurred. "Why for dat?" he exclaimed. "You take him to seaand throw him oberboard; it save much trouble, and I no charge you forhim. "

"I should think not, " observed Owen. "As for the other three, if Tarand Noddin are ready to answer for them, I will keep them, for they, atall events, are alive and likely to come to in a short time. "

To Mr Jobson's disgust the corpse was lowered into the boat, when, having received the sum agreed on, he pulled on shore to give the bestaccount of the matter he could. Owen knew that he would probably statethat the man had died on board the _Ouzel Galley_, and he was taking himon shore to be buried; for in the West Indies in those days coronerswould not be very particular in inquiring into the way seamen went outof the world. The three men who had been so unceremoniously treated, having been stripped of their clothes, were stowed away in theirhammocks to recover from their drunken fit, the other two new handsbeing allowed also to turn in. Still, Owen would have been glad to havehis full complement. He had intended to sail that night with the landwind as soon as the moon was up, and was seated in his cabin waiting forthe pilot, and writing a report of his proceedings to Mr Ferris, whenDan announced that two men were in a boat alongside, who wished to seehim. He went on deck and told the men to come on board. They did so;both of them were sailor-like fellows. One of them, stepping forwardand doffing his hat, said, "I understand, Captain Massey, that you wantsome more hands. My mate and I are ready to ship for the run home atthe wages you are offering. We were left behind by the _Polly_privateer, and as she has been taken by the French, we want to joinanother ship; we've no fancy for a man-o'-war, and have had only illluck in privateering. My name's John Green, and his is Thomas Routh;I've been to sea for pretty nearly ten years, and he's been fifteen ormore afloat--so, without boasting, I may say we're both of us ablehands. "

"You give a very satisfactory account of yourself and your mate, JohnGreen, " observed Owen. "Have you any certificates from the last vesselsyou served in?"

"Unfortunately we left them on board the _Polly_, sir, and are notlikely ever to see them again, " answered the man--"and we might enter onboard a man-o'-war, as you know, sir, without any questioning; though, if you don't take us, there are plenty of other masters who won't be soparticular. But to say the truth, sir, knowing your character, we've amind to sail with you. "

"That's a fact, " said the other man, who had not yet spoken, and whoseemed to be much older than his companion, and a rough fellow--his bigwhiskers and shaggy locks almost concealing his features, though hemight not have been ill-looking had his hair been moderately trimmed. Owen, calling his first mate, asked his opinion of the men, and theyboth agreed that, as their story was probable and they had the cut ofseamen, they were not likely to get better men. He accordingly enteredthem both. John Green was a fair-haired, ordinary-looking young man, rather more fluent of speech than might have been expected from hisappearance, his countenance contrasting greatly with the hirsute, sunburnt visage of his mate. 

Owen had finished his letters, and got them ready to send on shore byDan. Among those for England were one for Captain Tracy and mother forNorah, for he could not tell when he might have another opportunity ofwriting. Soon afterwards the pilot came on board, the sails wereloosed, the anchor hove short, and as soon as the boat returned the shipwas got under way, and, the moon rising, she stood down the harbour withthe wind abeam. As she got off Port Royal, the ship was hailed by aman-of-war's boat, and ordered to shorten sail; and the boat comingalongside, who should appear on deck but Gerald Tracy. 

"I was sent to ascertain what ship this is, where you are bound to, andall other particulars; but as I happen to know, I needn't waste time inasking, " said Gerald. "We've lost two or three hands lately, but as Iknow you've not got them, I needn't trouble you. "

Owen felt considerable doubt whether he ought not to enlighten hiscareless young friend, whose duty it certainly was not to take anythingfor granted. However, he thought it very probable that if he did, heshould lose some of his hands; they had come on board of their ownaccord, and he wanted them even more than did the _Champion_, whichcould easily supply their places. He therefore only replied that he wasvery glad Gerald had come, and as he was anxious to get to sea beforethe land wind failed, he should feel obliged if his young friend wouldmake his visit as short as possible, and allow the ship to proceed. 

"Yes, of course, " answered Gerald; "but if you get home before I do, tell Norah that she may look out for a long letter, which I intend towrite as soon as I have anything fresh to say. We hear that, while ourship is refitting, some of us are to be turned over to the _Augusta_, Captain Forrest; and as we are sure to have something to do, I shallhave a long yarn to spin. "

The young midshipman, who had been accompanied by Owen to the gangway, tumbled into his boat and pulled back to his ship, fully satisfied thathe had done his duty. The harbour-master's boat having also paid theusual official visit and found all right, and the pilot having taken hisdeparture, the _Ouzel Galley_ stood out to sea under all sail. The softmoonbeams shed a bright light on the calm waters, just rippled over bythe breeze, the wavelets sparkling like frosted silver. Having gained asufficient offing, the _Ouzel Galley_ hauled up to the westward andstood along the coast, lofty ridges rising on her starboard hand, whilethe broad expanse of the Caribbean Sea stretched away on the larboardside. The watch was set in charge of the first mate, but Owen had nointention of turning in; for, although few enemies were likely toapproach the coast of Jamaica, where a large fleet was known to becollected, still one might possibly run in, on the chance of finding arichly laden merchantman off her guard. It was necessary, therefore, tobe on the watch. None, however, could approach them seaward withoutbeing discovered in good time; but an enemy's vessel might lie hiddenbehind one of the many headlands and points, or in some of the numerouscreeks on the coast, and might sally forth when least expected, andendeavour to capture them if unprepared. The land wind lasted for anhour or more past midnight, when the _Ouzel Galley_ lay becalmed, withlittle prospect of making progress till the sea breeze should set in inthe morning. Owen at length, leaving the deck in charge of the secondmate, lay down in his cabin, desiring to be called should any strangesail appear in sight. Daylight, however, returned, and when he left hiscabin he found the crew following their usual occupations of themorning--washing decks, coiling down the ropes. On looking about forthe new hands, to judge of them by the way they went about their work, he observed that the two last who had joined were flemishing the ropesdown man-of-war fashion, as were two of the others; but the rest, thosesupplied by Mr Jobson, were evidently lubberly fellows, who scarcelyknow the stem from the stern of the ship. 

"I must practise these men at their guns, or they will be of no use ifit ever comes to a pinch, " thought Owen. While he was watching thecrew, the dark-whiskered man who had entered as Thomas Routh came aft, when Owen got a better look at his countenance than he had hitherto had. He started, for he fully believed that he saw before him O'Harrall, whose life he had twice been the means of saving. He looked again andagain, not wishing, however, that the man should discover that he wasespecially noticing him; while the latter, apparently totallyunconscious of being remarked, went on with his work. Still, it was notlikely that O'Harrall had voluntarily come on board his ship. At lasthe determined to speak to the man, and to judge by his tone of voice andanswers. He called him up. 

"Have you ever served with me before?" he asked. 

"No, sir, not that I know of, for I neither remember your features noryour name, " was the answer. 

"Have you over served on board a man-of-war?" asked Owen. 

"When I shipped aboard this craft I came to do duty as a seaman, not toanswer questions about my previous life, " said the man, looking upboldly into Owen's face. Owen turned away; the voice reminded him ofO'Harrall as much as the countenance, and yet, from the man's perfectcoolness, he could not suppose that he could be that person. Owen hadno doubt, however, that he had served on board a man-of-war, and wasprobably a deserter, and that, should any naval officer come on board insearch of deserters, the man would probably be taken. He determined, atall events, to watch the man and see how he behaved himself towards therest of the crew. Owen was not long left in doubt, for, though Greenhad at first been put forward, it was very evident that the other wasthe leading spirit of the two. He was observed to be associatingchiefly with the new men, and talking to them when no others werepresent, endeavouring, not unsuccessfully, to establish an influenceover them. He did not, however, neglect the old hands, and whenever hehad an opportunity he took pains to win their goodwill. To the officershe was obedient and submissive enough; and when, rounding Negril Head atthe west end of the island, the ship was struck by a sudden squall, heshowed by his activity and courage that he was a first-rate seaman. Hismanners, too, were above those of an ordinary sailor, and though roughin his exterior, he was neat and clean in his person. 

The ship was running in for Montego Bay. Owen and his first mate hadgone down to take a hurried dinner, when Dan came in to the cabin. 

"Well, Dan, how do the new hands get on?" asked Owen. 

"It's just that I want speak to you about, your honour, " answered Dan. "There's not much to be said about most of them, except that they'repretty hard bargains; but there's one of them, Routh, who, if he isn'tsome great lord, will try to make the people believe that he is. It'sonly to be hoped that he means well, for if he takes it into his head todo any harm, he'll do it. "

"Perhaps, after all, he may have no evil intentions. He certainly isone of our best men, " observed Mr Fisher, the first mate. 

"Your honour asked me to say what I thought of the men, and I've saidit, " answered Dan. 

"We shall see how he behaves in harbour, and if there is no fault tofind with him we can keep him on board, " remarked Owen. 

"Your honour knows what's best, " observed Dan, speaking with the freedomof an old follower, "but I'll stake my davy that he's after no good. "

"Well, Dan, Mr Fisher and I will keep an eye on him, and you can reportanything further you see suspicious in his conduct, " said Owen, as heand his mate returned on deck. 

An hour afterwards the _Ouzel Galley_ was at anchor in Montego Bay. Owen was just going on shore, when Mr Twigg, who had been waiting forthe ship, came off and gave him directions about receiving his cargo. Owen reported that he had fully carried out his instructions, showed theguns he had procured, and mustered his crew. 

"A likely set of fellows, " observed Mr Twigg. "You'll do your duty, mylads, and, if you have to defend the ship, you'll fight bravely. Shouldyou come back in her you may be sure of good wages; Ferris, Twigg, andCash pay well when they are well served. "

The crew cheered, and Routh, who stood foremost among then, wasespecially vociferous, though he might have been seen winking to some ofhis mates when the eyes of the worthy planter and the officers wereturned away. 

"You'll have the droghers alongside to-morrow morning, and you'll not belong in hoisting the casks on board, Captain Massey, " continued MrTwigg, as he walked the poop. "Meantime, I shall be happy to see you onshore, and should have been glad to take you to Bellevue, as Miss Ferrisis anxious to send some messages to our fair friend Miss Tracy, who wonall our hearts out here, as I understand she has that of another friendof ours. " Mr Twigg chuckled, and Owen looked conscious. "However, asthe distance is too great, Miss Ferris has intrusted me with letters forher friend, which I can safely confide to you. "

Thus Mr Twigg talked on. "You will pass in sight of Bellevue as yourun along the coast--we'll signal you, so that you can give the lastreport of your friends when you reach Dublin. "

The invitation Owen had received was equivalent to a command, and, though he would have preferred remaining on board, he accompanied MrTwigg on shore. He met at dinner several planters, agents of estates, or attorneys, as they were called; two or three brother skippers whosevessels lay in the harbour, a military officer, and a few nondescripts. The conversation was pretty general, though the subject of sugar and rummight have predominated, and Owen heard more about affairs in Jamaicathan he had hitherto done. The blacks, he found, were in anunsatisfactory state; they had been discovered holding secret meetingsof a suspicious character. They had more than once before revolted andcommitted most fearful atrocities; and one or two gentlemen expressedthe fear that, unless precautions were taken in time, the black's mightplay the same trick again. Those gentlemen were, however, looked uponby the rest of the company as timid alarmists. 

"The cowhide is the best specific for keeping the black rascals inorder, " exclaimed Mr Tony Grubbins, an attorney from a neighbouringestate, who looked as if he not unfrequently used that same weapon ofoffence. "We always know in good time what the negroes are about, forthey haven't the sense to keep their own secrets; if they show anyobstreperousness, we shall pretty quickly put them down. "

"As there are ten blacks to one white man, if the negroes are combinedwe might find it not so easy a matter to put them down, " observed one ofthe timid gentlemen. 

"Pooh-pooh, sir!--show them the muzzle of a blunderbuss and they'll beoff like a shot, " answered the other. 

From the remarks made by the timid gentleman, Owen felt, however, inclined to side with his opinion. 

Captain Brown, of the good ship _Sarah Ann_, on hearing that Owen was tosail without convoy, warned him of the danger he would run. "All verywell, sir, " he observed, "when you get to the eastward of the islands, but you'll find out that you'll have to run the gauntlet of the enemy'scruisers, for they're pretty thick in these seas; and, in addition, there are not a few picarooning, piratical rascals who don't pretendeven to be privateers, and boldly hoist the black flag, and rob andmurder all they can capture. "

"I hope that the _Ouzel Galley_ can keep clear of them, as well as ofthe regular cruisers of the enemy, " answered Owen. "We fell in with agentleman of the sort on our passage out, but we had fewer guns andhands than we have now, and we at first took him for one of our convoy, or we should have beaten him off without much difficulty. "

"That is more than poor Wilkins, of the _Greyhound_, was able to do, "remarked Captain Brown. "I was in company with him at sunset, wheneverything was well on board, and we were standing the same course--butnext morning he was nowhere in sight, and my first mate, who had themiddle watch, told me he saw two vessels astern instead of one. As noguns were heard, it's my belief that the _Greyhound_ was taken bysurprise and carried before the crew had time to fire a shot in theirdefence. "

"Depend on it, we'll keep too sharp a look-out to be surprised, " saidOwen, "though I am obliged to you for the warning. "

As the party was becoming a somewhat uproarious one, Owen, who both fromprinciple and habit was a sober man, stole off and returned on board hisship. The mate reported all well, and that none of the crew had evenasked leave to go on shore. When Dan, however, made his appearance inthe cabin, he looked while he moved about as if he had something tocommunicate. 

"What's the matter? Out with it, Dan, " said Owen. 

"Your honour, I don't want to be a talebearer, " answered Dan, "but Routhand Green and the rest of their gang have been talking together thewhole of the watch, and that means mischief. "

"The more necessity for keeping a bright look-out on them, " observed thecaptain, "and I have no doubt that the honest men in the ship will keepthem down, whatever tricks they may play. "

With a certain amount of uncomfortable feeling Owen turned in, keeping, as he always did, his pistol and sword by the side of his bed. The nextday he was too busy taking in cargo to think of the matter; and now, being ready for sea, the _Ouzel Galley_ stood out of the harbour. 

According to arrangement with Mr Twigg, the _Ouzel Galley_ kept alongthe coast till she came off Bellevue. As she appeared, a flag from theflagstaff on shore flew out to the breeze. Owen hoisted his colours andfired his guns, and the merchantman, looking as trim as a ship of war, sailed on her course. 

"No fear about that young fellow making the voyage if any man can doit, " observed Mr Twigg to Mr Ferris. 

"He has been brought up under a good captain--a better we have not inour service, " replied Mr Ferris. 

Ellen watched the departing ship which was carrying her epistle toNorah. The weather was beautiful, though the heat was somewhat moreoppressive than usual; a light breeze filled the sails of the _OuzelGalley_, wafting her over the calm waters. It was scarcely possible tobelieve that she would have any dangers to encounter on that tranquilocean. 

A considerable number of persons inhabited the house of Bellevue. Besides Mr Twigg and his wife and the manager, there were six younggentlemen, book-keepers, who were so called though they had no books tokeep, but were employed in superintending the various operations of theestate. Most of them were young men of respectable families, who lookedforward to becoming managers or to holding other responsible offices. There were also several assistant overseers, mostly mulattoes, thoughsome were whites--literally, slave-drivers--whose business was to keepthe negroes up to their work in the fields. The book-keepers dined attable, and were treated in every respect as gentlemen, though themanager kept them under pretty strict discipline. One of them, ArchieSandys, a lively young Scotchman, was a favourite with Ellen, as hereminded her of Gerald Tracy. He was clever, too, and very wellinformed. That he admired her, there could be little doubt, for no onewas more ready to obey her behests, though he might not have foolishlylost his heart or ventured to lift his eyes to one so much above him infortune. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ was still in sight in the offing, when Archie, havingperformed his duties for the day, came in and found Ellen seated in theshade, inhaling what little air was moving. The scene was a lovely one. The house stood on a height looking over the sea; there was a lawngreen as one in spring, with a shrubbery on either side of tropicaltrees and shrubs of varied and picturesque forms, above which toweredseveral specimens of the graceful palm. Birds of gay plumage andbutterflies of gorgeous hues were flitting about, and many magnificentflowers, such as are to be seen in hot-houses alone at home, wereblooming around. Words, however, can never give an adequate descriptionof West Indian scenery. Young Sandys made his bow to Miss Ferris, whogreeted him with a smile. 

"I am not intruding on you, I hope?" he said. 

"Certainly not, " she answered, laughing; and seeing that he was notexpected to go away, he stood leaning against one of the pillars of theverandah. 

"I witnessed a curious scene yesterday, which I have not before had anopportunity of describing, " he said, after a few other remarks hadpassed between them. "I don't know what Mr Ferris or our manager willsay to it; I consider myself fortunate in getting away with a wholeskin. You perhaps, Miss Ferris, have never heard of a Jumby dance; Ihad, and wished to see one. Yesterday, one of our assistant overseers, a mulatto, Bob Kerlie by name, to whom I had rendered some service, toldme that he had heard one was to take place on some wild ground betweenthis and the next estate; and I persuaded him to act as my guide to theplace. He told me that I must be careful what I said or did, as thenegroes were in a very curious humour and might easily be offended. Wecarried our cutlasses, and I stuck a brace of pistols in my belt;besides which, we were each provided with a stout walking-stick. Westarted at sundown, and after leaving the cultivated ground we had nolittle difficulty in making our way through the tangled brushwood tillwe reached the hut in which the Jumby dance was to be performed. Itstood under a vast cotton-tree, on an open space near the bank of theriver which you see running into the ocean to the westward of this. Aswe went along Kerlie told me that the chief performer was a big negro, Cudjoe, reputed to be a powerful Obeah man; that is, a necromancer, orwhat the North American Indians would call a medicine-man. He issupposed to possess wonderful mysterious powers--to be able to cause thedeath of any one who offends him. Bob assured me that there was nodoubt about this, and those he denounces never fail to die shortlyafterwards. If such is the case, Master Cudjoe probably knows how touse poison to bring about the fulfilment of his predictions, and I amthankful that he does not belong to us. 

"We found upwards of a hundred negroes, mostly men, though there weresome women among them, all decked out in strange and uncouth ornaments, snakes' heads, dried frogs, various coloured beads forming necklacesround their throats; their garments were otherwise scanty in theextreme. They looked surprised and not very well pleased at seeing us, and Rob had some difficulty in persuading them that I only came forcuriosity and was far too good-natured to say anything about what Imight see which might get them into trouble. The assembly beingpacified agreed to our remaining. I observed that there was a greatdeal of talking among them, but as they spoke their native African, neither Rob nor I could understand what was said. The hut was ofconsiderable size, though low and thatched merely with palm-leaves. There were no windows, and only one door; this was now thrown open, whenwhat looked to me like a huge skeleton appeared at the entrance, andwaved its bony arms wildly about, beckoning the people to enter. Theystarted to their feet, for they had hitherto been squatting round, andrushed eagerly to the door. Rob and I followed, when we discovered thatthe seeming skeleton was the Obeah man, Cudjoe, who had thus painted hisblack body from head to foot. The hut was lighted by some twenty smalllamps, hung from the roof, and in the centre was a figure intended torepresent a human being, with an enormous cock's head. Master Cudjoe, if he was the artist, had contrived to produce as hideous-looking amonster as could well be imagined. `That's the fetish, ' whispered Rob;`they worship it as if it were a god. '

"Cudjoe, on seeing us, asked in an angry tone what we wanted, and Robspoke to him as he had done to the other people. `Den you keep quiet, buccra, ' he said, turning to me; `I no hab laffee or talkee. ' I assuredhim that I would remain as still as a mouse; and with a growl he retiredagain inside the hut, where he seated himself in front of a hugetom-tom, the African drum, and began slowly to beat it, chanting at thesame time one of his native songs, I concluded. Gradually he beatfaster and faster, accompanying the music, if such it could be called, with his voice. The spectators sat listening in rapt attention, whensuddenly one of the women started up and began dancing, keeping capitaltime to the music. The faster Cudjoe played the faster she danced, tillevery limb and muscle seemed in movement. Round and round she went infront of the hideous fetish: no dervish of the East could have dancedmore furiously. Presently she was joined by a man, who danced in thesame manner round and round her. One after the other, the whole of thewomen, with partners, took a part in the performance; I could scarcelyfollow their dark figures, except by the ornaments they wore, as theymoved in eccentric courses within the hut, the tom-tom beating louderand louder, and the people moving faster. The spectators had hithertosat quiet; they at length rose, and were, I saw, apparently about tojoin in the saturnalia. Just then Rob touched me on the arm andwhispered, `Come away, sir; I heard something which told me it will notbe safe to remain here longer. ' As I had no wish to be offered up as asacrifice to the fetish I followed his advice, and as fast as we couldmove along we made our way back to the open. On inquiring of Rob whathe had heard, he told me that the negroes were cursing the white men, and were praying to the fetish to assist them in some design or otherthey had on foot. Rob even thought that in their excitement they mightseize us and put us to death. He was so earnest in the matter that heconvinced me he did not speak without sufficient cause. I don't wish toalarm you, Miss Ferris, but I want you to try and induce your father totake precautions against any sudden outbreak of the blacks. Our managerholds them in such supreme contempt that he wouldn't listen to what Ihave to say, and would only laugh at me and call me a second-sightScotchman. Even the hundred negroes I saw assembled might commit agreat deal of mischief; and there may be many hundreds more united withthem: numbers arrived while we were there, and others were coming in aswe made our escape. "

"I certainly think you are right, Mr Sandys, in not despising thewarning given by the overseer, " said Ellen. "I will tell my father whatyou have said to me, and ask him to speak to you on the subject, and hewill probably examine Rob Kerlie. It will surely be wise to be on ourguard, even should the negroes not really be meditating mischief. Iconfess that what you have told me has made me somewhat anxious; thishot evening is not calculated to rise one's spirits. Tell me, MrSandys, is the air often as oppressive as it is at present?"

"No, certainly. It is very hot indeed; I suspect that we are going tohave a storm, " answered Archie. "I observed this morning curiouslyshaped clouds high up in the sky, which suddenly dispersed from everypoint of the compass. I have been for some minutes, watching a bank ofclouds rising above the horizon in the north-west, and it has gained aconsiderable height since we were speaking; it seems to have swept roundthe western end of the island. "

Ellen looked in the direction indicated; just then a vivid flash oflightning burst from the dark bank of clouds in the west, followedalmost without interval by several others, and in a few minutes the topsof the tall palms bent before a sudden blast which came rushing from thewestward. Every instant it increased in fury; the leaves torn from thetrees filled the air, succeeded by branches, many of considerable size. 

"I must advise you, Miss Ferris, to take shelter within the house, " saidArchie, "for one of those branches might injure you severely. Even theverandah itself may be blown away. You have little conception of thepower of a West Indian hurricane. "

As Ellen was hurrying into the house she met her father coming to lookfor her. 

"I am afraid we are going to have a violent storm, of which this wind isonly the precursor, " he said. "We must seek for safety in the strongestpart of the house; it will not be safe to remain in the open air, oreven near the window, through which a branch or any other object may beblown. "

Ellen had accompanied her father to the dining-hall, which, being in thecentre of the house, was less exposed to danger than any other part ofthe building. So loudly did the wind roar that even there it wasnecessary to speak in a high tone to be heard. 

"Oh, what will become of the _Ouzel Galley_ if she is caught in thisfearful gale!" exclaimed Ellen. 

"She has by this time, I hope, gained a good offing; if the wind holdsas it now does, she will be able to run before it till she is out ofdanger, " answered Mr Ferris. 

As the evening was now drawing rapidly on, the manager and book-keeperscame in from the works in the different parts of the estate. They alllooked somewhat anxious, though no damage had yet been done, and a hopewas entertained that it was not going to be anything serious after all. Their spirits revived when suddenly the wind ceased and the atmospherebecame as clear as usual. Two or three of them had, however, again togo out; and on their return they reported that the sky was once moreovercast, and that it was lightening in all quarters. Presently therain came down in true tropical fashion, again to stop and again to goon with greater energy than before. Sometimes it was perfectly calm, but the lightning continued darting forth from the sky with awfulgrandeur; sometimes the whole upper regions of the air were illuminatedby incessant flashes, but the quivering sheet of blazing fire was farsurpassed in brilliancy by the electric fluid which was exploding inevery direction. Ellen and her father and young Sandys were standing asnear one of the windows as they could venture, when they saw a meteor ofdeep red hue and globular form descending perpendicularly from anenormous height. As it approached the earth its motion appeared to beaccelerated, and it then became of dazzling whiteness, elongating inform till, dashing on the ground, it splashed around like molten lead orquicksilver and disappeared. The next instant the hurricane again burstforth, rushing amid the trees with the sound of a heartrending andpiercing scream, so loud as entirely to drown the human voice. Thewhole building shook and trembled as if an earthquake was taking placeand it was about to be hurled to the ground. Mr Ferris, seizingEllen's arm, dragged her into a doorway. 

"Should the house not withstand this furious blast, we shall be saferhere than anywhere else, " he said. 

Young Sandys followed them. Mr Twigg, with his wife and children, wasat the time in another room. Ellen naturally felt anxious for herfriends, and young Sandys offered to go and ascertain how they weregetting on. He quickly returned with the report that they were allsafe, and that the children were clinging round their parents, overcomewith terror, and shrieking piteously. No thunder was at any time heard, and all agreed that even if the whole battery of a line-of-battle shiphad been going off, the sound would not have been distinguished abovethe horrible roar and yelling of the wind and the noise of the ocean, asits tumultuous waves dashed on the shore, threatening every instant tosweep over the land and engulf all within their reach. The windcontinually shifted, now blowing from one quarter, now from another. Suddenly the deafening noise sank into a solemn murmur, and thelightning, which had hitherto played in flashes and forked darts, hovered for a few seconds between the clouds and the earth, circlinground and round, causing the whole heavens to appear on fire, when asimilar luminous appearance seemed to burst from the ground, and, rising, the mass rushed upwards to the sky. After a short interval, again was felt the breath of the whirlwind with even greater fury thanbefore, and it seemed as if everything on the face of the earth would beswept away into the boiling ocean. Again the earth was shaken, and thehouse vibrated with a violence which threatened its instant destruction. Mr Ferris kept a firm hold of his daughter's arm, and she, in a waywhich surprised him as well as herself, maintained her composure duringthe whole of this fearful strife of the elements. Not till daylightreturned did the fury of the tempest altogether cease; sometimes itabated, again to burst forth with almost the same power as before. Thehouse itself, having been strongly built and the roof fixed on with thegreatest care, withstood the hurricane, a portion only at one end havingbeen blown off; but the out-buildings were materially damaged. MrFerris and his managers waited anxiously to hear a report of the damagewhich had been done to the estate. Round the house many trees had beentorn from their roots, others snapped short off, and all had more orless suffered. The ocean still continued to rage with unabated fury, even after the wind itself had ceased Ellen naturally looked along thehorizon, but not a sail was in sight, and again and again she asked whatcould have become of the _Ouzel Galley_. Her affection for Norah madeher feel as if she was herself personally interested in the fate of thebrave young commander, as much as Mr Ferris was in reality in that ofthe ship. He could no longer conceal his anxiety about the _OuzelGalley_. How she had fared was the subject of earnest discussionbetween him and Mr Twigg. The latter thought it just possible that shemight have got beyond the influence of the hurricane before it burstwith its full fury; and if not, might have weathered it out, as many astout ship with plenty of sea room had weathered similar hurricanesbefore. He acknowledged, however, that she might have been caught byit, and if so, while the wind blew from the northward, might have beendriven on shore. The latter point would in time be ascertained, and assoon as possible a messenger was despatched along the coast, who, thoughhe reported several shipwrecks, had ascertained that the _Ouzel Galley_was not among them. 

"She was well found and not overladen, and as well able to keep afloat, even in such a sea as we saw running, as any ship which ever sailed theocean, " observed Mr Ferris. "We shall hear, I trust, in due course ofher arrival. "

Dreadful as the hurricane had appeared, the damage done was not as greatas might have been expected. It was the opinion of many that only thetail of the hurricane had passed over the island. It was bad enough asit was. In some places the country appeared as if scorched by fire, inothers the crops were totally destroyed; numerous buildings werelevelled with the ground, and the trees and shrubs uprooted; a number ofpeople had been killed, and many more seriously injured, by being struckby shingles from the roofs or branches from the trees, and by other hardsubstances which went hurtling like cannon-shot through the air. Sorapid, however, is vegetation in the tropics that nature herself wouldrepair much of the damage produced, and the industry of man theremainder--although the proprietors had to suffer severely in theirpockets, while there was no power to restore to life the unhappy beingswho had been killed. 

CHAPTER TWELVE. 

CAPTAIN TRACY AND NORAH AT HOME--A LETTER FROM GERALD--HIS ADVENTURES--ACRUISE OFF HISPANIOLA--ENGAGEMENT WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON--THE ENEMY PUTTO FLIGHT--DEATH OF A YOUNG MIDSHIPMAN--RETURN TO PORT ROYAL--A SECONDCRUISE, AND CAPTURE OF SEVERAL RICH MERCHANTMEN--GERALD IN COMMAND OFTHE FLORA--HIS STEWARD PETER--MORE TIDINGS OF THE PIRATES--THE CHAMPIONSENT WITH DESPATCHES TO THE LEEWARD ISLANDS--JOINS THE BUCKINGHAM INATTACKING A FORT AT MARTINICO--GENEROUS CONDUCT OF CAPTAIN TYRRELL--PETER'S NARRATIVE--HIS CAPTURE BY PIRATES, AND ESCAPE. 

Norah and her father had for many months been living an uneventful lifein their pretty little cottage near Waterford. She was his constantcompanion; indeed, she never ventured out without him. Things had cometo a pretty pass, as he observed, when a young lady couldn't take a walkby herself without the risk of being carried off by a party offilibustering squireens, quite as bad in their way as the picarooningrascals in the West Indies and on the Spanish Main, who had often indays of yore given him so much anxiety--not that they ever had caughthim, for he was too much on his guard, though he had been chasedwell-nigh a score of times; and he intended to be on his guard now, and, as he hoped, with the same success. 

This state of things, therefore, did not much concern him, as he wasglad of Norah's society, and was always as ready to walk with her as shewas with him. Their walks, indeed, seldom extended much beyondWaterford, or the often-trod road to Widow Massey's house. Norah neverpassed many days without paying her a visit. They were now lookingforward to receiving news of Owen, or indeed, as they hoped, seeing himhimself, as the _Ouzel Galley_, unless detained longer than wasexpected, would some time since have commenced her homeward voyage. Aletter had come from Gerald saying that he had just seen her on her wayround to Montego Bay, and giving an account of himself and what he hadseen and done up to that time. He promised to write a longer letterwhen he had more to say. A couple of months or more after the arrivalof Gerald's first letter another was received from him. 

"Dear sister Norah, " it ran, "I promised to spin you a long yarn, sohere goes, and I hope that you'll get it some day. I told you in mylast that I had seen the _Ouzel Galley_ under way from Montego Bay, andI suppose Owen has long before this delivered all the messages I sent byhim; and if not, I dare say he will before long, if he hasn't forgottenthem. No matter; they were not very important, so you needn't scold himfor his negligence. 

"I forget if I told you that, while our ship was undergoing repairs indock at Port Royal, Lieutenant Foley, Molly--I mean Lord Mountstephen--with Nat Kiddle and me, and about twenty of our hands, were turned overto the _Augusta_, 60-gun ship, commanded by Captain Forrest; andimmediately afterwards were ordered to proceed to sea, accompanied bytwo other ships under his orders, the _Edinburgh_, of sixty-four guns, Captain Langdon, and the _Dreadnought_, of sixty guns, Captain MorrisSuckling. We soon found that we were to cruise off Cape Francois, onthe north coast of Saint Domingo, to watch a French squadron underCommodore De Kearsaint, who was collecting a large number of merchantmenwhich he was to convoy from that port to Europe. The admiral had beeninformed that the French had only three line-of-battle ships, which, although somewhat larger than we were, he knew very well that we shouldthrash if we could come up with them. We gained intelligence, however, from a French despatch vessel which we captured, that the enemy'ssquadron had lately been increased by four other ships, one of which, by-the-by, was a ship of ours--the _Greenwich_--of fifty guns, captureda few months ago, when commanded by Captain Roddam, off this veryisland. He had nothing to be ashamed of, for with his single ship hebravely faced five sail of the line and several frigates, and wasn'ttaken till he had lost all chance of escaping except by going to thebottom. Thus, you see, the French had seven ships to our three, and weheard besides that they had been strongly manned by volunteers from thegarrison and merchant vessels, and made sure that they should eitherdrive us away or capture us. 

"Notwithstanding the superiority of the enemy, we were not to be put toflight, but kept our ground as if no Frenchmen were in theneighbourhood. We had been for some days cruising off the cape, alwaysnear enough to keep the port in sight, so that no vessel could steal outwithout our knowing it, when early in the morning the _Dreadnought_, which was inshore of us, made the signal that the enemy was in sight, and before noon we could see the whole French squadron standing out inline towards us, the wind being about north-east--if you get the chart, father will explain matters to you. We were to windward of them, keeping close together, though not so close as the Frenchmen, who seemedvery anxious to be backing up each other. Our captain now made thesignal for the other two captains to come on board the _Augusta_. Assoon as they stepped on the quarter-deck, Captain Forrest, after shakinghands, said, `Well, gentlemen, you see the Frenchmen are come out toengage us. ' On which Captain Suckling quickly replied, `I think itwould be a pity to disappoint them. ' `And what do you say?' asked ourcaptain, turning to Captain Langdon. `I heartily agree with CaptainSuckling, ' was the answer. `If we disable them, we shall do goodservice by preventing them from convoying the merchant vessels, andmaybe we shall take one or two of them. Of one thing I feel very sure, that they won't take us. '

"The three captains being agreed, the other two went back to theirships, and we hoisted the signal to make all sail and to close theenemy. The _Dreadnought_ led in our line; the _Intrepide_, the Frenchcommodore's ship, led in that of the enemy, followed by the _Greenwich_. The wind was light, and it seemed to me that we should never get intoaction. Though I've seen a good deal of fighting on a small scale, yetthis affair was likely to prove more serious than any I had yet engagedin. I was stationed on the main-deck, and the scene was very differentto what I had been accustomed to on board the _Champion_ where we've nodeck above us and can see everything that is going forward. Here, itwas only by looking through a port that I could get a glimpse of theenemy's ships, as they stood on in a long line, one closely followingthe other--so closely, indeed, that the leading ship had the jibboom endof the one next her in line almost over her taffrail. Molly, Kiddle, and I had charge of the guns manned by the _Champion's_ people. Wereminded them that they must show what they were made of, and maintainthe honour of the little ship; they one and all answered that theywould; and they looked as if they intended to keep to their word, asthey stood with their shirts off, handkerchiefs bound round their heads, and belts round their waists, ready to fire as soon as the order shouldbe given. In a line behind where we stood were the powder-boys seatedon their tubs, cracking jokes, and seeming altogether to forget that weshould have, in a few minutes, showers of round shot rattling about ourears. Though we used to call Mountstephen Molly, he didn't look a bitlike a Molly now, for he walked the deck as calm and composed as ifnothing particular was going to happen. I asked him what o'clock itwas. He said, `Twenty minutes past three. ' Just then the _Dreadnought_opened her fire on the French commodore; and didn't Captain Sucklingpound him--knocking away in a few minutes several of his spars, and sowounding his rigging that he fell on board the _Greenwich_, which, as Isaid, was close astern of him. As the _Dreadnought_ stood on, we gotup, and the word to fire was passed along our decks; and you may be surewe quickly obeyed it, blazing away at the two French ships already foulof each other, when they drove down upon the third astern, and there allthree lay, unable to get clear one of the other. 

"The French had a 64 and a 44 gun ship, besides two 32-gun frigates, which were able to manoeuvre, and these, as you may suppose, did notremain quiet while the _Augusta_ and _Edinburgh_ were blazing away atthe three ships, which still lay jammed together. It made the fight, however, more equal than it would otherwise have been. Their shot cameon board us pretty thickly, and not a few of our men were struck down. Among them was our first lieutenant, who raised his hand for a moment, and then fell back, dead. Soon afterwards I saw poor Mountstephen fall;I ran to help him, when I found that one of his legs had been shot awayand the other fearfully injured. I ordered a couple of men to carry himbelow; I should have liked to go with him, poor fellow, but I couldn'tleave the deck. I had returned to my station, when I found myselfsuddenly splashed all over with what I thought was water, though it wasrather warm. 

"`What, Paddy Tracy, are you wounded?' I heard Nat Kiddle sing out. 

"`Not that I know of, ' I answered; `I don't feel like it. ' Then I sawwhat had happened--a man standing close to me had been cut right in twoby a round shot, which came through the port, wounding a couple of menbesides. 

"Much as the enemy were knocked about, we were already in a pretty badcondition, having all our masts, sails, rigging, and boats considerablydamaged, eight or ten men killed, and nearly thirty wounded. If ithadn't been for the four ships of the enemy still able to manoeuvre, weshould have taken or sunk the other three, for they couldn't manage toget free of each other, while they could only now and then fire a fewshot at us. At length, to our infinite satisfaction, we saw the mastsof the 64 engaged with the _Dreadnought_ go over the side, while all theline-of-battle ships were evidently tremendously knocked about both inhull and rigging. We had been engaged for upwards of two hours, whenthe French commodore made a signal to one of the frigates, which, comingup, took him in tow and carried him out of action; and his example wasfollowed by the whole of the French squadron, which made sail for CapeFrancois, then to leeward of them. 

"The _Edinburgh_ had been as much damaged in her masts, yards, and sailsas we were, and Captain Langdon signalled that she had also several shotin her hull. The _Dreadnought_, we saw, had lost her main and mizentopmasts, while nearly all her other masts and yards were greatlyinjured, and she also had received many shot in her hull, besides havinglost as many men as we had. This made Captain Forrest refrain fromfollowing the Frenchmen. 

"I was very glad to find Mr Foley all right, for his own sake, for Ilike him very much--and still more for that of Miss Ferris, for it wouldbe a terrible thing for her were he to be killed, and I hope he won't, though we all run the risk of losing the number of our mess. As soon asI could leave my station I ran down below to see how poor Mountstephenwas getting on. He was perfectly sensible, though pale as a sheet. Hesaid he felt no pain. His first question was, `What are the enemyabout?'

"`They're running, ' I replied. 

"`What, all seven of them?' he asked. 

"`Yes, every one, ' I answered. 

"`Hurrah!' he exclaimed, waving his hand above his head, `we've gainedthe victory. '

"Scarcely were the words out of his mouth than he fell back, and beforethe doctor could come to him he was dead. 

"When I got on deck again--and I can tell you I was very glad to breathesome fresh air, after being down in that dreadful cockpit, full of poorfellows groaning with pain, some having their legs and arms cut off, others with their sides torn open or heads fearfully smashed--I foundthat the enemy were out of our reach, and that not one of our threeships was in a condition to follow them. This was very provoking, though we had fought a right gallant action, of that there can be nodoubt. Captain Forrest seeing that, if we got to leeward, we should beunable to beat off, and very likely be driven on shore and lost, ordereda course to be steered for Jamaica, where we arrived in a couple ofdays. The admiral highly approved of what had been done, and CaptainForrest received orders to get his ship repaired with all despatch andreturn as soon as possible in search of the enemy. The hands were takenoff our sloop for this purpose, and there seemed every probability ofour remaining some time longer on board the _Augusta_. Still, thingsare not done so quickly out here as they are in the dockyards at home. At last we got to sea and sailed for Cape Francois. On looking intothat port we found that the Frenchmen had put their best legs foremost, and that Monsieur De Kearsaint, having repaired his ships, had some daysbefore sailed with the convoy for Europe, and we should have no chanceof overtaking him. We had accordingly to come back, when we againsailed with the admiral, whose flag was flying on board the_Marlborough_, for a cruise off Cape Tiberon. I should make my lettertoo long if I were to describe all that took place. We had not beenmany days on the station before we captured two French privateers, andfrom their crows learned that a rich convoy was preparing at Port auPrince to sail for Europe, under the protection of two large armedprivate ships. The admiral on this sent in his tender to ascertain ifsuch was the fact. Her commander, who speaks French, managed to gainall the intelligence he required; he soon returned, having ascertainedthat the information received was correct. The admiral accordinglydirected us to proceed off the island of Golave, to cruise there for twodays, and, should we see anything of the convoy at the expiration ofthat time, to return and join him. Golave, you will understand, is inthe middle of the large bay which occupies nearly the whole westerncoast of Saint Domingo, to the northward of Cape Tiberon. 

"The afternoon of the day following our arrival, we had got well up intothe bay, when we caught sight of two sloops. To prevent them fromtaking us for what we were, we hoisted Dutch colours and stood away fromthem. In the evening we sighted seven more sail steering out of thebay. On this, to deceive the enemy, we hung tarpaulins over the sidesof the ship, set the sails in lubberly fashion, and, hauling our wind, stood away from the strangers till dark. We then again made sail andfollowed them. At ten o'clock we saw two more sail, one of which fireda gun, and the other then parted company and steered for Leogane. Soonafterwards eight more sail were seen to leeward. We had not lost sightof the ship which had fired a gun; though she might have suspected ourcharacter, she did not stand away from us. We accordingly soon ran upalongside, when Captain Forrest shouted out to him in French to strike, adding, `If you alarm the other ships, or let them discover by any meanswhat we are, we'll send you forthwith to the bottom. '

"The French commander, fully believing that our captain would put histhreat into execution, immediately gave in; and one of our lieutenants, with thirty-five men, went on board the prize with orders to proceed offPetit Guave, a small port to leeward, to prevent any of the othervessels from escaping into it. The vessel we had captured was the_Mars_, of twenty-two guns and 108 men, all of whom we had now aboardus, stowed away below lest they should be making signals to the enemy. We stood on during the remainder of the night, and at daylight foundourselves in the midst of the convoy, which, on our hoisting our coloursand showing what we were about, began firing at us; but we quicklysilenced them one after the other, and in the course of a few minutesthe whole struck, one small vessel alone managing to get away. Therewere altogether eight vessels, richly laden, each carrying from eight toten guns. We had to take out their crews and man them from our ship. The captain, sending for me, greatly to my satisfaction, ordered me totake charge of one of them, called the _Flora_. Tumbling into one ofthe boats with ten hands, I quickly pulled aboard, and found that shecarried twelve guns and a crew of thirty-five men. The Frenchmen lookedvery glum when I told them that they were to get into the boat and goaboard our ship. I kept one of them, a black, Pierre by name, who spokeEnglish and had been the captain's steward. The first service he did mewas to act as interpreter, and as he knew where everything was stowed, Ithought he would be useful in other respects. Through him I made apolite speech to the captain, and told him that I was sorry to turn himout of his ship, but that I was obeying orders. He shrugged hisshoulders, observing that it was the fortune of war, when, bowing, hefollowed his men over the side. I wasn't sorry to get rid of theFrenchmen, for it would have been a hard matter to keep them in orderand navigate the ship with the few hands I had. 

"As soon as we had transferred the prisoners, the prizes were ordered tomake sail, and together we stood out of the bay. A very pretty sight wepresented as we ran on under all sail, keeping, according to orders, close to the _Augusta_. Our prizes were richly laden, and the admiral, as may be supposed, was highly pleased when we sighted him off CapeTiberon and Captain Forrest told him what we had done, as his share ofthe prize would be something considerable. Mine, as a midshipman, wouldbe a couple of hundred pounds; Mr Foley, as a lieutenant, will get twoor three thousand; so you may fancy what the shares of the captain andadmiral will be. 

"Pierre was, I found, an excellent cook as well as steward. I nowcalled him Peter, by-the-by, at his own request, for as he observed, `Now, massa, I come among Englishmen I take English name, please;' andso Peter he is now always called. He was especially fond of keeping histongue wagging; he seemed not at all sorry to have changed masters, andto have got on board a man-of-war instead of a merchantman. He saidthat on their voyage out, when coming through the Windward Passage, the_Flora_ and another vessel, the _Cerf_, of smaller size, carrying onlyeight guns, had been attacked by a piratical craft. They fought forsome time, when the _Flora_ made off, leaving the _Cerf_ to her fate--that the pirates boarded her, and that he had seen her go down--that thepirate ship then made chase after the _Flora_, but by carrying all sail, and night coming on, she escaped. By Peter's account, I suspect thatshe must be the same craft which attacked the _Ouzel Galley_. Petersays she has a crew of a hundred men and carries twenty guns. She isknown to have captured several merchantmen; some she sends to thebottom, and others she takes into one of the numerous keys among theBahamas, where they are hidden away as securely as they would be amongthe unknown islands of the Pacific or Indian Ocean. From various thingswhich Peter said, I had an idea that he knew more about the pirate thanhe had hitherto communicated, and I determined, when I had morecompletely gained his confidence, to try and obtain all the informationhe possessed. 

"The weather continued fine, and our little squadron making good way, wewere all soon safely at anchor in Port Royal harbour. It was a jovialsight, let me tell you, as we sailed in with English colours above theFrench on board the prizes, the guns firing, the flags flying, and thepeople on shore cheering. We at once carried the prizes up to Kingston, where they were quickly sold for good round sums, for they were allrichly laden. As soon as I get my prize-money, I intend to send it hometo father. Tell him to do as he thinks best with it; I don't want tospend it here, as many of our men probably will before long. TheJamaica people seldom get so good a haul as this, though prizes arebeing brought in almost every week. Where the money all goes to, Idon't know; it makes somebody rich, I suppose. 

"I was disappointed at not seeing Mr and Miss Ferris, and so, I have nodoubt, was Mr Foley, for we thought that they would be back here bythis time; but they are still away on the other side of the island. Idon't think I told you that there had been a hurricane here, while wewere cruising off Cape Francois, before our action with the Frenchmen. It was not felt very severely at this end of the island, as they onlygot the whisk of its tail; but at the west end it did a great deal ofdamage, and a number of people were killed and wounded, though I amhappy to say that our friends escaped any injury. The _Ouzel Galley_, Iunderstand, had sailed, and, I hope, had got well to the eastward beforeit came on. I dare say that Owen Massey will have told you all about itlong before you get this. The worst news I have to give you isrespecting the slaves, who are in a very rebellious state. It isrumoured that in one or two places they have attacked the whites' housesand killed several people; but this is not believed, and it is said thatthey know too well what a fearful punishment would overtake them werethey to do anything of the sort. 

"To return to my own proceedings. As soon as I had handed the _Flora_over to the prize agent, I had to turn again into a midshipman and to goon board our own tight little sloop, which had just come out of dock andwas now all ataunto, ready for sea. I got leave to take Peter with me, as he wished to enter on board a British ship of war; he was at onceappointed midshipmen's steward, and a better one we never had. 

"Mr Foley was hoping that we should be sent to cruise off the northcoast of the island, but instead of that we were ordered to carrydespatches to Commodore Moore, who commands on the Leeward Islandsstation. Having delivered them, we were on our way back, when we fellin with the _Buckingham_, Captain Tyrrell. While in company with her wecaptured a French merchantman, and her crew being brought on board ourship, Peter heard from some of them that four privateers had run in forshelter under a strong battery in Grand Anar Bay, on the island ofMartinico. He having told me, I at once gave information to ourcommander, who forthwith went on board the _Buckingham_ to communicateit to Captain Tyrrell, and he at once resolved to stand in and destroythe privateers and the fort. Our prisoners, who had no idea that whatthey had been talking about had been understood, were very muchastonished at seeing us suddenly alter our course and steer in for thebay. There, sure enough, were the four privateers with springs on theircables, and their guns run out, anchored under a strong-looking fort, mounting ten guns at least. The _Buckingham_ ran in as close as shecould venture, when she dropped her anchor, and we brought up under herstern and immediately began blazing away at the vessels, which, as wellas the fort, opened fire on us. Though the privateers each mounted notless than twenty guns, they could not long stand the _Buckingham's_heavy shot; indeed, had we been alone we should have taken them. Still, thinking that the fort would drive us away, they held out longer than wehad expected. Though we were struck several times, and a good manyround shot passed between our masts, not a man on board was hit. Wewere wondering when they would give in, when, as a puff of air clearedthe smoke off for a few seconds, we observed that one of them had a listto starboard. Her next broadside again concealed her from view, and ina couple of minutes, when the wind again blew away the smoke, all wecould see were her masts as she slowly went to the bottom. I wasexpecting that the rest would share the same fate; one of them was tomeet with a more terrible disaster--almost the next instant a thunderingsound was heard, flames burst out of her deck, her masts shot upwardslike sky-rockets, and the whole air seemed filled with fragments ofwreck, which came hissing down into the water, several portions, whizzing through the air, reaching almost to where we lay. The othertwo, seeing the hopelessness of further resistance, after firing theirbroadsides, hauled down their colours. On this the _Buckingham_ made asignal to us to take possession of the two vessels. `Out boats!' wasthe order; and in another minute three of our boats, I having charge ofone of them, were dashing through the calm water, while the _Buckingham_continued engaging the fort, which still held out. Two or three of itsguns, however, had been disabled, and its fire began to slacken. Wepulled away as fast as the crews could lay their backs to the oars, fearing that the Frenchmen would set fire to the ships and deprive us ofour prizes. Their boats were already in the water, and the men weretumbling into them, evidently in a hurry to make their escape. `Lookout, lads; that the rascals play no tricks, and lose no time in seeingthat all's safe below!' sang out Mr Foley, as he dashed by in the gigtowards the northernmost of the vessels. I was making for the one tothe southward, the farthest from the fort. We were soon up to her, andas we scrambled up on one side we saw several of her crew toppling overon the other. Just then I caught sight of a man coming up thecompanion-hatchway; it struck me that he had been about some mischief, and leaping on him, I tumbled him down to the foot of the ladder. Hehad a slow-match in his hand, which, hissing and spluttering, set hisclothes on fire. 

"`What have you been about, you rascal?' I exclaimed, though I don'tsuppose he understood the question. He pointed to the door of a cabinfrom which smoke was issuing. I burst it open, and found a matchlighted, leading to a suspicious-looking cask in the corner. I, as youmay suppose, pulled it out in pretty quick time; and, throwing it intothe middle of the main cabin, sang out for buckets of water. A couplewere quickly handed down, and the fire was extinguished. In anothermoment, however, we should all have been blown into the air. TheFrenchman, who proved to be the mate of the vessel, was severely burnt, but little compassion was felt for him. We secured him, and two othermen, who were caught by the legs as they were leaping overboard. 

"Our men had begun to fire at the boats which had shoved off, but Iordered them to desist, as the Frenchmen had hauled down their flag, andwere perfectly right in trying to make their escape. 

"As soon as the garrison of the fort saw that we had possession of thevessels, they opened fire at us with one of their guns. On this, MrFoley ordered me to cut the cable of my prize, and make sail out ofharm's way, as the wind was sufficiently off shore to enable us to doso. He at the same time, I saw, was setting the canvas of the ship hehad taken. 

"The _Buckingham_ and _Champion_ having now only the fort to attend to, poured in so hot a fire on it that the gun which was annoying us wasdismounted before we had been under way more than four or five minutes. So we again brought up and turned our guns at the fort, which wasgradually crumbling away before the iron shower thrown into it. As theFrenchmen still kept up a hot fire from four or five guns, whichconsiderably annoyed the _Buckingham_, Captain Tyrrell ordered the boatsaway to storm the fort and put an end to the conflict. I immediatelyjumped into my boat, leaving the prize at anchor to take care ofherself, and joined the others, which were pulling to the shore on thatside of the fort where the chief breach had been effected, and wherenone of the remaining guns could reach us and out of range ofmusket-shot. Captain Tyrrell himself, I found, was heading the party. We mustered altogether upwards of a hundred and fifty men, about fortyof whom belonged to our ship, with Mr Foley and other officers. Themarines quickly formed, flanked by our blue jackets, armed with muskets, cutlasses, and pistols. The instant the last man leaped on shore, theorder to advance was given, and up the hill we went at double quickmarch, in spite of a shower of musket balls which came whizzing aboutour ears. The Frenchmen endeavoured to slew round some of their guns tofire down on us, but before the muzzles were run through the embrasures, we were climbing over the parapet in a somewhat helter-skelter fashion, and, headed by the gallant captain of the _Buckingham_, leaping downinto the fort. So rapid had been our advance that the soldiers had notime to reload their pieces, and as our cutlasses flashed in theirfaces, they hurled them at us and took to flight, endeavouring to maketheir way out at a gate on the land side, where, in their hurry, theygot jammed together and stopped by part of the crews of the twoprivateers, who were coming in to their assistance. Fortunately forthem, their commandant, after exchanging a few passes with CaptainTyrrell, had been disarmed and made prisoner; and he, seeing that iffollowed by our men they would be cut to pieces, shouted out to them tocome back and submit as he had done. Still they pushed on, and in theirstruggles to get out, toppled over each other till a dozen or more laysprawling on the ground. They would there have been destroyed had notCaptain Tyrrell humanely called off his people. Of the whole of ourparty, not a man had been killed, and a few only were wounded. The fortexhibited a woeful picture of ruin--nearly a score of men lay dead closeto the guns, while we saw other corpses scattered about in differentparts of the fort. The buildings which served as habitations for thegarrison were shattered to pieces, the embrasures knocked into one, theguns dismounted and their carriages broken, the flagstaff shot in two--indeed, it seemed a wonder that the Frenchmen could have held out solong. 

"We could see from the ramparts a good-sized town on the banks of ariver, some way from the shore, sheltered by groves of palms and othertrees--a very attractive, pleasant-looking place. Finding themselvesmasters of the fort, our men gave three cheers; then the cry arose thatthey should go down and attack the town and pillage it. When thecaptain heard this, he shouted out to the men, `My fine fellows, I hearwhat you say, and I hope you will not longer think of doing that same. You will agree that it is beneath us to make a number of poor peoplemiserable by destroying their houses and such comforts of life as theypossess. Remember, you are Englishmen, and should scorn to injurepeople who, though they are called our enemies, have not lifted even afinger against us. Let them remain in quiet; they will bless you, andwish you well. '

"This considerate speech had a good effect. The men cheered, and saidthey had no wish to hurt the mounseers. The captain, allowing thecommandant to follow his people, who had made their escape, then set usto work to demolish the fort. The guns which appeared serviceable werespiked, and then rolled down the hill into the sea, and mines were dugin different parts of the fort, in which all the powder we found in themagazine was stowed. A train was then laid to each mine, and we wereordered to march down to the boats. Captain Tyrrell, who hadsuperintended all the operations himself, was the last to leave; helighted the train, and then followed us. We hadn't got many yards fromthe beach when a loud report was heard, and up went a part of the fort, quickly followed by the other portions, like the joints in a cracker;and when the smoke and dust cleared off, the whole spot where the forthad stood was a heap of ruins. It would take the Frenchmen a good manyweeks to repair the damage, if they should ever think it worth while tomake the attempt. 

"The wind was so light that we were unable to get out of the bay; in theevening we saw a boat coming off to us with a flag of truce. Shecontained two of the principal inhabitants of the town, who brought withthem a cargo of fowls, and vegetables, and fruit, which they begged thecaptain to accept as a mark of their gratitude for his having sparedtheir town. They added that another would shortly follow for thecorvette. Captain Tyrrell made a suitable speech, accepting theirpresent. The other boats soon arrived with the promised supply for us, and as we took leave in the most friendly manner of the people whobrought it, no one would have supposed the sort of work we had beenengaged in during the morning. 

"A land breeze enabled us to get to sea that evening, when soonafterwards we parted company with the _Buckingham_, we shaping a courseback to Jamaica. We were all very jolly on board, for we had plenty ofprovisions, and had unexpectedly come in for a nice little lump ofprize-money. 

"I must tell you that Peter had become a great favourite on board, andof this he himself seemed well aware, though he wisely never presumed onit. I had, as I told you, been curious to find out how he was so wellacquainted with the haunts of the pirates. At last, one day, I askedhim, when I happened to be alone in the berth and he had come to getsomething out of a locker. 

"`Me tell you, Massa Tracy, for me now know berry well you my friend, 'he answered. 

"`You're right, Peter, ' I replied, `and you may be sure that fromnothing you say will you criminate yourself. '

"`Me only tell de truth on de honour of gentleman;' and Peter put hishand on his heart as he had seen the Frenchmen do. 

"`Heave ahead, Peter, ' I said, `or your yarn may be out short. '

"`Berry well, Massa Tracy, ' said Peter. `It happen dis way. I was'board a French ship, _Les deux Amis_, bound from Bordeaux to Port auPrince, when just as we 'bout twenty league to de eastward ob SanDomingo, keeping a look-out dat no English cruiser pick us up, we seeone evening, just as de sun go down, a big ship from de nor'ard standingfor us. De cappen say she French--de mate say she Spanish--some ob demen say she Dutch--oders strife she English--I not know what to tink. De cappen say, "Best make all sail and stand 'way. " So we did; but debell just strike two in de fust watch, when we see her ranging upalongside. Den de cappen order de guns to be fired; but before dematches lighted, de stranger she aboard us. In a few minutes fortysavage-looking fellows came springing on to our deck, pistolling someand cutting down oders of de crew. I see at once what going to happen--if I stay on board de brig, I be killed wid de rest--so I make a leapand gain de fore-rigging ob de stranger. Running for'ard, I leap downde hatchway and stow myself away in a berth. Eben dere I hear dedreadful cries and shrieks ob de crew as dey put to death by depirates--for such I guess be de gentry into hands whose we hab fallen. I know by de sounds I hear as I lie quaking in de berth dat dey wereremoving de cargo ob de prize on board dere own ship. It was nearlydaylight before dey hab taken out all de cargo dey wish to secure; dendey cast off, and directly afterwards I hear several shot fired. I knowdat sooner or later I must show myself, as de watch who hab been workingall night would be coming below to turn in; so I creep on deck, and makemy way aft to where a man I tink must be de cappen was standing. No onestop me, for dey all too busy or too sleepy to notice me. I take off myhat and make him a polite bow, and ask in English if he want acabin-steward, as I ready to serve him. "And if you like sea-pie, cappen, I cook one such as nobody can beat, let me tell you dat, " I say. "I head cook. "'

"`You're an impudent rascal, whoever you are, ' he reply, `but perhaps, for once in a way, you speak the truth. '

"`Do, cappen, just try me to-morrow, or next day, or when you get dematerials to put in de pie, ' I say. 

"`I'll think about that, my man, ' he answer, licking him lips. And denI know I all safe. `He not kill me if he tink I make good sea-pie, ' Isay to myself; `for black fellow sometimes more cunning dan whitebuccra--he! he! he!' Peter chuckled. `Where do you come from?' he ask. 

"`I tell him I carried off and made to serve on board de French ship, and dat I glad to escape from her. Dis not quite true, but I guess itmake him more ready to save my life. '

"`Well, ' he say, `I happen to want a steward, and if you prove to bewhat you say you are, and can cook as well as you boast that you can, I'll take you into my service; but if not, it will be the worse foryou. '

"`He den ask sharply, "What do you take this ship for, boy?"'

"`Of course, sar, English man-o'-war, ' I answer--though I know berrywell dat not true. 

"`You haven't quite hit it, but you'll be much better off than if shewas, ' he say, tinking me simple lad who no do any mischief. He denshout out to de crew on deck, and tell dem not to harm me. Just den, asI look ober de side, I catch a glimpse of de brig which we were leavingsettling down, and in anoder minute de water close ober de mast-heads. Den I tink I act berry wise in getting on board de pirate. De cappenden send me down into de cabin to look after de tings dere and put it inorder, saying dat his oder steward been killed in an action a few daysbefore. We were now, I found, steering to de nor'-west. Two or treedays after dis we take anoder prize, which was robbed ob eberyting obvalue on board, and was den treated same as _Les deux Amis_ had been. Iwas very glad to get off wid my life, but I berry much wish myself outof de ship again, and determined to make my 'scape as soon as I habopportunity. 

"`De cappen each day ask me when I going to make de sea-pie. I alwayssay, "When I get de fowls, and de turkeys, and de ham, and de oder tingsto put in it. But I make you some lobscouse in de mean time, " I say. And so I did; and he and de mates say dey nebber taste such goodlobscouse in dere lives. "Ah! not equal to de sea-pie I make some dayor oder, " I answer; for I know as long as I promise de sea-pie dey notkill me. I only hope in de mean time no man-o'-war get hold ob us; ifshe did, I should be hung up wid de rest, and de judges not believe Icome on board 'cause oderwise I drown, and stay only to make a sea-pie. We soon get near an island, which I guess was one ob de Bahamas from deway de ship was steered, now in one direction, now in anoder, betweenrocks and sandbanks. De cappen ask me if I know where we were. I say, "I suppose we somewhere on de Spanish Main. "'

"All right, " he answer; "maybe you're not much of a navigator?"

"`Poor nigger like me know berry little 'cept how to make sea-pie, ' Isay. He den order me to go below, and soon afterwards I hear de roar obde breakers, and I know we'd got near the shore. Den de ship sail onand I guess we'd got into a harbour; but she did not come to an anchor, but sail on and on. Den, looking up through the skylight, I see deboughs ob de green trees oberhead, and a high cliff which seem about totopple down on de deck ob de ship. Still we sail on and on, till atlast I hear de anchor let go and de cable run out, and when I come ondeck I find de ship in a wide lagoon wid several oder vessels and somelarge boats, and a village ob huts and sheds under de trees on de shore. I now know dat I was in one ob de old buccaneer hiding-places, and Iguess dat de vessels I see were dose de pirates had capture and carryoff. When the sails were furled I go up to the cappen and ask if hewish me to go on shore to buy some poultry and vegetables and oder tingsI might require for de sea-pie. 

"`No, no; you stay on board, ' he answered. `I'll send off formaterials, and we shall then see what you can do. '

"`I pretend to be well pleased, and tell him all de tings I want. Datevening plenty of provisions came on board. Dere were--let me see--butter-birds and whistling ducks, snipe, red-tailed pigeons, turkeys, clucking hens, parrots, and plantation coots; dere was beef and pork andvenison, and papaw fruit, squash, and plantains, calavansas, bananas, yams, Indian pepper, ginger, and all sorts ob oder tings. I pick outwhat I know make de best pie, putting in plenty of pepper--for dat, Iguess, would suit de taste ob de genelmen--and den I cover the wholeober wid thick crust. It take de night and the next day to bake, andwhen it am ready de cappen and his officers, and some friends from deshore, dey all say dat dey nebber eat any pie like it; and I laugh, andsay, "I make better one anoder day. " Dey all eat till dey could eat nomore, and den drink to wash it down till one and all am so drunk dat deycouldn't lift up dere heads. When I see dis, I say to myself, "Now'sthe best time for me to try and be off;" and I put a piece ob de pieinto a basket, and a calabash of water, and going on deck I see a smallcanoe made fast to de side. I drop it under de stern, and den go backinto the cabin. Ebery one ob dem am still fast asleep; so I lowered debasket into de canoe from one ob de after-ports, and slip down myselfwidout making any noise. Cutting de painter, I let de canoe drift awaybefore the breeze, which blew down the lagoon. I hab watch during deday one or two boats coming in, so I know the entrance, and as soon as Iget to a distance from de vessels I paddle away as fast as I could. Imight hab a long distance to go before daylight, but as it was only justdark dere would be plenty ob time. I expected ebery moment to beober-hauled by de sentries on de shore, but no one was dere, or, at allevents, dey not see me. On I go till I get under de cliffs which I seewhen de ship come in--den I know I in de right passage. Dere was acurrent, too, by which I judge dat de tide was ebbing. Next I findmyself between low banks, for de whole country towards de sea am flat. At last I hear de waves breaking on de shore--not very loud, though; datmakes me hope dat de water smooth. I soon reach de entrance ob decreek, and safely pass de bar. I determine to paddle to de southward; Ihab water and provisions to last me for a week or more, and before dattime I hope to get aboard an English or French vessel--it matter berrylittle to me. When morning break I look out astern, but could see noboat or vessel, and I hope I not pursued; as I was well out ob sight obland, even if I was, de pirates would hab a difficult job to find me. De sea remain smooth, or my canoe, which was only intended for delagoon, would hab been swamped. When my pie nearly gone and what remainwas scarcely eatable, I see a vessel standing to de westward. De windwas light, and by paddling hard I might reach her. I did paddle, for Ino hab a drop ob water in my calabash, and if I miss her I might die obthirst. On she come, and de breeze freshen. I was coming from denorth--she was crossing my course; I shriek and shout--already shenearly pass me; I stand up in my canoe and wave my paddle--den again Isit down and pull away like mad. Again I stand up and shout wid all mymight and wave my paddle. I praise God, dey see me; de vessel round to, and in a few minutes I alongside. De cappen ask me where I come from. I tell him I escape from some pirates who would hab cut my throat if Ihadn't known how to make sea-pie, and dat I make one for him as soon asI get opportunity. He laugh, and say dat he believe my story, and dathe gib me a trial. He nebber do so, however, 'cause you capture hisvessel before I get de necessary materials. --And now, Massa Tracy, youknow my history. '

"From the account Peter gave me, I strongly suspected that the vesselwhich had captured him was the one which attacked the _Ouzel Galley_, and I wished that we might have an opportunity of looking for her. Thecaptain was, Peter had told me, an Englishman, as were many of thepeople with him; but there were others of all nations, as well asmulattoes, Sambos, and blacks. The descendants of the buccaneers stillinhabit many of the keys on the Bahama bank, and probably the whitepopulation living on shore were some of those people, who keep up thecustoms and habits of their ancestors. I must try and learn more fromPeter on the subject, and ascertain exactly where he was picked up bythe _Flora_. If so, calculating the distance he had come in the canoe, we might be able to discover the hiding-place of the pirates. We havebeen some time getting back to Port Royal, and as the _Narcissus_ isjust sailing for England, I must close this to send by her. We receivedsome bad news on our arrival; the blacks are actually in rebellion andhave committed all sorts of mischief, murdering the whites and all whooppose them in every direction. We're ordered off to the north coast. Mr Foley was very anxious to go there, but he is now in a great stateof agitation lest any harm should have befallen our friends; and well hemay be--indeed, I can't help feeling very anxious myself. Still, Idon't want you to be frightened, Norah, and I hope all will go well, andthat we shall find when we get there that the blacks have not attackedMr Twigg's house. With best love to father, and kind regards to MrsMassey and Owen, if he has arrived, as I make no doubt he will have longago--

"I remain--

"Your affectionate brother--

"Gerald Tracy. "

CHAPTER THIRTEEN. 

NORAH'S AND CAPTAIN TRACY'S ANXIETY AT NON-ARRIVAL OF THE OUZEL GALLEY--HER OWNERS GIVE HER UP AS LOST--THE UNDERWRITERS REFUSE PAYMENT OFINSURANCE--THE MATTER SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION--CAPTAIN TRACY INVITED TODUBLIN--HE IS STILL CONVINCED THAT THE OUZEL GALLEY WILL APPEAR--THEARBITRATORS MEET AT A DINNER TO DISCUSS THE SUBJECT AND AGREE TO AWAITEVENTS--CAPTAIN TRACY RETURNS HOME--REPORTED LOSS OF THE CHAMPION--CAPTAIN TRACY RESOLVES TO GO IN SEARCH OF THE OUZEL GALLEY ANDCHAMPION--NORAH GETS LEAVE TO GO WITH HIM--THE RESEARCH PURCHASED--CAPTAIN O'BRIEN GOES TO BRISTOL TO OBTAIN HANDS--A STRANGER BRINGS AMESSAGE FROM A DYING SHIPMATE--A MESSAGE FROM O. M. --FERRIS, TWIGG, ANDCASH SUPPLY FUNDS--CAPTAIN O'BRIEN RETURNS, AND SAILS ON BOARD THERESEARCH. 

Interesting as Gerald's letter was to Norah and her father, it causedthem the greatest possible anxiety. Owen had sailed some considerabletime before it was written, and he had not yet arrived! Poor Norahscarcely dared ask herself what had happened. Had the _Ouzel Galley_been overtaken by the hurricane? Gerald at the same time appearedcertain that she had escaped it, and if she had, by what cause was shedelayed? Had she been captured by the enemy? That was too probable;but, then, Owen would surely have found means of sending a letter toEngland describing the event. Captain Tracy immediately wrote to thehouse in Dublin, but they had heard nothing of the ship. 

"Oh, father!" exclaimed Norah at length, in a tone which showed heralarm, "can he have fallen into the hands of those terrible pirates ofwhom Gerald speaks?"

"The _Ouzel Galley_ was too well manned, and, I may venture to say, would have been too well handled and fought, to yield to a rascallybuccaneering craft, " answered Captain Tracy. "No, no, Norah, don't letthat thought trouble you; she may have been dismasted in a gale ofwind--no skill can at all times prevent such an accident--or she mayhave met with long calms in the tropics and contrary winds afterwards. Wait a bit, cushla machree, and she'll come in some fine morning when weleast expect her. "

Still the old captain himself was sadly troubled about the matter. Norah could with difficulty keep up her spirits, though she tried to doso for her father's sake and for that of Mrs Massey, to whom sheendeavoured not to communicate her own alarm; but the poor mother hadbegun to feel as anxious as she was, and every time Norah went to seeher, her first utterance was, "No news of Owen yet?" Then she wouldsigh, and the tears would trickle down her pale cheeks. The captainpaid daily visits to Waterford, carefully examining the public papers toascertain if anything had been heard of the _Ouzel Galley_; but weekafter week and month after month went by, yet nothing was heard of her. Captain Tracy again wrote to Ferris, Twigg, and Cash; in their answerthey said that, having waited so long a time without hearing of her, they considered her lost, and were about to apply to the underwriters topay over the amount of her insurance. Captain Tracy, who, thoughholding the firm in great respect, was nevertheless always free andoutspoken, replied that he did not consider the vessel as lost, and thatshe might even now some day appear. He had expressed himself in asimilar manner to one of the underwriters, who was then at Waterford;and when the firm applied for payment, that gentleman declined accedingto their demand till they could produce evidence of the loss of thevessel. Ferris, Twigg, and Cash became indignant, and talked ofinstituting law proceedings. On this, Mr Thompson, one of theunderwriters, entreated them to desist, and proposed that the mattershould be placed in the hands of arbitrators. Mr Twigg and Mr Cashagreed accordingly to postpone proceedings till they could hear fromtheir principal partner, Mr Ferris, who was still in Jamaica; andfinally consented, subject to his approval, to submit the matter toarbitration. 

"Then let us forthwith proceed to select a dozen good men and truebetween us--you shall choose six and we'll choose six, and we'll bindourselves to abide by the decision to which they may come, " said MrThompson. As it was considered in Ireland, as well as across theChannel, that a good dinner enjoyed by sensible people produces goodfeeling and good fellowship, it was agreed by the contending partiesthat they should invite the twelve arbitrators and lay the matter of thesupposed loss of the _Ouzel Galley_ before them on that occasion. AsCaptain Tracy was rightly considered to be able to offer an enlightenedopinion on the subject, he was requested to come up to Dublin to affordthem all the information he possessed. Though he hated the landjourney, and looked upon it as a more dangerous adventure than he woulda voyage round the world, he could not refuse to comply with theirrequest. He therefore arranged to leave Norah with Mrs Massey, towhom, though her own heart was well-nigh broken, she could affordcomfort and sympathy during his absence. Packing up his valise, girdinghis sword to his side, and sticking a brace of pistols in his belt underhis cloak, he set off by the stage, fully expecting to have to fight hisway through half a score of highwaymen and footpads at the least. Still, thinking it possible that the _Ouzel Galley_ might arrive, hesent a boat down the harbour the evening before his departure, whichreturned only just as he was about to start with the information that no_Ouzel Galley_ was in sight. 

Notwithstanding his expectation of being attacked by Rapparees or otherrobbers, he reached Dublin in safety, and was welcomed by Mr Twigg, whotook him to his own house that they might discuss together the subjectin hand. 

"A sad affair this, the loss of our good ship. We expected to realise afine percentage by her cargo, and now we not only lose that, but ourfriends refuse to pay the insurance, " observed the merchant. "Yousurely, Captain Tracy, must be convinced that she went down in thehurricane, or has been captured and destroyed by the enemy. "

"I am not at all convinced of either one or the other, " answered CaptainTracy, bluntly. "She was, or, I may venture to say, she is, asstout-built a ship ever floated, and I hold to the opinion that shewould not have foundered while any other craft could keep above water. I hear, indeed, that two or three vessels which were caught in that samehurricane, though severely damaged, got at last safely into port. MrFerris wrote word, as you are aware, sir, that, after a thoroughexamination of the coast, no signs were discovered of her having beendriven on shore, as all the vessels wrecked were identified and she wasnot among them. If she had been captured by the enemy, her master, OwenMassey, would have found means to communicate with us and let us knowthat he and his people were prisoners. By a letter from my son, I hearthat there are still some picarooning villains infesting those seas, butthey generally attack smaller fry than the _Ouzel Galley_. She was, asyou are aware, well armed and well manned, and I can answer for it thatOwen Massey would not have been taken by surprise, and would have beatenoff in a fair fight any such craft, as he would any privateer of equalor, I may venture to say, of considerably superior force. His orderswere to avoid fighting if he could do so with due regard to his safety--and I never knew him disobey orders from the time he first came to seawith me. "

"Then, from what you say, Captain Tracy, your opinion is opposed to theinterests of the firm, " observed Mr Twigg, in a tone which showed thathe was somewhat annoyed. 

"I express the opinion I hold, sir, and you never found Gerald Tracy sayor do anything contrary to the interests of his employers, " answered thecaptain firmly. "What you want to obtain, sir, is a rightful decision;and my belief and hope is that, if the insurance money were paid to you, you would have to refund it. "

"You only say what is true, captain, and you will pardon me for myremark, " exclaimed the merchant, who was really an upright andgenerous-hearted man. "Nothing would give me greater satisfaction thanto see the _Ouzel Galley_ coming in under charge of her young master, with or without her cargo, however much thereby Ferris, Twigg, and Cashmight be out of pocket. We'll now go and join our friends--and I begyou to believe that nothing you may say will alter the respect in whichI hold you. "

The matter on which the party had been assembled was soon discussed. Some were of opinion that the _Ouzel Galley_ had been lost; others, thatshe had been captured; while several held with Captain Tracy that shewas still afloat, perhaps dismasted or waterlogged, but that she wouldin time find her way home. One fact was certain, that she had not yetmade her appearance, and that nothing had been heard of her since shewas seen off Bellevue on the morning of the hurricane. The importantpoint decided was that the two parties should on no account go to law, and that they should wait a further decision till efforts had been madeto discover the fate of the missing ship, should she not in the meantime return to port. Mr Ferris was informed that she had not yetarrived, and was requested to take all the steps he could devise fordiscovering what had become of her. Among others, he was to apply tothe admiral to ascertain if any British cruisers had seen or heard ofsuch a vessel in distress, while notice was to be sent on board everymerchantman begging the master to make inquiries concerning her, or toafford any information he might already have obtained. 

Captain Tracy, having concluded all the business he had to transact inDublin, went back to Waterford. What a blessed thing is hope! PoorNorah and the widow were still supported by the expectation of the_Ouzel Galley's_ return, even although every one else in Waterfordbelieved that she was long since at the bottom of the ocean. Day afterday and week after week went by, and still the _Ouzel Galley_ did notappear. Norah's cheek was becoming thinner and paler, and the widow'sheart sadder and sadder. It seemed hard indeed to lose her only child;but she trusted in God. She knew that He orders all for the best, andnot once did she allow her heart to entertain rebellious thoughtsagainst His love and mercy. Anxiously did the captain and Norah lookout for letters from Jamaica; they hoped that Gerald would send theminformation. At all events, it would be a satisfaction to hear fromhim; but since his last long letter, none arrived. News was receivedfrom other sources of a fearful insurrection in the island, but Norahgot no letters from Ellen, and hearing that numerous white people hadfallen victims, she began seriously to fear that her friend might beamong them. The captain wrote to Dublin, but the house there had notheard from Mr Ferris. At length another report came which added muchto their anxiety, and if found to be true must plunge them into deepgrief. It was to the effect that his Majesty's ship _Champion_, havingsailed from Jamaica on a cruise, had not since been heard of. 

"She'll turn up, " exclaimed the captain, when he brought home theintelligence, which it would be useless to attempt concealing fromNorah. The news appeared in print in the public papers, and an opinionwas expressed that she had not been captured by the enemy, it beingthought more likely that she had been capsized in a squall and gonedown, or run during a dark night on one of the numerous reefs in theseas she was navigating and been dashed to pieces before any of herpeople could escape. 

"I won't believe it, any more than I'll believe that the _Ouzel Galley_is lost, " exclaimed the captain. "Don't give way, Norah. Thesenewspapers tell lies; they're published for no other object. Ishouldn't be surprised if we hear that the _Champion_ has never beenmissing, and that the admiral has sent her on some particular service;probably the next packet from Jamaica will give us an account of herreturn to Port Royal. "

Still poor Norah could not restrain her tears. "I don't believe thatshe's lost, Norah. Don't, now!" repeated her father. The captain, indeed, did his best to comfort her, but it was a hard matter for him;especially as he himself, notwithstanding his bold assertions, knew howlikely it was that the sloop of war had really been lost. His honestheart was racked with grief as he thought that the days of his gallantyoung son had been cut short. Fresh despatches arrived from Jamaica, detailing the capture of several of the enemy's ships, the return toport of various British cruisers, and the arrival of merchantmen; butnot a word was said about the _Champion_. Further despatches arrived, which appeared in the public prints. A short paragraph alone mentionedthat all hope of her safety had been given up, while another spokesomewhat pityingly of the vain notion entertained by a former commanderof a well-known Jamaica trader, the _Ouzel Galley_, that that vessel wasstill in existence. "Indeed, " it continued, "go certain it is that shemust be lost, that the masters and pilots of the vessels trading inthose seas have ceased to make inquiries about her. "

"I hold to my opinion, notwithstanding, " exclaimed the captain; "ifothers refuse to help in looking for the good ship, I'll go myself. There's an old proverb that the man who wants a thing goes for ithimself, and I'll not believe that either Owen or Gerald are lost tillI've had a thorough hunt for them. I've cash enough of my own to fitout a stout vessel, and to arm and man her too. I intended it for you, Norah, and Gerald, but there'll be sufficient left for what you maywant, my poor child, even if it comes to the worst; and you must stay athome and take care of Widow Massey--you've need to comfort each other. "

"No, father, if you go I will go; and go I hope you will, " said Norah. "Would that you had ten times as much fortune to fit out as many vesselsto search round the shores of the whole Atlantic. And, father, you'lltake me with you? I must go; I should die with anxiety were I to remainbehind. In the voyage I took with you I learnt all about a sea life. Iknow the various dangers I may have to go through, but I don't fearthem; I am ready to endure whatever perils you may be exposed to, andI'll not flinch from them. "

Thus Norah argued with her father. 

"But Mrs Massey--what will she do without you?" he asked. 

"She would not detain me. Am not I going to assist in the search forher son, as well as in that for Gerald?" answered Norah. "Were I OwenMassey's younger brother, she would not hesitate to send me; she willnot do so now. She has too long lived a life of solitude to object tobeing left for a few short months, especially when she can hope thatOwen may be found. "

Norah had gained her point. The old captain was really thankful to haveher society, and so often had he braved the dangers of the sea that heno longer feared them for his daughter. Firm as the captain was in hisopinion, few others agreed with him; and when it was known that he waslooking out for a ship, most of his acquaintance pitied him, andwhispered that the loss of his son had turned his head. Still, nothingany one could say changed his resolution; indeed, there was somethinggrand in his very obstinacy, and worthy of admiration. The only personwho stuck to him was Captain O'Brien. 

"If I were a younger man, faith, I'd be after going out as mate, "exclaimed the brave old captain. "Whether the lads are alive or dead, the point will be settled, and I am fain to believe that they are stillalive. If I can't go myself, I'll prove my faith in the undertaking bysubscribing five hundred pounds towards it. The sooner you get the shipfitted out and put to sea, the better it will be for my friend Norah--ofthat I'm very sure. "

Though the two old captains were thus of one mind, no one else agreedwith them. The house of Ferris, Twigg, and Cash would have nothing todo with the matter; they were not inclined to send good money after bad, and unless they could gain some information, however slight, that the_Ouzel Galley_ was really in existence, they should consider it folly tosend another vessel to look for her. They would not even help insearching for a fitting vessel. Captain Tracy, however, heard of onewhich had been brought into Cork harbour as a prize, and, accompanied byhis friend O'Brien, he went over to have a look at her. She was justthe vessel they wanted; she was ship-rigged, carried twenty guns, andwas quite new, having been only a few weeks out of port when she wascaptured. She was of great beam, and would carry four or six more guns, if necessary. The purchase was soon completed; and the two captains, having engaged a few hands to navigate her, brought her round toWaterford, where she could be fitted out under their own eyes. One ofthe points to be settled was her name. Captain O'Brien, bowing toNorah, proposed that she should be called _Love's Messenger_; but tothis Norah objected, and it was finally settled that she should becalled the _Research_. The captain had devoted Gerald's prize-money, and the whole sum he had at his own disposal, and the amount contributedby Captain O'Brien; but still a sum was required for ammunition, stores, and the wages of the crew. Captain Tracy was in a dilemma; he mightobtain a cargo for the vessel, but then he would have to wait for aconvoy, as no insurance could otherwise be effected on her, and thatwould cause a delay. Rather than suffer this, he resolved to sell hispatrimony, though very unwilling to do so. Captain O'Brien, who hadformerly traded to Bristol, had gone over to that port to look out forefficient officers and any good men he could find to form part of thecrew; the remainder could be obtained at Waterford. 

Captain Tracy was setting off one morning, resolved to make the finalarrangements with his lawyer for the disposal of his property, when justas he left his house he was accosted by a man, whose ragged dress, shoeless feet, and thin cheeks showed that he was suffering from theextreme of poverty. Captain Tracy's well-practised eye convinced him atonce, before the man had spoken, that he was a sailor, and believingthat he came to beg, he put his hand into his pocket to relieve hisnecessities, when the man, touching his battered hat, addressed him, "Plase, yer honour, are you Captain Tracy?"

"I am. What is it you want with me?" asked the captain. 

"Shure, I'm glad to hear it, for I've been looking for yer honour formany a day, " answered the man, "as I've made a vow, if you were still inthe land of the living, to give you a message from a dying shipmate, andmy mind couldn't rest aisy till I'd done it. "

"What's the message, my friend? Is it a long or a short one?" asked thecaptain, eyeing the man steadily, to judge whether he was speaking withsincerity or uttering a falsehood. "What ship did you belong to, myfriend?"

"The _Fair Rosamond_, yer honour, homeward-bound from Port Royal. Wemet with misfortunes from the time of sailing. We had Yellow Jackaboard us; then a course of foul wind, and when about a hundred leaguesfrom the chops of the Channel, we were dismasted in a heavy gale; and atlast, after driving about for many a day till we ran short of water andprovisions, we were cast on the coast of Connemara, and only I and threeothers got to shore--the captain and the rest of the hands who were leftalive, for Heaven hadn't spared many of them, were washed away anddrowned. I was like to have died too, but some country people took careof me, and I pulled through; and then, remembering my vow, I set offwithout a shiner in my pocket to give the message to yer honour. "

"Come in, my friend, " said the captain, by this time convinced that theman was speaking the truth, and becoming anxious to hear what he had gotto say. The stranger looked at his ragged garments and hesitated whenthe captain invited him into the parlour, where Norah was seated, andbade him take a chair; however, plucking up courage, he did as he wasdesired. Captain Tracy having briefly told Norah what he had justheard, turned to the seaman. 

"You have not yet given me your name, " he said. 

"It's Larry Cregan, yer honour. You may trust to what I say, for Iwouldn't desave yer honour, that I wouldn't, " answered the man. 

"Well, Larry, let me hear all about this message, " said the captain, "for you haven't given me a hint yet what it is. "

"Well, thin, yer honour, it's nothing but the truth I'll spake, " beganLarry. "We had well-nigh half our crew pressed out of the _FairRosamond_, and had to make up our number with such hands as the captaincould get without being over particular. Among them was a countryman ofmine--Tim Reardon, he called himself. He looked mighty sickly when hecame aboard, and we hadn't been many days at sea before he grew worse. He wasn't fit for work; but we were short-handed, and he had to stick tohis duty. And says I to myself, `Tim Reardon isn't long for this life, and so I'll do my best to help him;' and when he was aloft or whateverhe had to do, I always kept near him, and helped him many a time when hehadn't strength to pull and haul by himself. This won his heart andmade him wish, as he said, to do me a good turn; but that wasn't everlikely to be in his power. He grew worse and worse, and at last couldno longer crawl upon deck. I used to sit by him when it was my watchbelow, and spake such words to comfort him as I could think of. Oneday, howsomdever, he says to me, `Larry, I've got something on myconscience, and something else in my pocket which I want you to takecharge of. '

"`Anything to serve ye, Tim, ' says I. 

"`I've been an outrageous wicked fellow all my life, and have done allsorts of bad things, ' says Tim. `I've consorted with pirates, and haveseen many a robbery and cruel murther committed--but I won't talk ofthat now. I can't do much good, I'm afraid, but what I can I wish todo, what I'd made up my mind some time ago, when I was well-nigh dyingand should have slipped my cable if it hadn't been for the care Ireceived from a countryman, who took pity on me and nursed me as if I'dbeen his brother. As I got better he told me to cheer up, as he feltsure I should live. "Now, Tim, " says he, "if you ever get to OldIreland, I want you to find out Captain Tracy, who lives near toWaterford, and tell him that I am alive, and, please Heaven, will oneday get back to see him and his daughter. I can't tell him whereaboutsto look for me, for the best of reasons, that I don't know where I am--nor have I any chance of making my escape; but you, Tim, may some dayget free, and promise me, if you do, that you will take this message toCaptain Tracy, and say that hope keeps me alive. "'

"`But maybe Captain Tracy won't believe me?' says I. `If he doesn't, his daughter will; and to make sure, take this bit of paper and show itthem, ' he replied. He wrote two letters on it; it was but a scrap, butit was the only piece he had. I put it in my 'baccy-box to keep itsafe. Not two days after that I managed to make my escape, and, gettingback to Jamaica, looked out for a homeward-bound vessel. As luck wouldhave it, I shipped aboard the _Fair Rosamond_; and now, as death ishauling away at the tow-line, and I have no chance of fulfilling mypromise, if you wish to do me a service and keep my soul quiet, you'llpromise to take the message to Captain Tracy and the bit of paper in my'baccy-box; I'll leave that to you, and everything else I've got onboard. 

"I promised Tim that I'd do as he wished, and that if I failed he mighthaunt me, if he'd a mind to do so, till my dying day. Tim has come morethan once in my dhrames to remind me, and I've been aiger ever since todo his bidding. "

"And where's the bit of paper?" asked Captain Tracy eagerly. 

"Here it is, yer honour, " answered the seaman, pulling a battered oldtobacco-box out of his pocket, from which he produced a yellow scrap ofpaper, on which was written, apparently with the end of a burnt stick, the letters O. M. Norah had been too much excited even to speak. Shegazed at the paper. 

"Yes--these letters were, I am sure, written by Owen. I knew that hewas alive; I was certain of it!" she exclaimed, her bosom palpitating asshe spoke with the varied emotions which agitated her. "Oh, father, look at them! They must have been written by Owen; he had no time ormeans for writing more, and he was sure we should recognise them if theywere ever brought to us. "

The captain took the paper and examined it. "Yes, I truly believe thatthese letters were inscribed by Owen Massey. Had he attempted to writemore, he knew that the whole would probably be obliterated before itcould reach us, so he did the wise and thoughtful thing, " he said. "Ipraise Heaven that he is alive. I was sure from the first that the_Ouzel Galley_ did not go down in the hurricane, and this proves it;though what has become of her, or where Owen is imprisoned, is more thanI can make out--for imprisoned I take it that he is, and strictlyguarded too, or he'd have long since found his way home. "

"The more reason, then, that we should go in search for him, " exclaimedNorah. "Oh, father, let us sail as soon as possible. "

"Captain O'Brien will soon be back from Bristol, and nothing need longerdelay us, except the want of funds, " said the captain, "and they mustfirst be raised. But with the assurance that Owen is still alive--and Ithink the account we have heard affords that--I believe that my friendsFerris, Twigg, and Cash will no longer hesitate to advance the requiredamount. For, though we have no evidence that the _Ouzel Galley_ hasescaped destruction, my belief is that she is safe, as well as hermaster, although we are at present almost as much in the dark as ever asto where she is. Had Tim Reardon survived, we should, I have no doubt, been able to obtain much valuable information to guide us; but as he isdead, we must trust to what we can hereafter gain. We'll hear, however, what further our friend the seaman can tell us. Perhaps, after he hashad some food, he may remember more of what Tim said to him. "

"I'm mighty hungry, yer honour--it's the truth, " said Larry, looking up;on which Norah hastened to get some cold meat and bread, not forgettinga noggin of whisky, at which Larry's eyes glistened. The captainallowed him to eat in silence, and he proved how hungry he must havebeen by the quickness with which he devoured the viands placed beforehim. Another examination elicited little further information, however, from the seaman; his messmate had never mentioned the circumstancesunder which he had met the person who had given him the paper with theinitials O. M. On it. He remembered only that he had once spoken of afine ship of which O. M. Had been master, and which he had not long agoseen, although he either did not know her name or was bound not todivulge it. It was evident, indeed, that the unfortunate Tim Reardonwas under some fearful oath which he was afraid to break, and that hehad always spoken with the greatest caution, lest he might in any waycommit himself. 

"Many would call yours a cock-and-bull story, " observed Captain Tracy, "but I believe you, Larry, and you may have the satisfaction of knowingthat you have fulfilled your promise to your dying messmate. Though youask for no reward, I'll do what I can to repay you for the informationyou have given me; and now you've had some rest and food, if you'll comein with me to Waterford, I'll give you a fresh rig out, and you can castaway the rags you've got on your back. "

"Faith, yer honour, I'm in luck thin. I'm ready to walk a dozen milesor more, " exclaimed Larry, jumping up; and, giving a bow with hisbattered hat and a scrape of the foot, he added, "The top of the morningto you, young lady, and a thousand thanks. It's put fresh life into myheart. Shure, I hope the gentleman you've been inquiring after willcome back alive some bright day. "

Followed by Larry, the captain hurried into Waterford, where, having gotthe seaman rigged out from top to toe in a new suit of clothing, herepaired to Ferris, Twigg, and Cash's office. He there wrote a letterto the firm in Dublin, giving an account of the information he had justreceived, and urging them to advance the sum required to enable the_Research_ to proceed on her voyage. Soon after he had despatched theletter, Captain O'Brien arrived, bringing with him two mates and eightgood men. 

"And now, old friend, " he said, "as I've neither wife nor daughter athome to pipe their eyes at the thoughts of my going, and old Molly, myhousekeeper, however unhappy she may be at first, will soon bereconciled to my absence, I've made up my mind to offer myself as apassenger, to help look after Mistress Norah, in case anything shouldhappen to you. Will you take me?"

"With all my heart, " answered Captain Tracy. "I shall be glad of yoursociety on my own account, and still more for Norah's sake; for, thoughI feel as strong and hearty as I did a dozen years ago, yet it may beHeaven's will to call me, and it would be a comfort to my heart to thinkthat Norah was left with a friend to protect her till Owen Massey shouldappear to claim her as his own. "

"That matter is settled then, and I'll just have my traps packed up andgive directions to old Molly to take care of the house till my return, "said Captain O'Brien. "Having done that, I'll be quickly aboard to takecharge till you appear, as I've already sent the mates and the men Ibrought over on board to keep them out of harm's way. I've also givennotice that a few prime hands are wanted, and I hope to pick up two orthree old shipmates in whom I can place perfect confidence. "

As the two old captains left the office they met Larry Cregan, looking avery different being to what he had done a few hours before. 

"Plase, yer honour, " he said, touching his hat, "I've been told that afew hands are wanted for the _Research_, and though I'm not worth muchat present, after I've put some good beef and pork on my bones I shallturn out as good a hand as any of them. "

"I'll take you at your word, Larry, " said Captain Tracy, "and you may goaboard as soon as you like. "

"Shure, it's the safest place for me, yer honour, " said Larry, "andmaybe I'd otherwise be taking in too much of the potheen, just for joywith thinking that I'd delivered my message and was free of my oath. "

Captain Tracy accordingly gave Larry an order to be received on board asone of the crew, while he himself returned homeward, to make furtherarrangements and to wait for a reply to the letter he had despatched toFerris, Twigg, and Cash. He and Norah paid Mrs Massey a farewellvisit. Norah had already carefully told her the information which hadbeen so curiously gained. 

"I cannot help you to search for my son, " said the widow, "but, thoughunable to leave my home, I can pray unceasingly that Heaven will protectyou in your mission, and reward you for your love and devotion. "

Captain Tracy had expressed his earnest desire to sail without delay, and greatly to his satisfaction, much sooner than he expected, hereceived a letter, sent by a special messenger, from his friends, agreeing to his request and placing the required funds at his disposal. They also consented to ship a certain amount of goods on board the_Research_, and no sooner was this known than several other merchants inWaterford agreed to add to her cargo. When it was known that CaptainTracy was going out in command of the _Research_, and that CaptainO'Brien was to accompany him, as many good men as were required offeredto ship on board her, and her crew was thus speedily completed. Greatinterest was excited when the object of the voyage became generallyknown, and multitudes collected on the quays, cheering right heartilyas, her warps being cast off, sail was made and the _Research_ glidedaway down the river. The two captains agreed that no ship they had evercommanded was better found, better armed, or better manned than she was. A fine northerly breeze earned her out of the harbour, and, all sailbeing made, she took her departure from the land, and steered a coursefor the West Indies. 

CHAPTER FOURTEEN. 

THE SCENERY OF JAMAICA--PROCEEDINGS AT BELLEVUE--A DESCRIPTION OF THESLAVES ON THE ESTATE--AN EXPEDITION PROPOSED--ARRIVAL OF MAJOR MALCOLMAND LIEUTENANT BELT--A MORNING RIDE--A PICNIC--VISIT TO A REMARKABLECAVERN--CURIOUS OBJECTS WITHIN--THE GUIDE'S TERROR AT SEEING SHADOWS INTHE DISTANCE--ARCHIE'S NARROW ESCAPE--WARNINGS--RETURN HOMEWARDS--MEETMARTIN BRINGING ALARMING INTELLIGENCE. 

Among the numberless lovely islands which dot the ocean, few surpassJamaica in beauty and magnificence of scenery, or are adorned with aricher vegetation. Grand as are the views the island presents to thevoyager who approaches it on the southern shore, they are fully equalledby those of its northern coast. At a short distance from the beach theisland rises into hills of gentle ascent, generally separated from eachother by wide valleys, amid which numerous streams find their way to theocean. The hills, mostly rounded, are covered with groves of beautifultrees, many of them loaded with rich fruits and flowers scented with themost delicious odours. Here is seen the pimento, remarkable for itsbeauty and fragrance, the dark green of its foliage finely contrastingwith the bright tints of the grass beneath; while in every direction arefruit trees of various hues, the orange, pineapple, or tamarind, manybearing at the same time blossoms, unripe fruit, and others fit forplucking. In the lower grounds are fertile and level savannahs, plainswaving with cane-fields, displaying a luxuriance of vegetation, theverdure of spring blended with the mellow exuberance of autumn. In thedistance, running down the centre of the island, rise the BlueMountains, their tops dimly seen through the fleecy clouds, the greaterportion of the range being covered with impenetrable forests, theirsides often broken into inaccessible cliffs and abrupt precipices. These forests and cliffs have afforded for several centuries an asylumand fortress to fugitive blacks, who have there set pursuit at defiance, the game and wild fruits the woods supply enabling them to findsubsistence without the necessity of descending into the lower regionsto obtain food. Rocks and mountains, woodlands and plains, everywherebeautifully blending, form conspicuous features in the landscape ofJamaica. Dotted over the country are the pens, or farms, of theplanters--their residences extensive, though not often more than onestory in height, with gardens surrounding them, the works, boiling-houses, and other buildings generally concealed from view bythick woods; while beyond are the cane-fields and the dark, low huts ofthe negroes, standing together in the form of a village, far morepicturesque at a distance than when closely approached. But the woodsare the pride and beauty of the country; there the palm, the cocoa-nut, the mountain cabbage, and the plantain are often associated with thetamarind and orange, the oleander and African rose growing in richluxuriance, the scarlet cordium of a glowing red, the jasmine andgrenadilla vine forming verdant bowers, the lilac with tufted plumes, the portlandia with white and silky leaves, together with an infinitevariety of flower and fruit bearing shrubs. 

Such was the scenery surrounding Bellevue House, at which Ellen Ferrisand her father had now spent some weeks with the worthy attorney, MrTwigg, and his wife and family. Although there were rumours that theblacks in distant districts were disaffected, it was difficult to tracewhence the reports originated, and it was generally believed that theywere without foundation. The Jumby dance which Archie Sandys hadwitnessed some time before was considered a suspicious circumstance byMr Ferris; but the overseer assured him that the blacks on the estatewere all peaceably disposed, and that the assembly at the hut under thecotton-tree was merely for the performance of some rite of theirbarbarous religion, and should not cause the slightest uneasiness. 

"I will keep an eye on what goes forward, and if I hear of any moremeetings of the sort, I will take good care to learn their object, " saidthe overseer. "You must let the blacks amuse themselves in their ownway, provided it does not interfere with work. "

To Ellen, the blacks appeared happy and contented. She had noopportunity, indeed, of looking very deeply into the state of thematter. If the lash was used, she did not hear the cries of thevictims, nor see the marks on their backs. She heard that if they weresick they were taken care of in an hospital, or rather in some hutsappropriated to that object, and that they were attended by the medicalman who had charge of that and two or three neighbouring estates. Heoccasionally visited at the house, and appeared to be a good-natured, merry individual, who told amusing stories about the negroes and theirwonderful ignorance. The negroes of whom she saw most were the domesticslaves, who seemed attached to their masters, and were always willingand obedient, and, being well fed, looked sleek and contented. The mostinteresting was Martha, the black nurse of Mrs Twigg's children. Herdevoted affection for her charges was remarkable; she seemed to have nocare or thought for anything besides them, and though she occasionallyjoined in the village festivities among her own people, she invariablycame back full of anxiety lest any harm should have happened to themduring her absence. She was treated by her mistress with great kindnessand consideration, and perfect confidence was placed in her. The oldgrey-headed butler, Martin, was also on a more familiar footing with hismaster than any white servant of the same position in an Englishhousehold would have been; while all the other domestic slaves, or boysas they were generally called, were merry fellows, always laughing andjoking, though holding old Martin in great respect--their garmentsconsisting of a checked shirt, white trousers, and white jacket, thoughtheir feet were shoeless, and they generally dispensed with hats. Theylooked neat and clean, and had no reason to complain of want of physicalcomfort. Probably, in other cases where the master was ill-tempered, they would have been liable to punishment, deserved or undeserved. 

"But what about the agricultural labourers?" asked Ellen Sandys, who wasever, when he could be so with propriety, by her side--she looking uponhim as a well-mannered, intelligent schoolboy; so that Lieutenant Foleywould have experienced no jealous feelings had he seen them together. 

"Well, they, I suppose, are in their way as happy and contented as theyneed be, " answered Archie. "The field slaves, as we call them, who liveout in the huts there, are divided into gangs. The first is composed ofthe stronger men and women, who work together, the women being able todo almost as much as the men. Their business is to clear the land, digand plant the cane-fields, and in crop-time cut the canes and attend tothe mill-house, where the canes are crushed and the sugar and molassesmanufactured. The second gang is composed chiefly of the bigger boysand girls and more weakly women, who are unable to do the harder work, and the older men who have lost their strength. They have to weed thecanes and attend to other lighter duties. The third gang consists ofthe young children, who are employed chiefly in weeding the gardens, collecting fodder or food for the pigs, and similar easy tasks. The mendrivers are employed in looking after the first two gangs, and areallowed to carry whips to hold over them in terror, even if not oftenused. The gang of children is confided to the charge of an old woman, who carries a long switch; and with her it is no mere emblem ofauthority, for she employs it pretty frequently on the backs of theurchins. You have seen Mammy Quasheba, and I dare say she appears toyou to be a very amiable old dame, for she takes care only to tickle herlittle charges when you or Mrs Twigg are in sight. "

"But do the drivers often make use of those dreadful whips?" askedEllen. 

"On our estate they certainly do not; but on others, seldom or nevervisited by the proprietors, the only notion they have of maintainingorder is the lash, " answered Archie. "The unfortunate black isunmercifully flogged for the slightest offence, or for apparentidleness. You ask how many hours they work. Generally before daybreakthey are aroused by the head driver, who comes into the village blowinga horn, and if they fail to turn out immediately, they become intimatelyacquainted with his whip. They work for three hours, and are thenallowed half an hour for breakfast, during which they manage to stow wayan enormous quantity of vegetable food. They then labour on till noon, when they have two whole hours, either to take their dinner, to sleep, or to work in their own provision grounds and attend to their pigs andpoultry. From two till dark they resume their labours, when theygenerally knock off and return home, except in crop-time, when it isimportant to get the canes cut and carried as rapidly as possible, andthe boiling-house requires a number of hands. However, they become fatand sleek during that period, as they may suck as much of the cane asthey like, and do not look upon the task as especially laborious. As anumber of artisans are required on the estate, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, and coopers, the more intelligent lads are selectedand sent as apprentices to learn those trades; though they get prettyhardly treated at times, they afterwards possess considerable advantagesover the untrained blacks, and often contrive to save enough money tobuy their freedom. Altogether, I don't think the negroes of Jamaica canbe said to be much worse off than the peasantry in many parts of the oldcountry; they may in some respects be even better off than the Irishpeasantry. "

"But yet the poorest Irishman would not readily change places withthem, " remarked Ellen, "and I am afraid, from what I hear, that they aretotally neglected as to their religious and moral condition. "

"As to that, their mental powers are too low to receive religiousinstruction, and their habits too confirmed to be improved; and so, provided they can be maintained in health and perform the requiredamount of labour, few proprietors or overseers trouble themselves muchabout anything else, " answered Archie. "Some, however, have tried toimprove them, and have supported ministers and missionaries among them;but I don't know with what success. "

"Oh, I wish that something could be done for the blacks on this estate!"said Ellen. "It is dreadful to think that they should be allowed bytheir so-called Christian masters to remain on in their heathendarkness. "

"It is very kind in you to interest yourself in the poor blacks, and Iam afraid not many white people trouble their heads about them, " saidArchie. "But I came, Miss Ferris, to propose an excursion to aninteresting place in this neighbourhood which you should see before yougo away--and I fear that your stay is not likely to be prolonged;" andArchie looked unutterable things, and heaved a sigh which Ellen did notobserve. 

"What are its peculiarities, and where is it?" she asked. "I shouldcertainly like to visit any place worth seeing. "

"It is a wonderful cave, about twelve or fifteen miles to the eastwardof this, " answered Archie. "I have never been there myself, as I havenot had a whole holiday to enable me to make the trip, nor companionswith whom I could enjoy it; but if you could persuade Mr Ferris and Mrand Mrs Twigg to go, I am sure they will be repaid for the fatigue ofthe journey. By starting early in the morning we can return bynightfall, as there is a carriage road all the way, or what is calledone in Jamaica; but perhaps you are a horsewoman, and if so, the wholedistance might be performed before the sun has attained an overpoweringheat. "

Ellen was delighted; her only regret was that, the _Champion_ not havingappeared, Lieutenant Foley could not be of the party. Mr Ferris, whenshe told him of the proposal, expressed his readiness to go; and Mr andMrs Twigg, though they had lived so long in the island, never havingseen the cavern, were also willing to join the expedition. 

"We must let the Pembertons know, " said Mrs Twigg. "The other dayFanny Pemberton told me that she was especially wishing to visit thecave. She and her brother are sure to come. "

"Pray ask them, " exclaimed Ellen. "She is a dear, nice girl; and if sheis fond of riding, she will be ready to accompany me. "

"The sooner, then, we start the better, " said Mr Ferris, "or businessof some sort may prevent us, and we must not prolong our stay here. "

"Then I propose we start to-morrow morning, " said Mr Twigg. "There'snothing like fixing an early day, as an ardent lover would say, and wecouldn't well choose an earlier. We'll order the buggies and horses tobe at the door on the first sound of the slave-driver's born, so that wemay enjoy the full freshness of the morning. "

Mrs Twigg forthwith despatched a messenger with a note to Walton Hall, Mr Pemberton's estate, which was situated about four miles inland fromBellevue, asking Miss Pemberton and her brother to come over at once, that they might be ready to start at daybreak. 

The proposed expedition formed the subject of conversation for the restof the evening, Archie Sandys being especially pleased that hissuggestion had been so readily adopted. He and two other youngbook-keepers were to form members of the party. The family hadcollected for an early supper, when horses' hoofs were heard approachingthe house; and it being announced that several gentlemen were coming, Mr Twigg, followed by half a dozen blacks, hurried out to meet them. He speedily returned, accompanied by two strangers in military uniforms, whom he introduced as Major Malcolm and Lieutenant Belt. The officersbowed to the ladies and shook hands with the gentlemen, and at once feltthemselves at home. 

"Supper will be ready in about ten minutes; in the mean time, will yougo to your rooms and make yourselves comfortable after your ride, " saidMr Twigg. 

"What, did you expect us?" exclaimed the major. 

"We always expect guests, " answered Mr Twigg, laughing--"at all events, we are always ready for them. Let me show you the way, gentlemen; yourvalises are already there. "

On their return, Major Malcolm, a fine, soldierly looking man who hadapparently seen much service, explained that he and Lieutenant Belt wereon their way to Montego Bay, having to inspect several small fortressesalong the coast. "We pushed on, however, " he continued, "rather fasterthan was prudent, and knocked up our horses so that they require a day'srest before proceeding further; and we must therefore impose ourselveson you as guests, unless you turn us out. "

"My dear sir, you and your men and horses are perfectly welcome toremain as long as you please, " answered Mr Twigg; "and so you would beif you'd brought your whole regiment, though we might, in that case, have found some difficulty in housing you. "

Of course Major Malcolm and the lieutenant heard of the proposedexpedition. Mr Ferris suggested that it could be put off, but themajor begged that that should on no account be done, and that if steedscould be found for him and Lieutenant Belt, they might accompany theparty. 

"With great pleasure, my dear sir; we can mount you without difficulty, "said Mr Twigg; and turning round, he gave the order to old Martin, whowas standing behind his chair. Supper was still proceeding when MissPemberton and her brother Jack arrived and were heartily welcomed. Shewas a Creole, but with far more life and animation than the generalityof her fair countrywomen; still, her cheek, pure as alabaster, wascolourless; but her figure was good, and her features remarkablyhandsome. Altogether, she fully merited the encomiums Ellen had passedon her. She had been sent to school in England, and was thoroughly welleducated and accomplished. Her brother Jack had had the same advantage, though he spoke, unless when excited, with the usual Creole drawl. Fromthe few remarks he made--for he was not much addicted to talking--hewas, however, not destitute of spirit; and, among his other goodqualities, he evidently looked upon his lovely sister with the mostdevoted admiration. The two young people promised to be a pleasantaddition to the party. 

The family retired earlier than usual, that they might be ready to startat the hour fixed on. The gallant major and the young subaltern wereescorted to their room by Mr Twigg. 

"I little expected to find two such houris in this out-of-the-way spot, "observed the major, as he was throwing off his uniform. 

"Nor did I, " exclaimed the lieutenant. "It is difficult to decide whichof the two is the most charming, but I am most inclined to lose my heartto the young lady with the roses in her cheeks. She hasn't been long inthis burning clime, I suspect, or they would have faded ere this. "

"We shall not be rivals, then, " observed the major, standing up in hisshirt and trousers, and striking out with his doubled fists, as was hiswont before turning in. "I prefer the last arrival, with the classicalfeatures and cheeks as pure as the lily--a fit model for Juno. If Iwere to be long in her society, I should fall desperately in love withher; but I am not likely to commit such a folly, and take care that youdon't, Belt. We shall know more about them to-morrow, and perchance weshall discover that their charms are not so overpowering as we fancy. Ihave often found it to be the case on a second interview. "

"I expect to be more enthralled than ever, " remarked the lieutenant. "However, I have seldom found it difficult to break my fetters; so, major, you needn't trouble yourself on my account. "

"We shall see by to-morrow evening, " said the major. After a few moreremarks in a similar strain, the two officers, both old campaigners, threw themselves on their beds, and were soon fast asleep. 

They were aroused by a black servant, who, bringing in some large ewersof cold water, lighted their lamps and announced that the horses wouldsoon be at the door. On descending to the hall they found the two youngladies in their riding-habits, whip in hand, ready to mount. Mrs Twiggand her husband and the other gentlemen soon made their appearance, andthe servants brought round trays with cups of hot chocolate and bottlesof liqueur. 

"You must fortify yourselves, gentlemen, " said Mr Twigg. "Let merecommend this curacoa; it is a good preventive against any ill effectsfrom the morning air. "

While the major was engaged in sipping his chocolate, the young ladieshad gone out, and the two officers, greatly to their vexation, foundthat Archie Sandys had performed the office they had expected to haveundertaken, and had assisted Ellen and Fanny to mount. The horsesprovided for the officers were next brought forward. 

"Here is your horse, major, " said Mr Twigg, pointing to a fine-lookinganimal; "and, Lieutenant Belt, I hope you will not find yours inferior. "

The two officers mounted, and had every reason to be satisfied withtheir steeds. Archie Sandys assumed the leadership of the party, and asthey moved forward he managed to place himself by the side of Ellen. The carriages started almost immediately afterwards. Major Malcolm veryquickly found an opportunity of riding up to Miss Pemberton, a positionhe seemed in no way disposed to abdicate. The young lieutenant in vainattempted to gain an equally favourable place by the side of Ellen, forArchie kept his post pertinaciously, determined not to beout-manoeuvred, and the road was not of a width to allow of threeabreast. The rest of the gentlemen followed, talking and jokingmerrily. 

The road led between hedges of prickly-pear, eight or ten feet inheight, and often of considerable width, the broad leaves so closelyoverlapping each other that they formed a dense mass through which thelight failed to penetrate, bright scarlet flowers and purple fruitornamenting the massive wall. Here and there cocoa-nut trees sprang upfrom the inner side like oaks or elms in an English hedgerow, most ofthem loaded with fruit; while occasionally a cabbage palm or thepalmetto royal towered above them, surpassing its neighbours in gracefulbeauty, its straight trunk rising without a branch to the height of ahundred feet or more, crowned by a waving plume, in the centre of whichappeared a tender green shoot. Through the openings to the rightappeared plantations of sugar-cane, and occasionally fields of Indiancorn--the magnificent yellow cobs, with long, wavy beards, hanging fromtheir vigorous stalks. 

"Did you taste the cabbage palm the other day at dinner?" asked Archie. 

"Yes, I thought it very nice, " answered the young lady, rather surprisedat the question. 

"Do you know where it came from?" asked Archie. 

"From a cabbage garden, I suppose, " answered Ellen, laughing. 

"No, from the top of one of those lofty trees, " answered Archie. "Thatis to say, it was at the top, but to obtain it the tree had to be cutdown. "

"What a cruel sacrifice! I should not have eaten it with anysatisfaction had I known that, " exclaimed Ellen. 

"We soon get indifferent to such matters in this country, " said Archie. "See how many of them there are in all directions. "

"I am afraid that you will become indifferent in other matters, "observed Ellen--"to those slave-whips, for instance, though you say theyare only used in cases of necessity. When the drivers are judges as towhether that necessity is lawful, the poor slaves are likely to feel thelash very frequently, I suspect. "

"It is found from experience that they cannot otherwise be kept inorder, " answered Archie. "I confess that at first I shuddered as I sawthe whip used. "

"Do the blacks never rebel against such treatment?" asked Ellen. 

"They have at times, " replied Archie. "In the year '37 there was anoutbreak, and there have been others at different periods; but they wereput down in so rigorous a fashion that the negroes are not likely again, I fancy, to make the attempt. "

"I trust not, " said Ellen, "for it would be a fearful thing were thesetens of thousands of blacks, discovering their strength, to rise ontheir masters and attempt to revenge the wrongs they have suffered. "

The conversation between Ellen and her devoted attendant was, it must beconfessed, of a very unsentimental character; indeed, she would veryquickly have put a stop to anything that had been otherwise, althoughthe romantic scenery through which they were passing might, under othercircumstances, have exercised its influence over her. Not a breath ofwind as yet disturbed the calm, pure atmosphere; the ocean appeared likea sheet of glass; the blue sky overhead was undimmed by a cloud; themountain-tops seen to the right rose above the mass of green, theiroutline distinctly marked, though at a considerable distance. The onlysounds which reached them were the lowing of cattle and the signal hornsof the drivers summoning the negroes to their work. In a short time thelight increased, the sun rose above the ocean, and a gentle breeze wavedthe topmost boughs of the trees, breaking the sea below on the left intotiny wavelets. Now the road led round a hill, with a steep precipice onthe left reaching down to the water, and high cliffs to the rightcovered with shrubs and creepers of every hue. As it was seen ahead, itappeared as if there was barely room for more than one horse to pass, and that no carriage could possibly get along without risk of fallingover the precipice; but as they proceeded it widened out, and Archie, notwithstanding Ellen's cautions, insisted on still keeping his place, riding between her and the edge of the precipice. 

"Pray keep behind me, or ride on in front, Mr Sandys, " she exclaimed. "You would horrify me exceedingly were you to fall over the edge; and tosave you from running the risk, I am compelled, you see, to ride soclose to the cliff that I run the chance of having my hat torn off bythe boughs above, or getting my shoulder struck by a projecting rock. "

Still Archie begged to ride on as he was doing. "Were your horse toshy, Miss Ferris, " he remarked, "I might be the means of saving you, andI would run every risk for the sake of doing that. "

Ellen laughed. "I am very ungrateful, " she said, "but I cannot allowyou to be placed in any danger on my account: you make me feeluncomfortable, if not nervous, and I am almost inclined to be angry withyou for your disobedience. "

Archie at length rode on, though very unwillingly, and the hill beingpassed the road now struck more inland, sometimes leading over slightelevations, and at others along the levels for some distance, when thesteeds, trained to a Spanish amble suitable for a tropical climate, gotquickly over the ground. The groves of tall trees threw a shade acrossthe road which prevented the heat from being overpowering. Before thesun had attained its full strength a rocky hill rose before them with awood at its base; here they found a tent already pitched, and a fire ata little distance from it. A number of black servants, who, itappeared, had been sent on before, were busily engaged in cookingbreakfast. 

"De tent for de missee, " said a black, Quambo by name, who acted asunder-butler to old Martin, coming forward. "Dey rest dere till decarriages come if dey like. "

The gentlemen threw themselves from their horses, eager to assist Ellenand Miss Pemberton to dismount, the lieutenant rushing forward andoffering his hand to the former, who accepted it with a smile which senta pang of jealousy through poor Archie's breast, the gallant majorhelping Fanny from her horse. While the young ladies took advantage ofthe tent to rest--for the ride had been much longer than they had beenaccustomed to take, and they felt somewhat tired--the gentlemen, lighting their cigars, strolled through the thick wood towards theentrance of the cavern. On their way they passed a large lagoon ofstagnant water, surrounded by trees, every branch and leaf reflected onits mirror-like surface with a peculiar clearness. They could discoveronly two holes, which looked like the upper parts of arched doorways. Between them, in the face of the rock, was a niche in which a statuemight have been placed, while just below it was a basin or hollow in therock, which appeared to have been formed by art for the purpose ofholding water. 

"I shouldn't be surprised if the Spaniards had made a sort of chapelhere when they had possession of the country, " observed Lieutenant Belt. "See, that niche looks as if a figure of the Virgin Mary, for instance, had been placed there. This basin was evidently made to hold what theycall holy water. They had probably made an attempt to convert theIndians by introducing their worship, but finding them obdurate andunable to comprehend its mysteries, put them to death as a punishment. From an account I read the other day, the island, when first discoveredby Columbus, was thickly populated; but in the course of a few years, after the Spaniards took possession, the greater number of the nativeshad been murdered or expended in some other way. "

The rest of the party agreed with him. As they were all getting hungry, they returned to the camp, where, in a space which had been cleared bythe servants, a tablecloth had been spread, and was already covered withviands, cushions and mats being placed around on which the ladies couldrecline. The carriage party soon arrived, and Mr Twigg, in his cheeryvoice, summoned his guests to breakfast, which consisted of numberlessWest Indian delicacies. In spite of the good appetites their ride hadgiven them, most of the party were too eager to explore the cavern topay them that attention they undoubtedly deserved. After the gentlemenhad smoked their cigars, and the ladies had put on costumes moresuitable for the object in view than their riding-habits, headed by MrTwigg the party set forth, Major Malcolm escorting Miss Pemberton, andEllen being attended by Archie and Lieutenant Belt, who was determinedno longer to be cut out. Mr Ferris had taken charge of Mrs Twigg, whoconfessed that had not the girls required her as a chaperone, she wouldrather have remained at home. 

"Martha, indeed, particularly wanted me not to come, " she remarked. "She seemed unusually put out about something or other. Whether shefancied that the children were not as well as usual, or for some othercause, I could not guess; but they appeared to me to be so perfectlyhappy that I did not think it necessary to listen to her. She urged, however, that we should come back before dark, and Mr Twigg agreed thatit would be important to get by the cliffs before sunset; after that, the ride is so easy, and we know it so well that there can be nodanger. "

This was said as they were proceeding through the wood. Mr Ferrisagreed that it would certainly be advisable not to delay their departureafter they had explored the cavern and taken luncheon, and that it wouldbe better to endure the heat of the afternoon than to run the risk oftravelling in the dark. An experienced guide and a supply of torches, consisting of bundles of candlewood split into small strips, had beenprovided. The party stood before the face of the rock. 

"What, are we to go in there?" asked Miss Pemberton, in a tone ofdismay. 

"I am afraid that we shall discover no other mode of ingress, " said MrTwigg, as the guide, with the torches under his arm, crept through thelarger of the two openings. "Come, Archie, do you and the rest of yougo next, " he said, turning to the two book-keepers, "and hail when thetorches are lighted. You will assist to sweep the passage. "

Archie, not very well pleased, obeyed his superior, and in a short timethe voices of the young gentlemen from within were heard shouting, "Allright!" The gallant lieutenant next went down on his hands and knees, his long legs disappearing through the entrance. The major stood bowingto Mrs Twigg, who seemed to consider that it was her duty to go next, that she might be ready to receive her charges; they, laughing, quicklyfollowed her, the major and the other gentlemen bringing up the rear. They found themselves in a circular vestibule about twenty feet indiameter and fourteen in height, with an irregular concave ceilingcovered, as were the sides, with innumerable glittering stalactites, reflecting on their polished surfaces the light of the torches held bythe guide and the young book-keepers, who stood round in a circle, flourishing them over their heads. Several columns of stalactiteforming arches overhead gave the cavern, the appearance of a Gothicchapel, while between the pillars various openings led into avenueswhich diverged in different directions, apparently running far away intothe interior of the mountain. 

"See, there sits the presiding genius of the cavern, " said Mr Twigg, taking a torch and advancing a few steps towards an object which had awonderful resemblance to a statue carved by the sculptor's hand. It wasthat of a venerable hermit, sitting in profound meditation, wrapped in aflowing robe, his arms folded and his beard descending to his waist. His head was bald, his forehead wrinkled with age, while his featureswere well defined, the eyes, nose, and mouth being perfect. Thegraceful, easy folds of the drapery and the wavy flow of his beard wereespecially remarkable. Mr Twigg did not say that he had gone inshortly before with the guide and artistically touched up the featuresby the liberal use of charcoal. 

"Shouldn't wonder if the old fellow was a god of the originalinhabitants of the island, " said Lieutenant Belt. "Never saw anythingso natural in my life. "

Expressions of delighted surprise escaped from the young ladies, andeven Mrs Twigg was very glad that she had come. 

"But we have only seen the commencement of this magic cavern; it hasmore wonders to reveal to us, " remarked her husband, desiring the blackguide to lead on. He accordingly proceeded through one of the widestpassages in front of them, holding his torch high above his head to showits height, which appeared to be from twelve to fifteen feet. Each ofthe young men also carried a torch, which illumined the otherwise totaldarkness of the cavern, bringing out the numberless objects hanging fromthe roof or appearing on either side--canopies studded with bright gems, festoons of sparkling icicles, rostrums and thrones, busts of warriorsand poets. Here were skulls grinning from the wall; columns of everyorder of architecture; fonts and basins, some holding water; and athousand other representations of works of art. Here and there otherpassages struck off to the right or left, adorned in the same curiousfashion. Most of the arches and columns appeared to consist of agreyish marble, and were wild and curious in the extreme. Some of thepillars were perfect, sustaining apparently the massive superstructure;others were only half formed; and many were but just commenced by thedripping of water from above. Several of the apartments were cellular;others spacious and airy, having eyelet holes through the roof, whichallowed the escape of noxious vapours, and assisted greatly to ventilatethe cavern. The ground beneath their feet was of a soft nature, deepand yielding, and had a peculiar smell. As they advanced, thousands ofbats flew out from among the crevices of the rock, disturbed by thelight of the torches and the voices of the visitors, which echoedthrough the passages and vaulted roof. They had not gone far when theguide stopped short, and an exclamation of alarm escaped him. 

"What is dem? Did you see dem, massa?" he asked of Archie, who was byhis side. The rest of the party, who were close at his heels, sawnumerous dark forms flitting by at the further end of a passage directlyin front of them, while unearthly sounding voices reached their ears. 

"Those must be shadows cast by the light of our torches, " observed themajor; "the sounds are merely echoes. "

"No, no, massa, dey duppies, " cried the guide; "de echo nebber take solong to come back to us. "

Still the major was not convinced, although Mr Twigg suspected thatthey had disturbed an assembly of negroes, who, not expecting that thecavern was about to be visited by strangers, had met there for somepurpose or other. It was some time before the guide recovered hiscourage. 

"Come along, " said Archie; "if they were duppies they will be afraid ofinterfering with white people, and if black fellows, they are still lesslikely to trouble us. "

The other young men, who were always ready to follow Archie, insisted onthe guide going on; but he let them proceed in advance, directing themwhich way to take. They had gone some distance further, passing theentrances of several more passages, when the guide cried out, "Stop, atop, massa; we got furder dan I tink. " Scarcely were the words out ofhis mouth than Archie and his torch disappeared, and before they couldstop themselves, two of his companions fell over. The ladies shrieked, supposing that the young men had fallen down some frightful hollow; butthe shouts of laughter which followed soon reassured them, as did theassertions of the guide, that there was no harm done. It was found thatthey had merely gone done a descent of four or five feet, and hadquickly again picked themselves up. The guide followed them, and theladies, assisted by the gentlemen, easily leaped down to a lower levelof the cavern. They continued their walk without further interruption, till daylight streamed down upon them from above, and they foundthemselves in an open area, with steep rocks covered with treessurrounding them on all sides. This area, as nearly as they couldconjecture, lay about a quarter of a mile from the entrance of thegrotto. From it numerous other passages branched off, into one of whichthe guide led them. They shortly came to a magnificent circular chamberwith a vaulted ceiling eighteen feet or more in height. The mostcurious feature was the straight taproot of a tree which descended fromabove, about the size of a cable, uniform in shape from the top to thebottom. It had apparently made its way through a cleft in the rock, andpenetrated downwards till it reached the floor of the apartment. On oneside was an opening into a narrow passage, which the guide endeavouredto dissuade the gentlemen from entering. Archie, however, who hadbecome excited, and considered himself the leader of the party, insistedon going forward. 

"Don't go, massa, don't go; you'll fall down deep well and nebber comeup again, " shrieked the guide. Archie and his companions, notwithstanding this warning, pushed forward, holding their torches wellbefore them. The passage became more and more contracted, till theyreached an upright ledge of rock rising like a parapet wall almostbreast high. They climbed up it, but on the other side it slopedrapidly down, and Archie, bold as he had become, thought it prudent todraw back; but instead of doing so he found himself slipping forward, and would have been unable to stop had not one of the other book-keeperscaught hold of his coat and assisted him to scramble up again. Justthen the guide came up. "Massa, you not know what you escape, " heexclaimed. "See. " And he threw a stone, which, after descending forsome seconds of time, was heard to plunge into water, the noise echoingbackwards and forwards amid the rocks which formed the side of thechasm. Archie shuddered as he thought of his merciful escape. Otherstones of larger size being thrown in produced a loud, hoarse soundwhich reached to a considerable distance. 

"What a fearful uproar you would have made, Archie, if you'd taken aleap into the chasm!" said one of his companions. 

"Don't talk of it, man; it is a lesson to me for the future to lookbefore I leap, " was the answer. 

"No, massa, as I say, you nebber come up again, unless you pop up in desea, " observed the guide. "Dat hole full ob salt water and full ob bigfish; but I nebber gone down, and nebber intend to go--he, he, he!"

Further exploration in that direction having been cut short, the partyturned back, slowly to retrace their steps, occasionally entering for ashort distance some of the numerous avenues which they discovered asthey proceeded; but they were all apparently much like those they hadalready visited. The ceilings were incrusted with stalactites, betweenwhich in several places the fibrous roots of trees and plants forcedtheir way downwards through the interstices; in many places honeycombedrocks formed the roof-work of the grotto; and in others, where openingsappeared towards the sky, the ground was strewed with various seeds androots, that of the bread-nut especially being in great abundance. Reptiles, too, of curious shape were seen scuttling away, disturbed bythe intruders--toad, snake, and lizard forms, all curiously covered withincrustations. The parts of the cavern open to the air weredelightfully cool, and Lieutenant Belt proposed that they should sendfor their provisions and lunch in one of the larger apartments. Hismotion, however, was overruled, the ladies especially objecting to sitdown with the bats flying overhead, and the creatures they had seencrawling about round them. Still, they all lingered to examine moreparticularly the numberless curious formations, unwilling to bidfarewell to the grotto, which few of them were likely again to visit. Perhaps, too, they hesitated to commence the undignified exit which theywould have to make. The torches being nearly exhausted, Mr Twigg, looking at his watch, announced that it was time for luncheon. 

"After which we must not delay in commencing our homeward journey, "observed Mr Ferris, who had remembered Mrs Twigg's warnings. 

With much laughter, Major Malcolm on this occasion leading the way, thewhole party crept in succession through the opening of the cavern, andstood at length in the free air, their sensations reminding them of thefeeling experienced on entering a hot-house. Major Malcolm had scarcelyfor a moment left Fanny Pemberton's side; he now escorted her back tothe camp. His first inquiry of the servants was whether they had seenany strange negroes in the wood. The blacks all declared that they hadnot; but his own man, who had made an excursion by himself to the sideof the lagoon, stated that while he was looking towards the rock he sawsome dozen or twenty black fellows steal out of a small opening and runoff in an opposite direction, evidently, as he supposed, endeavouring tokeep themselves concealed. 

"Were they armed?" asked the major. 

"Yes, sir; each man had a weapon of some sort--a spear or bow--in hishands, and two or three had firelocks, " was the answer. 

"That looks suspicious, " thought the major; and he mentioned what hisman had told him to Mr Ferris, who became very grave. 

"Fortunately the fellows don't consider us enemies, or they might haveshot us down with impunity, " he observed. "There is something goingforward among the blacks, I fear; and at all events the sooner we are onour return home the better. "

An ample luncheon of fish, flesh, and fowl, vegetables, and fruit ofevery description had been prepared. It was hurried over somewhatrapidly; the servants were directed to pack up and proceed on their wayhomeward; and as soon as the tent was struck, the steeds, which had beentethered in the shade with their heads in nose-bags, were bridled andsaddled. 

"To horse! to horse! ladies and gentlemen, " shouted Mr Twigg. "We mustbrave the heat and dust, instead of riding home by moonlight as weproposed; we shall enjoy the cool evening all the more on our arrival. "

The younger members of the party, who had heard nothing of the causewhich had created anxiety in the minds of Major Malcolm and Mr Ferris, were somewhat surprised at the summons, but quickly prepared to start. 

"Let me assist you to mount, Miss Pemberton, " said Major Malcolm. Leading forward her horse, and placing his hand a little above theground, he dexterously lifted her into her saddle. Lieutenant Belt, imitating his example, brought forward Ellen's steed, and was delightedto find that she accepted his services, poor Archie being compelled tofall into the rear. The party on horseback led the way, the carriagesrattling after them. Major Malcolm, who once having gone a road neverforgot it, rode on with Miss Pemberton, Ellen and her cavalier followingclose behind them. They had just passed the cliff, when, the road beingbroad and level, Fanny proposed a canter. They had ridden on about amile further, when they saw, beneath the shade of the tall treesdirectly ahead, a horseman galloping at full speed towards them. As heapproached he was seen to be a white-headed negro, his hat, which justthen blew off, exposing his hoary locks. 

"He is old Martin, Mr Twigg's butler, " exclaimed Fanny. "What couldhave made him come out to meet us in so great a hurry?"

"Where Massa Twigg?" exclaimed the old man. "I tank Heaven I meet youso soon. "

"He is close behind, " answered Major Malcolm. "I trust that you are notthe bearer of bad news?"

"Yes, sar, I bring berry bad news: we all hab our troats cut and bemurdered and burnt before dis night, " answered old Martin, who hadfastened a huge silver spur to one of his heels, and had caught up aslave-driver's whip. Without waiting for further questions he gallopedforward, leaving Major Malcolm and Miss Pemberton as ignorant as atfirst of what had occurred. 

CHAPTER FIFTEEN. 

MR. TWIGG RIDES FORWARD TO PREPARE FOR THE DEFENCE OF THE HOUSE--THEREST OF THE PARTY FOLLOW--ENCOUNTER A PARTY OF BLACKS--PROVE TO BEFRIENDS--THE OVERSEERS INCREDULITY--PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENDING THEHOUSE--DOUBTS AS TO THE TRUTH OF THE REPORTS--A FRESH ARRIVAL BRINGSALARMING NEWS--MR. HAYWARD'S ACCOUNT OF HIS ESCAPE--SCOUTS SENT OUT--ALLHANDS LABOUR AT THE FORTIFICATIONS--MAJOR MALCOLM AND A PARTY SET OFFFOR WALTON HALL--THE INSURGENTS APPEAR AND ATTACK THE HOUSE--DRIVENBACK--THE SIEGE--PROVISIONS AND WATER BECOME SCARCE--A SORTIE TO OBTAINWATER--THE INSURGENTS ATTEMPT TO BURN THE STOCKADES--DRIVEN BACK BY BELTAND ARCHIE--ANOTHER SORTIE TO DIG YAMS--ARCHIE CAPTURED BY THE REBELS. 

Mr Ferris was acting as charioteer to Mrs Twigg, and took the lead ofthe carriages. 

"What's the matter?" she cried out, as she caught sight of old Martingalloping up, dreadful surmises, however, entering her mind. 

"Oh, Missee Twigg, don't stop, and I tell you as you go along, " answeredthe old butler, who having seen his master following behind, turned hishorse round. 

"Are the children all safe?" was the next question the anxious motherput. 

"Yes, dey all berry well; but Martha tell me if I lub dere lives andyours to jump on horseback and come and tell you to make haste home. She say, and I know she speak de truth, dat de black fellows who runaway to de mountains, and many oders, tousands and tousands from all deestates, hab got hold of firelocks and 'munition, and intend to murderall de whites in de island, from one end to de oder, and before nightdey come and burn down Bellevue and cut de troats of us all. She sayour only hope am to get aboard ship or make de house so strong dat weable to drive dem away when day come. "

"How did Martha know this?" asked Mrs Twigg anxiously. 

"Dat more nor I can tell, " answered Martin. "All I know am dat shespeak de truth. "

"Then tell your master, and we will drive on as fast as we can, " saidMrs Twigg. "Say Mr Ferris and I are considering what it will be bestto do. "

Martin, allowing Mr Twigg to come up with him, gave him the sameaccount. Mr Twigg received the information with more composure thanhis wife had done. "Desert the house I will not, " he answered. "Wewill fortify it, and defend ourselves like men. It is providentialthese two officers arrived with their troopers, as they will be of thegreatest assistance; and if all the boys prove true, we shall have nodifficulty in holding out against any attack, should one be made on us. Go back, Martin; send at once to find Mr Thompson. Say that I havereason fully to believe the information Martha has given; beg him tocollect all the white men and trustworthy overseers, with their arms andammunition. And also we must not forget our neighbours. Despatch amessenger--Jericho, Sambo, or any other fellow--to Mr Pemberton, andadvise him either to join us with all his family, or to fortify hishouse as we intend doing ours. But stay, Martin. It may be safer, toprevent mistakes, if I go myself; a gallop, though the sun is hot, won'tkill me. I'll take your horse, and you shall drive the buggy. "

The exchange was soon made, and Mr Twigg galloped forward, telling hiswife as he passed what he proposed doing, and quickly dashing by Ellenand Fanny. 

"Don't be alarmed, ladies, " he cried out; "but the truth is we expect anattack from some blacks, who have broken out into rebellion, and we aregoing on to see what can be done to give them a warm reception. "

"Surely, in that case, Major Malcolm, we ought not to detain you, as youwill wish to assist in preparing for the defence of the house--for Iconclude that is what Mr Twigg means, " said Fanny in a calm tone. 

"But we cannot leave you unprotected, Miss Pemberton, " answered MajorMalcolm. "Should the negroes really have risen, you might encountersome on the road, who would, seeing you alone, try to make you prisonersfor the sake of holding you as hostages. I positively cannot leaveyou. "

"Then we will gallop on together, " said Miss Pemberton. "Miss Ferris'shorse and mine are firm-footed, and I am sure that she will be ready todo as I propose. "

She turned round to Ellen, who was perfectly willing to go on, andpressing their horses with their whips in a way which astonished theanimals, they galloped forward. The road was dry and dusty, and in someplaces, where unsheltered by the trees, the sun beat down with intenseheat; but in their anxiety they cared not for the inconvenience. Onlooking back they saw Mr Ferris and the other carriages coming along atalmost as fast a rate as they were going. Gradually they weredistancing them. Ellen was unwilling to leave her father behind. 

"I am afraid that they are pursued by the blacks, " she exclaimed. "Oh, should they be overtaken!"

"In that case Mr Ferris would far rather that you should escape, " urgedthe lieutenant. "Let me entreat you not to stop; supposing the rebelsare pursuing us, we could do nothing. "

Still Ellen checked her horse till Mr Ferris again came in sight, whenshe heard him shouting, "Go on! go on!" and at the same time makingsignals with his whip as he lashed his horse. Poor Mrs Twigg washolding on to the carriage, expecting every moment to be thrown out; butMr Ferris, an experienced driver, kept a tight hand on the rein. OldMartin came dashing after him, standing up lashing his horse, andshrieking out at the top of his voice, "On! on! old nagger; no tumbledown on oo knees!" while still farther off Jack Pemberton, Archie, andthe other horsemen were seen acting as a rearguard, they, even if soinclined, not considering it respectful to pass the carriages. Ellen, on hearing her father's shouts, again applied her whip to her horse'sflanks and galloped forward, much to the lieutenant's satisfaction. Themajor and Fanny could only dimly be seen amid the cloud of dust in theroad, here darkened by overhanging trees. 

"We cannot be very far, I trust, from Bellevue, " said Ellen; "my horseappears to be flagging. "

"The animal is but little accustomed to move at this rate with any oneon its back. Be ready to check it should it stumble, " answered thelieutenant; "but with your light weight there is very little chance ofthat. We have, I believe, but two miles to go, and we shall soon coverthat ground. Don't spare the whip, Miss Ferris; you must think of yourown safety more than the feelings of your steed. "

Following Lieutenant Belt's advice, Ellen made her horse spring forward, and they at length again overtook Major Malcolm and Fanny. Just then aparty of blacks were seen ahead, coming along the road towards them. Fanny was about to check her horse, fearing that they had evilintentions. 

"If they are rebels we must dash by them--it is our best chance ofescape, " cried the major, drawing his sword. "I will defend you with mylife, Miss Pemberton. Only keep up your courage and ride straightforward; they'll not dare to come within arm's length of us. "Lieutenant Belt imitated the major's example, and said something of thesame tenour to Ellen. 

"But my father--they will attack him and Mrs Twigg!" she exclaimed. 

"He has pistols in the carriage, and a shot or two will soon send theblack fellows to the right-about, " answered the major. They gallopedforward, and their anxiety was quickly relieved on discovering that theblacks were headed by one of the book-keepers, who had been met by MrTwigg and despatched along the road to render any assistance which mightbe required. 

"All's safe at the house, sir, and it's my belief that the blacks on theestate will prove loyal, whatever may be the case elsewhere, " observedthe book-keeper. 

"Go forward and obey your orders, sir, " said the major; "we will ride onmore leisurely to the house. "

Fanny drew a deep breath. "I feel inexpressibly relieved, " she said, "though I was sure, Major Malcolm, that you would have protected me; butI am more anxious about my father and mother and the rest of the familyat Walton. It is more exposed even than Bellevue, and, though perhapsour own slaves may prove faithful, there are other estates on eitherside where the blacks are said to be harshly treated; and they may takethe opportunity of revenging themselves on all the white people withintheir reach. I would rather go home at once to share their fate. "

"I am very sure, Miss Pemberton, that should your family be in danger, they would not desire that you should be exposed to it, " answered themajor. "You yourself require rest--and, indeed, your steed would notcarry you much further. I trust that the report which has alarmed usmay prove to be without much foundation, and I will get Mr Twigg tosend over at once to Walton and ascertain the state of affairs--or, if Ifind that Bellevue is safe, I will ride over myself to offer myservices. "

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" exclaimed Fanny; "I shall indeed begrateful. "

Riding somewhat more leisurely than at first, though still keeping up asmart canter, they soon reached Bellevue, where they found that MrTwigg had sent out to collect the book-keepers and drivers, white andbrown, to assemble at the house for its protection. Major Malcolm'sfirst inquiry was as to his means of defence. 

"I have firearms, which I have kept ready in case of any outbreak suchas that of '37, and all the white men on the estate have theirfowling-pieces and pistols, " he answered. "We fortunately procured acouple of casks of powder not long ago. "

"Very good; but have you a supply of bullets?" asked the major. 

"No--dear me, I am afraid not, " said Mr Twigg. 

"But you have moulds, surely, for casting them?" continued MajorMalcolm. 

"Yes; some are stored with the arms, I believe, " was the answer. 

"And what about lead?" asked the major. The worthy planter lookedperplexed. "You must surely have some leaden pipes or cisterns, or leadin some form or other. Pray search in every direction, and I will setmy two fellows to work at once to cast bullets, while we go round andconsider the best means for fortifying the house. It is as well to beprepared, although I believe that, after all, it will prove a falsealarm. "

The ladies were more tired and overcome with the heat than they hadexpected while the excitement of riding lasted, and had to retire totheir rooms. Mr Ferris soon arrived with Mrs Twigg, when she and herhusband immediately sent for the black nurse, Martha, that they mightascertain from her whence she had obtained the alarming intelligence shehad sent them. She would only reply, "I tell you, massa, what is detruth. I lub de children better than life; but I know when de blackfellows find out dat I tell you, dey kill me. De Obeah man do it. Eventhough he not find me, I die--I know it; but if I save you and dechildren, I not care. "

Nothing else could be elicited from Martha, but she persisted indeclaring that they would find ere long that she had given no falsealarm. Both Mr and Mrs Twigg, indeed, were convinced that she spokethe truth; and Mr Twigg went on with the preparations for the defenceof the house. In a short time Mr Thompson, who had been at the furtherend of the estate, and several book-keepers came in. 

"What has happened, Mr Twigg?" he exclaimed. "Sambo brought me acock-and-bull story about a number of blacks being in arms, and comingdown to burn and sack the house and murder us all. I don't believe it, sir. Our people, at all events, are kept in too good order to doanything of the sort; and I should have heard of any ill-feelingexisting among the slaves in any of the neighbouring estates. I begyour pardon, sir--but it seems to me ridiculous to suppose that theywould again attempt to rebel; they cannot have forgotten how they weretreated the last time they ventured to rise in arms. Of course, gentlemen from England and military officers could not be expected toknow anything about the matter, and they are therefore ready to believethe absurd reports. "

"But I also, Mr Thompson, am inclined to believe that there is more init than you suppose, " answered the planter, "old Martin is evidentlyalarmed--and he is as sensible as he is faithful. "

Still the overseer was incredulous. "I'll obey your orders, however, sir, " he said, "and do anything you or the military officers thinknecessary to put the house in a state of defence. "

"Very well, Mr Thompson; collect all the trustworthy people, and directthem to bring their arms and ammunition, and as large a stock ofprovisions as they have ready, " replied Mr Twigg, "and we will followout any plan Major Malcolm may suggest. He will, of course, take thecommand, and for our own sakes we shall be wise to obey his orders. "

The overseer laughed. "Well, sir, we shall take a great deal of troublefor nothing, " he said; "and should the military gentlemen order us tolevel the out-buildings, and to cut down the trees surrounding thehouse, we shall do more damage than can be easily repaired. "

Several of the young men agreed with Mr Thompson, but Archie Sandys andJack Pemberton sided with the other gentlemen. Martha remained as firmas at first in her belief that if they did not make haste and get readyto defend themselves, they would all be destroyed. The major's firstcare had been to see that the arms and ammunition were in a serviceablestate. The former evidently required cleaning; with the powder he wassatisfied. Though no leaden pipes were procurable, as bamboo canesserve every purpose for which the former are used in other countries, aleaden cistern and some pigs of lead which had been sent with themuskets were found, and the three troopers who had accompanied the majorand his companion were set to work to cast bullets and clean up thearms; while the major, after twice making the circuit of the house, advised that it should be surrounded in the first place with a_chevaux-de-frise_ of timber and stout bamboos sharpened at the ends, and that, if time would allow, inside that a palisade should be erectedwith loopholes for musketry and of a height sufficient to protect thegarrison. 

"At all events, " he observed, "no harm can be done by collecting thematerials for the purpose, and we can then proceed according to theinformation we receive. "

This plan seemed so sensible that even Mr Thompson did not object toit, and all the available hands were divided into two parties--some sentto the nearest cane-brake to cut the canes, and others to fell trees. Night was approaching, and after the first few loads had been broughtin, Mr Thompson suggested that they should wait till the followingmorning. Martha, who was eagerly watching all the proceedings, went toher master and, with tears in her eyes, entreated that there might be nodelay. 

"I know what will happen dis berry night, " she said; "if any one shuthis eyes, perhaps no wake in de morning. "

As the moon was nearly half full, there would be light. For some hoursMr Twigg accordingly directed that the people should continue theirwork. Most of the slaves seemed to labour willingly; but the driverswho were superintending them observed that they went lazily about theirwork, and did as little as they possibly could. Mr Thompson, on beingtold of this, remarked that it was no wonder, as they had been toilingall day, and it was not his custom to work the slaves after sundown, aswas done on some ill-managed estates. As soon as the logs of wood andthe canes were brought in, Major Malcolm and the lieutenant, with theirmen, having provided themselves with axes, threw off their coats andcommenced cutting the logs and canes into proper lengths and showing howthey were to be fixed in the ground. Between the canes which formed the_chevaux-de-frise_ were planted large masses of prickly-pear, throughwhich no ill-clad black, nor indeed any human being, could force hisway. It was considered that this would stop the enemy even moreeffectually than the palisades. It was no easy task, however, to cutthe sword-like leaves and place the plants in their required positions. The young Englishmen not otherwise employed offered their assistance, asdid old Martin and the other black servants, in forming both the works, the latter managing to handle the prickly-pears far more dexterouslywithout hurting themselves than their masters. 

"We shall do no material harm to your lawn, Mrs Twigg, " observed MajorMalcolm, "and for your sake I trust that it may not become the scene ofa conflict. By-the-by, Mr Twigg, if there is a serious chance of it wemust barricade the doors and windows, and it will be prudent to have thematerials ready for the purpose. If you have no spare planking, I haveno doubt that one of the out-buildings will supply what we require. "

Mr Twigg of course agreed to this, and, lantern in hand, led the way toa building at a little distance from the house. 

"I advise you to have this pulled down at once; but if you are unwillingto do that, you can give directions to one of the young men, who willsuperintend the work should it become necessary, " said the major. 

Mr Twigg, having sent for Archie Sandys, told him what might berequired, and he, of course, undertook to carry out his orders. Sometime went by. The ladies having rested and partly recovered from theirfatigue, assembled in the supper-room, in which a handsome repast wasspread. Here they were joined by the gentlemen, who, having workedhard, had good appetites. No one would have supposed as they wereseated round the table that they were apprehensive of the dangerthreatening them. 

"It seems very ridiculous to be taking all this trouble and expendingour strength on account of a vague report of which really nobody seemsto know the origin, " observed Lieutenant Belt to Ellen. "The major ofcourse thinks there is something in it; but, for my part, I believe weshall find that we have all been frightened out of our wits fornothing. "

"I wish that I could agree with you, " answered Ellen. "There have beenterrible outbreaks before in this island, and rumours have been for sometime going about that the slaves are in a discontented state. "

"I had expected, from the way our friends galloped after us thisafternoon, that a body of savage rebels were at their heels, " said thelieutenant, "and I confess that when we reached the house I fancied thatwe should have had to stand to our arms, and defend ourselves as best wecould. I was very glad to see our hostess and Mr Ferris and the restof the party arrive safely, and was somewhat surprised when no enemyfollowed them. We shall find, I suspect, that the foe did not comebecause no foe is in existence. "

Ellen, however, could not agree with the young lieutenant. 

Miss Pemberton's anxieties had been somewhat quieted. Mr Twigg assuredher that he had sent a messenger to warn her father, who would of coursemake preparations to defend his house; she might soon therefore expectan answer saying that they were all safe. The party at length becamemore cheerful, and Mr Ferris expressed his belief that they might allgo to sleep without fear of becoming dead men before the morning. 

"Belt and I ought to be on our road at an early hour, " remarked MajorMalcolm; "but I wish before we go to see your fortifications in aforward state, and I shall then feel it my duty to ride round to Waltonto render Mr Pemberton any assistance he may require. "

Fanny was on the point of asking him to escort her, but a very naturalfeeling made her hesitate, and she resolved to remain with her friends. The conversation had become more lively than at first, and jokes andlaughter were even being indulged in, when the sound of horses' hoofswas heard coming along the road from the east at a rapid rate. MrTwigg hurried to the door, followed by Mr Ferris. 

"Who is it?" asked the former. 

"Hayward, " answered a voice. "Thank Heaven I find you safe! I've had anarrow escape of my life, and I was afraid that you might be placed inequal danger; indeed, had it not been for my faithful fellow Tom Yamhere, I should to a certainty have been killed. "

"Come up, then, and tell us all about it, " exclaimed Mr Twigg, who thenext instant was shaking hands with the stranger, while Martin tookcharge of Tom Yam. Mr Twigg introduced the new arrival. Mr Hayward, sitting down, tossed off a glass or two of Madeira, for he required somestimulant before he could speak. 

"I bring you dreadful news, " he said. "I would thankfully not have toalarm you, ladies, but it may be better to know the worst at once. Ihad come over to Stillwater, having providentially left my family atKingston, when, as I was resting after my journey, Tom Yam, who had beensent with a message to Fort Maria to ask Captain Torrens, commandingthere, to come over and dine with me, rushed into my room panting forbreath with the fearful news that the entire garrison and a number ofwhite people from different places assembled there at dinner hadsuddenly been surprised by a whole host of blacks. The villains hadbeen lying in ambush near at hand, and rushing upon them withoutwarning, had put nearly every human being of the party to death. Amongthe few survivors was a black servant of one of the officers, who hadgiven him the information. He himself had got near enough to see theblacks in possession of the fort, some engaged in burning down thebuildings, and others carrying off the arms and ammunition. The boytold him that the white men were at the supper-table, and that all hadthere been butchered without being able to reach their arms or strike ablow for their defence. He hurried back, and as he came along he heardthe negroes close at his heels, shouting and shrieking over theirvictory, and threatening to attack Stillwater House. Scarcely had heuttered the words than the cries of the barbarians reached my ears. Nota moment was to be lost; I hastily threw on my clothes and followed Tom, who entreated me to run for the stable, where we could get our horsesand gallop off as the best prospect of saving our lives, for if weattempted to hide ourselves the rebels were nearly sure to find us--many, indeed, of my own slaves having, as Tom assured me, joined them. So close were they by this time that I was afraid they would see us aswe made our way to the stable. We reached it just as they broke intothe grounds on the opposite side. Some time was lost in saddling thehorses; as I led mine out, I saw several black faces peering out of thewindows above us. I threw myself on the animal's back, Tom havingmounted his horse inside the stable; a shower of bullets, happily illaimed, came whizzing about our ears--two, indeed, passed through myjacket. Away I galloped, followed by Tom; though several more shotswere fired at us, we escaped them all. Fortunately, there were no otherhorses in the stable or we should probably have been followed. As Ilooked over my shoulder I saw smoke ascending from the roof of thehouse, and ere I had got much further flames burst out from every part. At first I proposed pushing for Kingston, but Tom expressed his beliefthat we should find bands of rebels on the road, and I determinedtherefore to come on in this direction, and to warn any friends on theway. How our horses have done so much seems surprising, for you may besure we took but a short time to rest. We passed on the way, I shouldsay, several parties of blacks, but as they had no firearms, we dashedby them uninjured, although some made an attempt to stop us. "

"Did you say, sir, that all the officers and men were massacred at FortMaria?" asked Major Malcolm, in an agitated tone. 

"I have too little doubt about it, sir, " answered Mr Hayward. "I cantrust Tom's word, and Captain Torrens's servant assured him that he sawhis master and Ensign Duck murdered with the other white gentlemen. "

"Only two days ago we dined with him, little thinking what was soon tooccur!" said the major, with a sigh. "Poor fellow! poor fellow! howfull of life and spirits he seemed! Such may be the fate of any one ofus!"

Miss Pemberton looked sad as he spoke. 

"You are now convinced, Mr Thompson, that there is something in thereport we heard, " observed Mr Ferris to the overseer, "and that we werenot foolishly alarmed?"

"How soon do you think that the band of rebel blacks can reach Bellevue, should they come in this direction?" asked the major of Mr Hayward. 

"They might be here in a day--and my belief is that there are severalbands much nearer at hand, and that it would be wise to prepare for anattack without a moment's delay, " answered Mr Hayward. 

"Preparations have already been commenced, " observed the major; "but Iwould urge our friend here to follow your advice. "

"I am glad to hear it, " replied Mr Hayward. "From the way the rebelsmade their attack on the fort, and the rapidity and order with whichthey retreated, it is evident that they are no contemptible foes, besides which, they have obtained a considerable store of arms. I willremain to assist you, for my horses could not proceed a mile further;and I should wish indeed, before I go on, to ascertain the state of thecountry to the westward. I fear from the report Tom gave that theslaves in the whole island are in a state of revolt. "

"In that case our only wise course will be to barricade the house andthrow up such other fortifications as time will allow, " said MajorMalcolm. "Mr Twigg, will you give the order to your people to bring insufficient planking to close up all doors and windows, and we will thenform a stockade round the house. Rouse up all the hands you can muster;they must work during the night, by the light of lanterns or torches orfires, if necessary. I will answer for your safety if the work iscompleted in time. "

The worthy planter showed that he was a man of spirit--he immediatelyissued the necessary orders, and the overseer, now convinced that thereport of the insurrection was founded on truth, ably seconded him. Coats were thrown aside, and the carpenter's tools in the house beingcollected, each person took such as he could best use, and, as soon asthe wood was brought in, began sawing and nailing away with might andmain. Others went on with the _chevaux-de-frise_, while a third partydug a trench and began erecting a palisade between it and the house. Major Malcolm and Lieutenant Belt were everywhere, showing the peoplehow to put up the palisade and lending a hand to the work. ArchieSandys was especially active; the planter and Mr Ferris laboured awaywith hammer and nails in barricading the windows; while the threetroopers who had accompanied the officers, having cast a sufficientstore of bullets, came out and gave their valuable assistance. MajorMalcolm was too good a soldier to forget the importance of having timelynotice of the approach of a foe, and had directed the overseer to selectfour trustworthy negroes, who were sent out to do duty as scouts, withorders to make their way back the moment they discovered the enemy. 

"Can you entirely trust those fellows?" asked the major, after the menhad been despatched. 

"As to that, sir, I can't be answerable for their not running away, though I believe that they'll not willingly join the rebels, " answeredthe overseer. 

"Then we must not depend implicitly on them, " said the major. "I mustask some of the young gentlemen to undertake the duty; Lieutenant Beltand one of my men will accompany them. "

Archie Sandys, on hearing this, immediately volunteered, as did twoother of the book-keepers. The party made their way for some distancein the direction it was expected that the rebels would appear; and, leaving Archie in a sheltered spot, the lieutenant conducted the othersround, posting first one and then the other in positions in which theycould command a view of the different approaches, so that on whateverside the enemy might come, time would be given to the garrison toprepare for their reception. All the men who had been collectedcontinued diligently engaged in erecting the fortifications, and werethus employed when daylight returned. The works were by this time in atolerably forward state, and were of a character well calculated toresist an attack by an undisciplined and ill-armed force, though theywould have been useless against artillery or well-trained troops. Noone proposed stopping for breakfast, for all saw the importance ofgetting the works completed before the arrival of the foe. The housestanding high, and a good view over the country round being obtainedfrom it, there was no necessity to keep the sentries at their postsduring the daytime. The lieutenant accordingly went out to call themin. They had seen nothing of the black scouts--as the overseer hadthought probable, they had run away and hidden themselves. They, however, came back during the morning, each one bringing the sameaccount--"All right, massa, no enemy come yet. "

"You hid yourselves, you rascals, " said Mr Twigg. 

"Ki Massa Twigg, de ossifer tell hide selves, " answered one of thescouts. 

"But you went to sleep, Quasho, into the bargain, I suspect, " observedthe planter. 

"If ever shut eyes, hear all de same, massa, " replied Quasho, withperfect coolness. 

It was not a time to inflict punishment if it could be avoided, and thenegroes were ordered to assist at the work going forward. 

It was past noon before the fortifications were completed. They were insuch a form that the enemy attacking any portion would be exposed eitherto a flanking or a cross fire. The major surveyed them with evidentsatisfaction. 

"Provided our ammunition does not run short, we shall be able to holdout for a siege of any length against such enemies as are likely toattack us, " he observed to Mr Twigg; "although, as the rebels have notappeared, I think it possible they may not come at all. "

"I trust not, major; but we shall be deeply indebted to younotwithstanding, " answered the planter. "Now, after your labours, comein and have some breakfast. "

The major willingly accepted the invitation, and found to hissatisfaction the ladies ready to receive him. Miss Pemberton gave him agrateful smile, but he thought she still looked anxious. She confessedthat she was so on account of her family. Would she wish to sendassistance to them? he asked. 

"Indeed, I would, " she answered; "for, though our house can be moreeasily fortified and defended than this can, there are fewer trustworthypeople to form its garrison. "

"Would you wish me to go, Miss Pemberton?" asked the major. "I would, "he added, speaking very low, "run every risk for your sake. I, ofcourse, would not offer to quit Bellevue unless I considered that italready possessed a sufficiently strong garrison; indeed, I think itprobable that it will not be attacked, or if it is, that the insurgentswill very quickly retire when they see the preparations we have made fortheir reception. "

"Oh, it will indeed greatly relieve my mind if assistance could becarried to Walton!" exclaimed Fanny. 

"Then I will go, and will leave Belt here with two of our men. Yourbrother will, I conclude, wish to accompany me, " said the major. 

"So will I, " said Mr Hayward, "with my man Tom. We shall not toogreatly weaken the garrison of this place, and we may render essentialassistance to the Pembertons. "

Mr Twigg, though he possibly might rather have kept his friends, couldnot object to this proposal, and Major Malcolm immediately desired thatthe horses might be got ready. Several white men and mulattoes had comein from two small plantations in the neighbourhood on hearing of therebellion, knowing that it would be hopeless to attempt the defence oftheir homes; and three of these, who were well mounted and armed, volunteered to accompany Major Malcolm and Mr Hayward. Fanny thankedthe major more by her looks than in words, as she bade him farewell. The party, throwing themselves into their saddles, rode off, setting theheat at defiance. They had been gone scarcely half an hour when ArchieSandys, who was doing duty as sentry, and had posted himself on a heightfrom whence he could command a view of most of the approaches to thehouse on the and south, came hurrying in with the information that hehad seen a large body of blacks moving along from the latter direction. "They looked exactly like a swarm of ants as they came over the hill, "he observed. "Hark! you can already hear the shrill notes of theirhorns. "

"Then to arms, my friends!" cried the lieutenant. "We must man ourlines, but don't let a shot be fired till I give the order. "

All arrangements had previously been made; each gentleman having acertain number of men placed under him, while the two orderlies were toact as the lieutenant's aides-de-camp. To each party was assigned thedefence of a certain portion of the lines, so that the moment the orderwas issued the entire garrison knew where they were to go. Notwithstanding the absence of Major Malcolm and those who hadaccompanied him, they felt secure in their numbers and fortifications. 

The shouts and shrieks of the rebels and the sound of their horns werenow distinctly heard as they hurried on to attack the house, fullyexpecting to surround it, and in a few minutes to massacre theinhabitants, as they had done those of several other pens they hadalready attacked, little dreaming of finding it so strongly garrisonedand fortified. 

"Keep under cover, my men, " cried the lieutenant, as the enemy were seenmarching from the wood and running forward without order into the open;"our fire will stagger them, and probably make them scamper off, if wereserve it till they come sufficiently near for each man to take a goodaim. Don't throw a bullet away. Aim low, remember--aim low!"

As the rebel blacks advanced, they discovered that there was somethingunusual about the house, and at length began to suspect that it wasfortified in a way to which they were unaccustomed. They accordinglyhalted, and were seen talking eagerly to each other, while they heldtheir muskets pointing towards the building. 

Their leader, whom Archie recognised as the ugly negro he had seen atthe Jumby dance, went among them vociferating loudly, and endeavouringto induce them to advance. Thus encouraged, they rushed forward, firingtheir muskets; many of them, who had put the butts against their eyes, being knocked over by the recoil as they did so. Some fired at onemoment, some at another, with the greatest possible irregularity, manyof the bullets flying over the house, others striking the roof. 

"Let them expend their ammunition as fast as they like in that style, "cried the lieutenant, laughing; "they will not do us much harm. It isnot worth replying to such a salute. "

The lieutenant's remarks greatly encouraged his men, who waitedpatiently to fire in return. 

"Now give it them, my lads!" he at length cried out, when the blacks hadgot within fifty yards of the palisade. The order was obeyed, and asthe smoke cleared away the rebels were seen running off at full speed, leaving five of their number on the field; and from the way othersretreated, leaning on their companions, it was evident that several morewere wounded. They, however, halted immediately they got beyondgunshot, having no intention, apparently, of retreating altogether. They were now seen assembled as before, a vast amount of talking takingplace among them, while their leaders rushed hither and thither urgingthem to renew the attack. But this it at first seemed they were littleinclined to do; most of them, indeed, sat down on the ground as ifdetermined not to advance. 

"I believe if we were to sally out and charge them we might put them allto flight, " exclaimed Archie Sandys, who, his Highland blood being up, was full of fight. 

"Don't attempt anything of the sort, " said Lieutenant Belt, who showedthat he possessed the qualities so important for a soldier of coolnessas well as of courage. "We might drive those immediately in our frontbefore us, but we should have their companions on our flanks and be to acertainty cut off, or have to fight our way back again. As long as theykeep where they are they can do us no harm. "

It was especially trying to the garrison to see their enemies sittingdown quietly just out of the reach of their bullets, without permissionto attack them. The day was waning, and in all probability the blackswould make another attack at night, when they would have a better chanceof getting near without being discovered. All the time their cries andshrieks, and the blowing of their horns, were heard from all sides; thencame the sound of other horns in the distance, which were answered withloud blasts from the rebels surrounding the house. 

"I am afraid that the rascals have been reinforced, " observed Mr Twigg. "As they increase in numbers they will grow bolder, and we shall haveharder work to drive them off. "

"Don't be anxious about that, " answered the lieutenant; "as long as ourmen prove true we shall have no difficulty in keeping them at bay, andwe may hope in time that troops will be sent to assist us, as well asothers who may be attacked. I hope that many planters will have wiselytaken the precautions you have done, and fortified their houses. "

"My belief is that Mr Pemberton will have done so, " answered MrFerris; "if not, I fear that Major Malcolm will be unable to render himmuch assistance. "

Weary from hard work as all the garrison were, they could not venture totake any rest, except such as they could obtain by sitting with theirbacks to the palisades or the wall of the house, with their muskets bytheir sides, ready for instant service. Lieutenant Belt, who felt theresponsibility resting on his shoulders, divided the other gentlemeninto two watches, so that one party might be continually going round tosee that the sentries were on the alert. As it was fully expected thatthe rebels would make a sudden attack during the dark hours of night, hehimself felt that he must dispense with sleep. 

"I quite envy you, " said Archie, who accompanied him. "I wish that Ihad been a soldier; this work just suits me. "

"You might soon get tired of it. If it were to become the soleoccupation of your life, you would begin to sigh for rest and long for aquiet life, I can tell you, " was the answer. 

None of the men appeared inclined to sleep at their posts, for they allwell knew that their lives depended on their vigilance. 

After some time had elapsed, several dusky forms could be seen creepingup towards the house, as if to ascertain what the garrison were about. 

"Keep silence, " whispered the lieutenant to the men, as he went hisrounds; "when they get near enough we will show them that we are wideawake. The blacks can then be picked off by any good marksmen amongyou. " As he spoke, the lieutenant's voice may have been heard, or thenegroes may have observed the heads of the sentries above the palisades, for they suddenly disappeared under cover. 

Towards the morning the darkness increased, and the garrison redoubledtheir vigilance, every moment expecting an attack, for the rebels mighthave got close up to the house without being discovered. 

The ladies, meantime, with the nurses and children, had been placed inone of the lower rooms, into which it was believed no shot couldpenetrate. Mr Ferris had urged them, in case of an attack, to liedown, so that, should any balls make their way through the planking, they might pass over their heads. 

"But surely we can help in some way or other, " exclaimed Fanny. "Wemight load the muskets, even if we do not fire them; and if any of ourdefenders are wounded, we will come out and take their places with therest. "

"I will do my best, but I do not feel that I could try to kill the poorblacks, " answered Ellen. 

"They deserve to be killed, " exclaimed Miss Pemberton, "for daring torebel against their masters. " She spoke as a planter's daughter. 

"Perhaps we might better employ ourselves in attending to any of ourdefenders who are unfortunately wounded, " observed Mrs Twigg, who knewEllen's sentiments, and did not wish to enter into any discussion on thesubject. 

"I trust that, now they have seen the preparations made for theirreception, the rebels will not attempt to attack the house, " said MrFerris. "All I beg you to do is to remain quiet, and to keep up yourspirits. Perhaps in the morning we shall find the blacks haveretreated, and gone off to attack some more defenceless houses. However, if any of the people are wounded, we will place them under yourcare. In the mean time, let me entreat you to lie down and get somerest. "

Somewhat reassured by his remarks, the ladies followed his advice; and, except the sentries and the officers on guard, the greater number of theinmates of the house might have been found fast asleep. Not a sound washeard throughout the building, nor was a light shown which might attractthe notice of the rebels. Occasionally their voices and the shrillblasts of their horns could be heard rising out of the valley, but eventhe keenest pair of eyes among the garrison failed to detect a singleobject moving in any direction. 

Day at length broke, and it was hoped that the enemy might havedisappeared; but as the light increased, the blacks were seen amid theopenings of the trees, collected in still greater numbers than on theprevious evening, while in the far distance parties were observed movingacross the country, some approaching the house, others going in thedirection of Walton. 

"I fear that the major and his companions have had some difficulty inreaching Mr Pemberton's house, " observed Lieutenant Belt to ArchieSandys. "If he could not get in, he will have gone on to Montego, orsome place to the westward where he might hope to obtain troops torelieve us. "

"But suppose that he has encountered some such large gang of armedblacks as those we see out yonder; he and his companions must have beenshot down, for what could so small a party do against a whole host ofenemies?" answered Archie. 

"That depends upon how his followers behave. If they prove staunch andobey his orders, they may put any number of armed undisciplined blacksto fight, " said the lieutenant. "Still I own that I shall be glad tohave tidings of him. What the fellows round this house intend doing, Icannot make out; but I conclude that they prefer fighting in daylightrather than in the dark, and that we must expect to be attacked beforelong. In the mean time, I shall be glad to have some breakfast and afew minutes' sleep. Do you take my place, and let me be called if youdetect the slightest movement among the blacks. " Saying this, thelieutenant went into the house, through the only door which had beenleft open. Preparations had also been made for barricading that, shouldit become necessary. 

The house, it must be understood, was to form the citadel, should theouter defences be forced or should there be a prospect of their beingso. With this object in view, loopholes had been formed in all thedoors and windows, from whence a warm fire could be poured down upon theassailants. Still the rebels did not venture to approach nearer. Archie and the others began heartily to wish that the blacks wouldattack them, not doubting for a moment what would be the result. Hourafter hour went by, but no movement was perceived. Still it couldscarcely be hoped that the rebels had given up all intention ofassaulting the house. 

A stock of provisions had been collected, but there were many mouths toconsume them, and no one had expected that the siege would last beyond aday or two, as all supposed that, after being defeated in the firstattack, the blacks would take to flight. The consumption of water wasalso considerable, and it was found that nearly all had been used up. The well which supplied it was at some little distance from the house. Water, however, must be obtained at all hazards. Archie undertook tolead a party with buckets to get what was wanted: it would be more easyto do that at night than in the daytime. But thirst can be ill enduredin that burning climate; Archie therefore cried out for a dozenvolunteers, six to carry the buckets, and six, fully armed, to defendthem should they be attacked. The well was little more than a hundredyards off, while the nearest blacks who could be seen were at thedistance of four hundred yards off at least, but others might beconcealed nearer at hand. 

Six white men, book-keepers and others, volunteered to accompany Archie;the remainder, who were to carry the buckets, were blacks. They creptalong till they got directly opposite the path which led to the well;headed by Archie, they at once rushed down towards it. The rebels atfirst made no movement, apparently not understanding what they wereabout; then some of those in front began to retreat, thinking that theywere to be attacked, and evidently not prepared for this. They soon, however, discovered the object of the garrison; it showed them also, what they might not before have been aware of, that there was a scantysupply of water in the house. Summoned by their leaders, they began toadvance, and as they did so fired at Archie and his companions. In themean time, the bucket-bearers had obtained the water, and wereretreating up the hill. 

"Don't fire, " cried Archie, "till their bullets come whizzing about ourears. Steady now!" And his men retreated towards the house, lookingover their shoulders to see how far off the enemy still were. As soonas the slaves had carried the water safely inside, the armed men turnedround and fired a volley which stopped the advance of the rebels. Then, making a rush, Archie and his companions leaped over the palisades, thewhole garrison at the same moment opening fire on the advancing enemy, who, having failed in their object of cutting off the watering party, took to their heels. 

None of the rebel blacks were killed, though some apparently were hit, but not one of the garrison was hurt. This was the chief event of theday. Enough water to last them four and twenty hours at least wasobtained, and Archie proposed getting some more at night, when it couldbe done with less risk. Food, however, began to grow scarce; the freshmeat and fowls had become uneatable, and much anxiety was felt as to themeans of obtaining more provisions. The kitchen garden and the yamgrounds, being at the foot of the hill, were in possession of therebels. Of course the garrison was put on an allowance both of food andwater, the ladies setting the example to the rest. They now began tolook out anxiously for relief. The news of the insurrection must havereached Kingston and the other large towns where soldiers werequartered; and of course troops, with the militia and even the maroons, who it was hoped would prove loyal, would at once be despatched todisperse the rebels. Should Major Malcolm not have reached Walton, buthave made his way to Montego, he would there, it was supposed, takecommand of some of the garrison of the fort and the militia, whomustered in pretty strong numbers, and would quickly return. 

The day was drawing towards its close. The blacks had made no movement, nor could any friends be seen approaching from the west. The planterand his overseer and Archie made frequent visits to the roof of thehouse, whence they could obtain the most extensive view, and Archie, whowas the last to go up, watched the sun sinking into the west anddarkness come on without having any satisfactory intelligence to give onhis return, he felt more out of spirits than he had ever before done inhis life. Not on his own account, however, for he wished that theblacks would attack the house, as he was ready to fight to the death, and felt confident that they would be driven off. He was sincerelyattached to Mr Twigg's family, and he thought of the two young ladies--especially of Ellen, to whom he had lost his heart--and dreaded thehardships to which they all might be exposed; indeed, he could notconceal from himself that they might be in still more terrible dangerthan at present. Lieutenant Belt, who had wisely taken some hours'sleep, rose refreshed and ready for the work before him. He forthwithwent round among the men, urging them to be on the alert, and tellingthem that he fully believed the blacks would make an attack before long. 

"Don't be daunted by their shrieks and cries, my men, " he said. "Dependupon it, they will not stand before a few well-aimed volleys from yourmuskets. Don't fire till you get them well in view, and then aim attheir bodies. `Let every bullet have its billet, ' and I will answer forit we shall beat them off. "

The men answered with a cheerful "Ay, sir. "

Still the rebels hung back. Perhaps they guessed that the garrison werein want of provisions, and had wisely determined to starve them out. Their proceedings were evidently conducted by chiefs who well understoodthe art of savage warfare. Midnight arrived; the faint moon, though ithad lasted longer than on the previous night, had disappeared. Archieproposed again leading out a party to obtain water, and he was on thepoint of starting, when one of the sentries cried out, "The enemy arecoming!" The warning was repeated by others, and a black mass could beseen stealing up the hill, the men bending low in the hope of escapingdiscovery till they had got close up to the fortifications. 

"Don't let them know that we see them, " whispered the lieutenant, as hewent round to the men; "the effect will be the greater when they receiveour fire. "

The little garrison stood to their arms. 

Onward marched the insurgents, moving up the hill like a dark waverolling slowly forward. They could be clearly distinguished, allbending low to the ground, as they crossed the more open places exposedto the bright moonlight. On and on they came, but still not a sign wasshown by the garrison that they were perceived. They must have known, however, that they could not get close up to the fortifications withoutbeing discovered. Suddenly, at a signal from their leaders, up theyrose to a man, uttering the most terrific shrieks and howls, and, rushing forward, fired their muskets. Thick as hail the bullets camerattling against the palisades and the upper portions of the house, somechipping off splinters from the tops of the timbers, others sticking inthe wood, others penetrating through the interstices. None of thegarrison, however, were killed, but several were slightly wounded, though not in a way to compel them to leave their posts. 

"Now, give it the rascals!" cried the lieutenant, as the blacks werewithin a dozen yards of the palisades. Every man fired, and many of theblacks were seen struggling back or falling to the ground. Theircompanions, excited to fury by the rum they had obtained from some ofthe plundered estates, sprang forward without noticing them, shoutingand shrieking and throwing themselves desperately against the_chevaux-de-frise_, forgetting the hedge of prickly-pear which had beenentwined amidst it. With cries of dismay as the sharp points piercedtheir legs and wounded their hands, they fell back in spite of theefforts of their chiefs to urge them on, thus giving the garrison timeto reload. 

"Now fire at them, my lads, and the day is ours, " cried the lieutenant. His men obeyed the order, and once more the negroes rushed awayhelter-skelter, nor would listen to the entreaties of their leaders tostop till they reached the bottom of the hill. "I think we have donefor them this time, " exclaimed Lieutenant Belt, in a tone of exultation. The same opinion was expressed by most of the garrison. 

"There are some desperate fellows among them, or they would not havecome on in the way they have already done, " observed the overseer. 

Many of the slaves had lately been imported from Africa, and were likelyto pursue their native mode of fighting, which, it was too probable, would enable them to obtain that success which they had hitherto failedto gain. A short time passed away, during which the blacks maintained aperfect silence. It was hoped by many within the house that they wereabout to retreat, when lights were seen suddenly to burst forth alongthe whole line, and gradually to approach. It appeared at first as if adark wall was rising out of the valley, but this shortly resolved itselfinto huge faggots carried at the end of poles. Between every two orthree of the faggots was seen a torch, too evidently for the purpose ofkindling the wood. 

"Good heavens! they are going to try and set our fortifications on fire, and the house also, I fear, if they can, " exclaimed Mr Twigg. 

"And they will succeed too, I am afraid, " said the overseer gloomily. "I was sure they had some accursed trick in contemplation. "

"What do you advise, Lieutenant Belt?" asked Mr Ferris, who remainedmore collected than any one else. 

"We must make a sortie and drive them back before they reach our lines, "answered the lieutenant. "I will lead it myself, and I am sure I shallnot want followers. "

Archie was the first volunteer, and nearly a dozen more white menimmediately sprang forward. Not a moment was to be lost. 

"Come on, my lads, " cried the lieutenant. "We must make our sortie bythe outlet leading to the well. We will then get round and attack themon the flank; and, remember, the remainder of the garrison must keep upa hot fire as they come on at the rest of the line, aiming at the blackfellows' bodies, not at their faggots, which they will hold before themas shields. "

Saying this, he led out his brave band of followers, Archie keepingclose to him. They had got within sixty yards or so from the blacksbefore they were perceived, when, firing their muskets--the garrison, meantime, not neglecting their duty, but blazing rapidly away--they drewtheir cutlasses and threw themselves fiercely on the enemy. So littledid the negroes appear to expect the attack that they threw down theirbundles of wood, to which their torches, let drop at the same time, setfire, and retreated in confusion. As they ran off, they encounteredanother well-armed party of their friends, who were coming up the hill, either to support them or to attempt carrying the fortification byassault during the confusion they expected the blazing stockades wouldproduce. On seeing the white men before them, they fired a volley. Instead of running away, however, they still advanced boldly up thehill. 

"Load, my lads, and meet them bravely, " cried the lieutenant--"you havetime for it--but do not retreat, or we are lost. " As he spoke, Archie, who was near him, heard the thud of a bullet, and had just time to catchthe brave young officer in his arms before he fell. 

"We must not let these savages get hold of him, " exclaimed Archie to hiscompanions, taking the lieutenant up on his back. "You keep the enemyin check, and I will carry him to the house. "

He instantly did as he proposed, the blacks shouting and shrieking afterhim as he ran, but not daring to advance farther, while the rest of theparty, loading and firing as they retreated--the garrison at the sametime redoubling their fire--kept the enemy in check, and Archiesucceeded in bringing in the wounded officer. The intention of theblacks was thus frustrated; for, though most of the faggots were blazingaway, they were at a safe distance from the house. 

The lieutenant was carried into a room and laid on a bed, where MrsTwigg and Martha immediately came and examined his wound. It was in theshoulder, and though the sudden pain had made him drop, as far as theycould judge, it did not appear to be serious. He soon recovered aftertaking a stimulant. He begged them to bind up his shoulder that hemight go forth and resume his command. The operation was soonperformed, and as he again appeared he was received with warmcongratulations. The other people who had been hurt had also gone in tohave their wounds dressed. Happily none had been killed, notwithstanding the number of bullets fired at them. 

Every one now believed that the blacks would abandon their enterprise, but, though foiled so frequently, no signs could be perceived of theirretreating. They had managed to carry off those of their number who hadbeen killed, and were now bewailing their loss in African fashion, withshrieks and cries which came up sounding mournfully from the valleybelow. 

"I think we have given the rebels a lesson, and need no longer fear anattack, " observed Mr Ferris. 

"We must not make too sure yet, " said the overseer. "Had we onlyisland-born blacks to deal with, the case would be different; but thereare a lot of Coromantees, the most savage of the African people, who areat the bottom of all this, and they will fight like tiger-cats as longas life remains in them. They won't be satisfied, if they can havetheir will, till they burn us and the house in a heap. They will try itagain, or I am much mistaken. "

The events which have just been described occupied but a few shortminutes. The blazing faggots went out without setting fire to theplantations, of which there was imminent risk, and all was again quiet. Even the blacks had ceased shrieking and howling. Though the garrisonhad hitherto been successful, if they were to hold out for a protractedsiege more water and food must be procured, and again Archie Sandysvolunteered to obtain both. By taking due precautions he was able tolead a party down to the well, and to get back without being discoveredby the rebels. In another direction, and rather further from the house, was a plantation of yams. A few basketfuls would afford subsistence toall the party for a day or more. Of course, rather than starve, theymust kill one of the horses which were tethered at the back of the housewithin the lines. The companions of Archie's previous expeditionvolunteered to accompany him, but he considered it more prudent to takeonly the blacks, who might dig up the roots and carry them in, while hestood sentinel to warn them to fly should they be discovered. 

"You're a brave fellow, " said Lieutenant Belt, "and I wish you success, but I tell you I think your expedition a hazardous one. "

"Nothing worth having is to be obtained without trouble, " answeredArchie. "I have a good pair of legs, and can jump a fence with any one. The food must be procured, and I will get it if I can; only, should Ibe pursued, cover me with your fire, but take care none of our peopleshoot me or any of my companions. "

Saying this, Archie set out, followed by his six blacks, carryingbaskets and spades. He had his cutlass by his side, a brace of pistolsin his belt, and his musket in his hand. As there was ample shelterdown to the yam ground, the lieutenant hoped that his friend would notbe discovered. One thing was very certain, that, should the enemy comeupon them, the slaves would scamper away in all directions, and verylikely make their escape. 

Before Archie set out, every man had been stationed at his post, to beready for the rebels should they approach. They stood anxiously waitinghis return. At length one of the slaves appeared, loaded with a basketof yams; a second and a third followed, and they repelled that MassaSandys had made them fill one basket at a time, and had sent them off soas at all events to secure some. They were looking out for a fourthman, when two people were seen rushing up the hill without baskets ontheir heads. A third followed, but scarcely was he visible, when a shotwas heard and he dropped to the ground. 

"We must go and rescue Mr Sandys, " cried the lieutenant; "he must havefallen into the hands of the rebels. "

"If so, the poor fellow is dead by this time, " said the overseer. 

The report of the two blacks who now came tended to confirm this latteropinion. A party of negroes had suddenly sprung out from a neighbouringcover as they had just got their baskets on their heads to come away, when, throwing down their loads, they had made off, though thehindermost had been nearly caught; and it was more than probable thatMr Sandys, who was stopping to cover their retreat, had been unable toescape. This was the saddest event which had hitherto occurred, and allsincerely grieved for his loss. 

CHAPTER SIXTEEN. 

MAJOR MALCOLM PROCEEDS TOWARDS WALTON HALL--SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES--THE PARTY CUT THEIR WAY THROUGH THE REBELS AND GAIN THE HOUSE--PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK--THE REBELS ATTEMPT TO STORM THE HOUSE WITHLADDERS AND FIREBRANDS--BEATEN BACK--AN EXPEDITION TO FOLLOW THEREBELS--MAJOR MALCOLM AND HIS PARTY SET OUT--JACK PEMBERTON TRIES TOREACH BELLEVUE--FINDS IT STILL BESIEGED--RETREATS--QUASHIE SENT WITH AMESSAGE TO BELLEVUE--SUCCEEDS IN GETTING IN--A NOVEL FLAG OF DISTRESSHOISTED--A FIERCE ATTACK MADE ON THE HOUSE--THE STOCKADES SET ON FIRE--BLACKS AGAIN DRIVEN BACK--CUDJOE OFFERS TO ABANDON THE SIEGE IF THEOVERSEER IS GIVEN UP--AMMUNITION OF THE DEFENDERS ALMOST EXHAUSTED--THEOVERSEER SHOT--ANOTHER FIERCE ATTACK MADE BY THE BLACKS ON THE HOUSE. 

Major Malcolm, influenced by the admiration he felt for FannyPemberton--if a deeper feeling had not already inspired him--had set outfrom Bellevue for the purpose of warning her family of the danger towhich they were exposed, and, if he found it necessary, remaining toassist in their defence. He had intended, immediately he could do so, to ride on to Montego, to bring up such forces as he could collect, andto disperse the rebels wherever they could be found; but from theinformation his companions gained as they rode along, that large bandsof rebels were already in arms in the intermediate country, he fearedthat he should be unable to force his way through them unless with astronger party than he now had with him. He was acting according to hisjudgment for the best. He certainly could, not leave his friends atBellevue without as soon as possible sending them assistance, while mostof his present companions were bound to go on to Walton with youngPemberton. As they pushed forward as fast as their horses could go, they frequently caught sight of negroes, three and four together, whoinvariably ran away from them. A few old men and women in a great stateof alarm were, however, found in the villages. They said that theyounger men had run off to hide themselves, asserting that they wereafraid of the rebels. But it seemed doubtful whether such was the case, or whether they had gone to join them. Jack Pemberton, who acted asguide, now told the major that they were approaching Walton Hall, andpointed out a house situated on an eminence, the ground sloping roundit. On one side, up which the road led to the front door, the ascentwas more gradual than on the others. 

"I am in great hopes, sir, that the rebel negroes, notwithstanding whatwe heard, have not got here yet, " said Jack Pemberton. "If they have wemust look out for them, for they cannot be far off, and we shall seethem as soon as we have passed this wood. "

He led the way to the left round a grove of tall trees, when, in an openspace which intervened between the wood and the foot of the hill onwhich the house stood, a large body of blacks were seen marshallingtheir forces, evidently preparing to attack the place. The party ofhorsemen were soon discovered, and the negroes, three or four hundred innumber at least, faced about, and seeing a few white men, with theirusual shrieks and shouts advanced to attack them. 

"Now, my friends, " exclaimed the major calmly, "we must cut our waythrough these fellows. Trust to your swords, keep close together, andfollow me. Forward!" and putting spurs to his horse, he dashed on. Inanother minute he was up to the black mass; and striking right and leftwith his sword, he quickly cleared a broad way for his companions, who, following close at his heels, had scarcely to use their weapons. A fewshots only were fired at them, as the band apparently had but a smallsupply of muskets or pistols. The trooper brought up the rear, and ashe saw the blacks attempting to close on him, quickly again drove themback. 

"On! on!" shouted the major, "make your horses breast the hill, and weshall soon be under shelter. "

Before the negroes had recovered from their astonishment the whole partywere up the hill, and the doors being thrown open by those within, whosaw their approach, they forced the horses up the broad steps into thehouse. Here they were of course heartily welcomed by the planter andhis family. 

His first question was for his daughter. "We have had dreadful reportsabout Bellevue, that it was about to be attacked by the whole army ofinsurgents; and I was on the point of setting off to assist our friends, when those fellows down there made their appearance, " said MrPemberton, a portly, handsome-looking man with a bald head. 

The major replied that he had done his best to place the house in astate of defence, and, as no enemy had appeared, that he had come at therequest of Miss Pemberton to the relief of Walton, which it was alsoreported was to be attacked. 

"I am afraid, however, as the rebels have favoured us with a visit, thatthe rumour with regard to Bellevue is also likely to prove true, " saidMr Pemberton, after warmly expressing his gratitude to Major Malcolm. "But with your assistance we can easily beat off our assailants. Thehouse has stout walls, and we have, as you see, barricaded the windowsand doors. We are amply provisioned, and have a supply of ammunition, so that we can hold out during a long siege should the insurgentsventure to remain in our neighbourhood, which is not, I think, likely. But perhaps, major, as a soldier, you will think fit to look round thehouse, and see if we have left any weak points unguarded. "

"Very willingly, " was the answer; and the planter led his visitorthrough the building. 

The front of the house was well fortified, but when they arrived at theback premises Major Malcolm pointed out more than one place throughwhich a subtle enemy might easily find an entrance during the hours ofdarkness. 

"See, " he observed, "they might make their way along under the shelterof that wall and reach this window and door, which might easily beforced with a few strokes of a roughly constructed battering-ram. Idon't know if these negroes have sense to use such an engine of war, butthe knaves with whom I had to do in India would very certainly have madethe attempt. "

The place pointed out was accordingly more strongly barricaded, and themajor suggested a few other improvements. 

"I feel satisfied, " he said at length, "that you are perfectly secure aslong as your provisions and ammunition hold out. My only regret is thatMiss Pemberton did not accompany us. She was more anxious about youthan about herself, as we fully believed that Bellevue was sufficientlywell fortified to resist any attack the rebels are likely to makeagainst it. "

The worthy planter was much pleased with Major Malcolm, and especiallygrateful to him for coming to his assistance and bringing back his son. 

Of course a watch was kept on the movements of the rebels, sentinelsbeing stationed on the roof at each side of the house to give due noticeof their nearer reproach. They showed no disposition to attack itduring the daytime. It was naturally expected, however, that they woulddo so at night, should they entertain any hope of success. It wasdifficult otherwise to account for their remaining in the neighbourhood. 

Major Malcolm expressed his wish to continue his journey, and MrHayward was anxious to accompany him, that they might carry out theirintention of collecting all the available military and militia for thepurpose of attacking the rebels wherever they could be met with. MrPemberton, as might be supposed, was desirous of retaining them. 

"My dear sir, " he observed, "it is a very different thing to cut yourway up to a fortress in the gallant style you did, and to force a roadthrough an enemy on leaving it. In the one case, you at once gainshelter, and in the other are open to the pursuit of the foe. Yourparty, too, will be diminished, and you may be surrounded byoverwhelming numbers, in contending with whom the most determinedbravery will not avail. "

Major Malcolm saw the force of this reasoning, and agreed to remain tillthe following morning. Besides the book-keepers, overseers, drivers, and other free persons employed on the estate who formed the garrison ofthe house, there were several guests, planters and their families, fromthe neighbouring small properties, who had come to Walton forprotection, knowing that they could not hold out should they be attackedin their own houses. They all brought rumours of the massacre ofnumerous families of whites. On still more distant estates one or twolike Mr Hayward had narrowly escaped with their lives. Notwithstandingthis, when they all assembled round Mr Pemberton's hospitable board, few of them looked like people who had been exposed to fearful danger, and were at any moment liable to have to fight with a savage foe. Someof them, it is true, uttered threats of bitter vengeance on the heads ofthe villainous slaves, as they called the blacks; but they passed thebottle freely, and talked, and even laughed, as if nothing special washappening. 

Major Malcolm was surprised at their apparent indifference to danger. 

"_Carpe diem_ is my motto, " observed a jovial, bald-headed gentleman, who sat next to him. "It does not do to think too much of to-morrow. `Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ' Of course our pocketswill suffer, but the rebellion will be quickly put down, and all thingswill come right in the end. "

"I only hope so, " observed the major; but he thought to himself, "If youwere to treat your slaves justly, and do your utmost to instruct them, there would be less fear of outbreaks for the future. " He did not saythis aloud, however, for he saw that his neighbour was not in a mood tolisten calmly to such a remark. 

Major Malcolm was more pleased with the lady of the house than with anyof her guests. He had a good deal of conversation with her, the mostinteresting subject being her daughter, of whom she was justly proud, and she expatiated on her perfections with all a mother's fondness. Hewon the good opinion both of his host and hostess, who begged that hewould again favour them with a visit on the first opportunity, when theyhoped that the country would be restored to peace. 

The evening passed away quietly. So little was an attack expected thatsome of the guests proposed retiring to their rooms. 

"You will run the risk, my friends, of being roused up in an unpleasantmanner, " said their host in a warning voice; "the very silence of therebels is, I suspect, ominous of their evil intentions. "

Major Malcolm agreed with him, and advised that a vigilant watch shouldbe kept, offering to take command of the fortress. Jack begged that hemight be allowed to act as his aide-de-camp. Like a good officer as hewas, the major made frequent rounds of the house, seeing that thesentries kept a good look-out, and again examining every portion of thebuilding to assure himself that no point remained unguarded throughwhich an enemy might force his way. He went also, occasionally, on theroof, whence he could command an extensive view over the country. Oneach occasion he turned his glance especially in the direction ofBellevue, though he discovered nothing to cause him anxiety. He wasabout to descend, when, as he looked down into the valley, it appearedto him that a number of dark objects were creeping up the hill. Hewatched them till he was convinced that they were men. 

Slowly and cautiously they came along. He had no longer any doubt thatthe house was about to be attacked. He hurried down and, going fromroom to room, warned the defenders to be prepared, while he sent JackPemberton to other parts of the building. As he looked out through aloophole on the side which the rebels were approaching, he saw thatseveral carried ladders, and others bundles of firewood, though, forfear of betraying themselves, they had no lighted torches. 

"Mr Pemberton, " he said to his young aide-de-camp, "tell the people toaim at the fellows with the ladders, and not to trouble themselves aboutthe others--they can do no harm. The moment a man touches a ladder, shoot him down. Say those are my orders--they must be obeyed. "

The importance of the advice was soon evident. The insurgents, knowingthat they must be discovered, now rushed forward, uttering fierceshrieks and yells. As they did so they lifted up the ladders with theintention of placing them against the walls, their object beingevidently to throw the brands on the roof and set it in flames. Withoutwaiting for further orders, the defenders fired, and every man carryinga ladder was shot down. Others took their places, most of whom sharedthe same fate; but one succeeded in fixing his ladder, a dozen othersfollowing fast at his heels, and instantly began to ascend. 

Scarcely, however, had the first got half-way up, carrying a torch inhis hand, than a shot struck him. He fell headlong among hiscompanions. Another, notwithstanding, made the attempt, followed by athird; but they both met with the same fate, being exposed to the aim ofthe two best marksmen in the fortress, the rest of the assailants in themean time firing away, aiming at the loopholes and roof. As few of themhad before handled muskets, their bullets flew wide of the mark, whilethe garrison kept pouring down a continual fire among them. Even moreexperienced troops might have retired before such a reception. 

The blacks showed the most desperate courage, and it was some timebefore they discovered that their attempt was hopeless. A few of them, indeed, again endeavoured to place the ladders against the wall, but asall of those who did so were shot, the rest, finding that so many oftheir companions had fallen, were seized with a panic and began to rushdown the hill. The braver fellows among them lifted the slain andwounded, and, in spite of the bullets which flew about their ears, carried them off. 

"If all the insurgents behave as these rascals have done it will be noeasy task to subdue them, " observed Major Malcolm to his host. 

Not a single person in the house had been injured, but they could nothelp acknowledging that the case would have been very different had theymet the insurgents in the open field, for it would have been no easytask to drive back a host of savages who displayed the desperate couragetheir assailants had done, as Major Malcolm was afterwards to find. 

No one expected that another attack would be made during the night, butof course a watch was kept as before, though many of the gentlemen threwthemselves on the cane sofas and chairs, or went to sleep on the groundovercome with fatigue. 

The next morning, when daylight enabled them to discern objects at adistance, not a black could be seen. Jack Pemberton and several otheryoung men, on this, volunteered to go out and ascertain if the rebelshad really retreated. They had been gone for some time, and fears beganto be entertained that they had been cut off. However, they at lengthwere seen coming up the hill. They gave the satisfactory report thatnot a black was to be discovered in the neighbourhood. "In whatdirection have they gone?" asked Major Malcolm. They had not thought ofmaking any observations on the subject. "Then I must beg you and a fewof your friends to accompany me that we may ascertain the point, " hesaid. Jack would go with the greatest pleasure. 

They set out, and in a short time Major Malcolm expressed his opinionthat they had gone northward, in the direction of Bellevue. He returnedto the house and begged Mr Pemberton to allow him to take as manyvolunteers as he could obtain, that he might push his way on to Montego, to gather as large a force as could be collected, in order to attack therebels without delay. Mr Hayward assured him that it would be hopelessto gain assistance in any other direction, as from certain informationhe had obtained the whole of the intermediate country was in a state ofrebellion. Jack was very eager to go, but this his father would notallow. Six other young men, for whom horses could be provided, volunteered, and they, with the major's servant and Mr Hayward'sfollower, made up a party of ten. 

After a hurried breakfast they set off, and were seen from the housegalloping rapidly to the westward. 

The remainder of the day passed off quietly. Not a negro was seenmoving about in the neighbourhood of the house, and, except that hereand there blackened patches showed that the cane-fields had been visitedby the ruthless bands of the insurgents, there were no signs visible ofthe fearful rebellion raging throughout the country. Mr Pemberton, however, had become very anxious to obtain news from Bellevue, foralthough Major Malcolm had assured him that the house was wellfortified, he was alarmed at hearing that the blacks who had so fiercelyassaulted Walton had gone off in that direction. Bellevue, from itsposition and the character of the house, was less capable of offering aneffectual resistance to a determined attack than Walton, and should therebel slaves have resolved on its destruction, he dreaded lest theymight by persevering attacks accomplish their object. 

On going to the roof of the house he could see, both to the northwardand eastward, dense columns of smoke ascending to the blue sky--tooclear evidence that the insurgents had possession of the country, andwere burning the plantations and residences of the settlers. Several ofhis guests thus witnessed the destruction of their homes and property, while they gave vent to their bitter feelings by uttering threats ofvengeance, though they had ample cause to be thankful that they hadescaped with their lives. 

Proposals were made by the more daring to sally forth and disperse therebels, but the greater number thought it wiser to remain in a place ofsafety. Mr Pemberton himself was unwilling to leave the house withoutdefenders, lest some fresh bands, discovering that it was unguarded, might visit it during his absence. 

No news had come from Bellevue, and at length his son Jack and threeother men volunteered to make their way very cautiously in thatdirection and ascertain the state of affairs. If the rebel slaves wereattacking the house, or were in the neighbourhood, so that they couldnot approach it without the risk of being cut off, they were to return;but if not, they had leave to go on and visit their friends, and reportthat all had gone well at Walton. 

"Remember, my lads, you are to be cautious and not expose yourselves tothe risk of losing your lives by getting between the savages and theroad by which you can retreat to this house. Discretion, in this case, is the better part of valour. By the time you return we may perhapshave obtained further assistance, and we will then, if Bellevue isreally besieged, do our best to go to the relief of our friends. Theslaves are, I suspect, especially bent on revenging themselves onThompson, the overseer, who is looked upon by them as a hard man and asevere taskmaster, though our friend Twigg thinks well of him, and issatisfied with his management of the estate. A slave who has become oneof their leaders--Cudjoe, I am told by our people, is his name--wasflogged some time back by Thompson, and the savage has ever sincethreatened to revenge himself on the overseer. This makes me fear thatthey will persevere longer than under other circumstances they mighthave done, but if our friends at Bellevue can hold out it will be anadvantage, by occupying the slaves who would otherwise have been roamingthrough the country and devastating other estates. You may, Jack, ifyou have an opportunity, warn Thompson to beware of Cudjoe when the restof the slaves have been again brought under subjection, for the savageis not likely to forego his desire of vengeance, even should theoverseer escape at this time. "

These remarks were made while Jack was preparing for his expedition. Hepromised strictly to obey his father's directions. 

He and his friends, well armed, forthwith set out. They were allspirited young men, who had been educated in England, but had been longenough in the country to be well acquainted with its ways, and had alsobeen accustomed to field sports. They were thus admirably suited forthe task they had undertaken. Well aware of the danger they wererunning, they advanced cautiously, keeping as much as possible undercover of the hedges and trees, and looking out well ahead that theymight not suddenly come upon the enemy. They had wisely agreed to keepshoulder to shoulder, or back to back, as the case might be, should theybe attacked, and being stout-hearted and confident in the use of theirweapons, they had little doubt that they should be able to beat back anynumber of assailants. 

The sun struck down with tremendous force in the open places they had topass, but they were lightly clad, with thick straw hats on their heads, and none of them cared much for the heat. When passing across the opencountry they pushed on rapidly, but moved forward more leisurely in theshade. As they avoided the villages, they met no one. The wholecountry indeed had, it seemed, suddenly become a desert. They wished toavoid falling in with any slaves who might give notice to the rebels oftheir whereabouts, and also had resolved not to rely on any reports theymight hear, but to trust only to their own observations. 

It took them nearly two hours, from the circuitous route they followed, to reach the neighbourhood of Bellevue. They now proceeded morecautiously. All seemed quiet. No shots were heard, and they began tohope that they should reach their friends without difficulty. 

"We must not trust to appearances, however, " observed Jack. "The rebelsmay possibly be investing the house, and, judging from our ownexperience, they may yet not venture to attack it in the daytime. Youlie down under these bushes while I creep forward, as from the top ofthis rise I shall get a sight of Bellevue, and be able to ascertain moreaccurately the state of affairs. "

Saying this, while his companions followed his advice, Jack made his wayto the top of the hill, bending low, that should any of the enemy beposted in the intermediate valley, he might run less risk of being seen. At length the house came in view. All seemed quiet around it, but hewas still not perfectly satisfied. He advanced a little further towardsa bush, through the branches of which he could see into the valleywithout exposing himself. As he bent aside the boughs with the barrelof his musket to look through them more easily, he caught sight of anumber of black heads moving here and there some five or six hundredyards below him. There could be no doubt that they were rebels, andthat they were, after their fashion, laying siege to the house. 

Presently he saw a party issue from the stockades, and he thought evenat that distance he could recognise Archie Sandys. The leaders werewhite men, and were followed by several blacks with buckets on theirheads. He at once divined their object. For some time, apparently, they were not discovered by the rebels, but presently one of the latter, doing duty as a sentinel in advance of the rest, saw what was takingplace. He giving notice to the others, a number of them started forth, and, dashing up the hill, began firing away at the white men. Jackwitnessed the gallant way in which Archie defended his followers, andhad the satisfaction of seeing them regain their fortifications withoutany of them apparently being wounded. 

While this scene was being enacted, as the rebels' eyes were turnedtoward the house, he was able, without much risk, to creep forward andget a more complete view of their position. 

"We should not have the slightest chance of getting in, that's verycertain, " he said to himself; "but if we remain here, we shall run agreat risk of being caught. " And, not without some fear that he mightbe seen by the blacks, who now covered the opposite hill, he hurriedback to his friends. 

They agreed with him that the sooner they were off the better, but thatif they could collect a sufficient force of white men and trustworthymulattoes, they might without difficulty out their way through theundisciplined band of savages, with some prospect also of putting themto flight. 

"In my opinion, if they are attacked in a determined way, they will veryquickly take to their heels, " said Jack. 

Their return occupied a shorter time than they had before taken, for, asthey cared less for being seen, they were able to follow the highroad. On their way, about a mile distant from Walton, they passed through avillage which appeared to be entirely deserted. Looking into one of thehuts, however, they saw a boy of about twelve years old sitting on theground, crying and looking very miserable. 

"What is the matter?" asked Jack, who recognised him as the son of oneof the Walton slaves. 

"Me out in de fields, and when come back find fader gone, me not knowwhere, but s'pose rebels take him away to kill him, for dey killeberybody else who not get off and hide, " answered the boy, who wasevidently an unusually intelligent little fellow. 

"Well, Quashie, " said Jack, who was kind-hearted as well as brave, "youhad better come along with us, and we will take care of you till fathercomes back--as I hope he will. Where is your mother?"

"Mother lib wid Massa Twigg--she call Martha, " he answered. 

"Oh, then I know her. She nurses the children. All right, Quashie. Cheer up; you shall have something to eat as soon as we get back, " saidJack. 

Quashie started up, and accompanied the young gentleman without furtherquestioning. 

Glad as Mr Pemberton was to get his son and young friends back again, he was made very anxious on hearing of the state of affairs at Bellevue. 

"The rebels are evidently bent on taking the place, and from thedesperate character I hear of Cudjoe, I fear that he will not give upthe enterprise as long as he has a hope of success, " said Mr Pemberton. 

The matter was talked over by himself and the other planters. Beforeany desperate enterprise was undertaken to afford relief to theirfriends, it was important to ascertain how much they required it. 

"I will try what can be done by means of Quashie, the boy Jack just nowbrought in, " said Mr Pemberton. "He would make his way where a manwould fail; and as his mother is a slave of the Twiggs, he can, I shouldthink, be trusted, for I will let him understand she will be benefitedas well as her master and mistress. "

"A good idea, perhaps. Not that I fancy these slaves have any naturalaffection, " observed one of the party. 

"I do not agree with you there, my friend, " observed Mr Pemberton. "Both fathers and mothers are very fond of their children in their way;and I will answer for it that Quashie will manage to carry any messagewe may send, and bring back an answer safely. "

Quashie being called, he without hesitation undertook to do what wasrequired of him. He begged only that he might take his own time andmode of proceeding, and grinned when some one remarked that he might becaught by the rebels. 

"Me git in and me come back, neber fear, " he answered. 

The only question was how to send a note. Mrs Pemberton proposedwriting what was necessary, and, the paper being rolled up tightly andcovered with black stuff, to conceal it among his thick crop of woollyhair. "Were he caught, the rebels might search him thoroughly and notdiscover it in the way that I will manage, " she said. 

Quashie was perfectly content with the proposal, and was evidently proudof the confidence placed in him. He confessed that he had heard of theintended outbreak, and had given his mother the information which shehad sent to her master and mistress. 

Quashie, having had a good supper, declared that he should be ready toset out that night if required; but as it was hoped that during the nextday a plan might be organised more effectually to help their friendsthan could be then done, it was agreed that it would be better to waittill the following evening. From Jack's report they were at present, atall events, in no distress, and were likely to hold out against anyattack. 

Another night went by, and the next morning Jack and his companionsexpressed their wish to set off again to ascertain how their friends atBellevue were getting on; but Mr Pemberton would not allow them to go. The risk, he said, was far too great for the advantage to be obtained. They could render no assistance, and would run a great chance of fallinginto the hands of the rebels and being put to death. In the course ofthe day, he hoped that Major Malcolm, with some troops, or at all eventsa body of militia, would appear, and that their first task would be toattack the rebels besieging Bellevue and relieve their friends. In thatcase, it would not be safe to leave Walton without a garrison, as thefugitives, if they found it unguarded as they made their way to themountains, would to a certainty in revenge destroy it. "We must waitpatiently till the evening, and then Quashie shall go and bring us wordwhat they are about, " he added. He spoke with more confidence perhapsthan he felt, yet on one point he had made up his mind, that he wouldnot allow his son to run the risk of losing his life. 

The day drew drearily on. The feelings of the ruined inmates of themansion can better be imagined than described. Their friendsslaughtered, their crops and houses destroyed, and their slaves (themost valuable part of their possessions) in revolt, and, if not killed, possibly never again to be reclaimed--what the future had in store forthem no one could say. The more confident asserted that the rebellionwould quickly be quelled, but others thought that the slaves, joined bythe maroons and other free coloured and black people, might overrun thecountry, and compel all the whites who might escape slaughter to quit itfor ever. 

Mr Pemberton laughed at such a notion. "Depend on it, as soon as thetroops and militia can be collected, the slaves will fly from them aschaff before the wind, or will, if they resist, to a man be cut topieces, " he observed. "It will be a bad look-out for us, I confess, forwe shall become bankrupt; but our estates will remain, and we mustprocure fresh labourers from other countries, Irish or Germans, whowould stand the climate almost as well as blacks, and do twice as muchwork. "

Though the worthy planter talked and went about trying to keep up thespirits of others, he felt his own sinking when darkness came on, and notroops appeared. 

Quashie was sent for, and Mrs Pemberton secured the note, done up, asproposed, in his woolly head. She had written it at her husband'sdictation, in a small, delicate hand, so that it occupied little morespace than a quill. 

It mentioned Major Malcolm's arrival, the attack and defence of thehouse, the flight of the rebels, the fact that the major had gone tocollect troops who might be expected every hour, Jack's visit to theneighbourhood of Bellevue, and his having witnessed Archie's expeditionto obtain water. "We conclude, " it continued, "that you are well ableto hold out; but if not, send us word, and, should the military fail toarrive, we will make an expedition to your relief, and will advise youto sally forth and cut your way through the savages. They will not fora moment stand our united attack, and there will be but little or nodanger in the undertaking. We cannot leave Walton unprotected, but wecan muster twenty well-armed men. Be prepared, and directly you see oursignal--a flag flying on the top of the hill--dash out of the house, with the women and children in your centre. Should the rebels threatento attack you, we will charge down upon them; if not, we will be readyto protect your retreat, and keep the savages at bay till you have gotto a safe distance. I propose this in the possibility of your nothaving a sufficient store of provisions, or being unable to obtain waterto stand a long siege. We have an ample supply of food for severalweeks. Our love to Fanny. We were much pleased with Major Malcolm, whoappears to be greatly struck by her. "

Quashie evidently felt the importance of the message confided to him, and was proportionately proud. 

"Neber fear, massa, I git into de house and out again, and no one seeme, " he said, strutting about after the note had been concealed in thetop of his woolly pate. "Look here, massa, you no see it now, or neberanybody else till moder get it. "

"Well, then, away you go, my boy, and a dollar shall be yours when youcome back, " said Mr Pemberton. 

"Ki! dat's good, " exclaimed Quashie, eager to be off. 

The planter took him down to a back-door, by which he let him out thathe might creep away, lest any prowling foe might be watching the house;not that there was much risk of that, or Jack and his friends would nothave performed their expedition so securely. 

Quashie ran on along the well-accustomed road till he got near his ownvillage, when, taking off the few clothes he wore, he did them up in abundle and stowed them away in the hollow of a tree to be ready for hisreturn, leaving only a piece of black stuff round his waist, with whichMrs Pemberton had supplied him at his request. The sharpest of eyesonly could have detected Quashie as he crept along under the hedges: hefelt confident there was very little risk of his being discovered. Fewof his age could outstrip Quashie, and making good use of his legs, hegot over the ground in a third of the time Jack Pemberton had taken toaccomplish the distance. He now moved more cautiously, stopping tolisten every now and then for the sound of voices which might warn himof the whereabouts of the rebels. 

At first he began to fancy that they must have decamped. Creeping downthe hill, he suddenly found himself close to a group of men lyingstretched on the ground fast asleep, while as he peered over a bush heobserved others in the same position. He stole silently back, makinghis way to the left at a cautious distance from the besieging force, ifthey could be dignified by such a title. Presently, again he drew near, looking out for some opening in their line through which he might makehis way, but they appeared to have extended themselves so as completelyto encircle the house. Again and again he got up close to the line;still he was not to be daunted. He had undertaken to get through them, and he intended by some means or other to do so. Suddenly he heard ashot, followed by several others. The blacks close to him started totheir feet, and hurried off in the direction from whence the shot came. 

Now was his opportunity. He darted forward down the hill, springing upthe opposite declivity like a hunted hare, at the same time keeping hisbody almost bent to the ground; and before he was perceived, he wasclose to the _chevaux-de-frise_. In vain, however, he endeavoured tofind his way through it. The garrison were too much occupied with whatwas going forward on the other side of the house to observe him; indeed, his small, black, lithe body could scarcely have been perceived. He ranon like a mouse, looking for a hole through which to escape, andconsidering whether he should not cry out for assistance and ask to betaken in. At last he got to an opening, and in he darted, just as twomen rushed up from the lower ground, no one in the darkness perceivinghim. As soon as the men were in the inside, several persons filled upthe gap, and he made his way undiscovered within the palisades andthrough the door of the house. 

The first person he met was Martha, who had come out to learn what wasgoing forward. Their delight was mutual. Tears streamed from the eyesof his mother as she pressed him to her heart. The planter who hadlately expressed an opposite opinion would have acknowledged that theslaves, degraded as they were, were capable of human affection. 

His errand was soon told, and Martha, proud of his performance, took himto her master, who was naturally very much surprised at seeing him. 

"I bring message from Massa Pemberton, " he said. 

"Where is it?" asked Mr Twigg. 

"Here, massa, " answered Quashie, presenting his woolly pate. "You takeit out, please. "

Martha, however, performed the operation; and the note being eagerlyread, a consultation was held on its contents, which considerably raisedthe spirits of the besieged party, lowered as they had been by the lossof Archie Sandys. 

None of them, however, were disposed to attempt cutting their waythrough the rebels. Lieutenant Belt was almost disabled--for though, inspite of much suffering, he still continued the command in the fortress, he could not use his sword--while the gallant young Scotchman was lostto them. Mr Ferris was willing to make the attempt if others wishedit, but he feared the risk to which the ladies would be exposed; and itwas finally determined to hold out till the arrival of the troops. 

"The small quantity of yams we have secured will not last us long, "observed Mr Twigg, "and we must remember that we are threatened withstarvation, as well as with another attack from the savages. "

"We have food sufficient for another day, " remarked Lieutenant Belt;"before the end of that time, relief may be sent to us. "

"But should it not come, what then are we to do?" inquired Mr Ferris. 

"Act as our friend Pemberton suggests, " said Mr Twigg. "To-morrowevening, as soon as it is dark, we will send off Quashie. We must takecare in the mean time that the rebels do not see him, or they will knowthat by some means or other he got in, and will be on the watch for him. We may depend on Pemberton's carrying out his plan, and I should advisethat the attempt be made in the night-time. "

Quashie was rather disappointed at finding that he was not to set off atonce, as he was eager to get his dollar. His mother consoled him byassuring him that he would be allowed to go the following night, and MrTwigg made him perfectly happy by at once giving him a dollar, so thathe would become the possessor of two dollars, should he accomplish hisreturn journey. 

The garrison were not allowed to rest in quiet. The blacks, growingimpatient, made several attempts to surprise them, but, in consequenceof the severe punishment they had received, were more wary than atfirst. Each time, on finding that they were discovered, they retreatedso rapidly that few, if any, of them were shot. 

Morning at length arrived; the blacks had retreated to their cover, and, except that a few shots were at times wantonly fired from a distance atthe house, the day went on as the previous ones had done. Much as theywanted food, it would be evidently a dangerous undertaking to attemptprocuring it from the yam ground. 

The arrival of Major Malcolm was eagerly looked for, but in vain, and itwas resolved to send Quashie off at dark, with an account of their nowtruly desperate condition. He was confident of being able as before toget through the enemy's lines. 

In accordance with Mr Pemberton's suggestion, it was resolved in themean time to get up a flagstaff at the top of the house, with a flaghoisted half-mast high as a signal of their distressed condition. Thiswould hasten the arrival of friends to their relief, should any be inthe neighbourhood. It would not, however, prevent the necessity ofsending off Quashie to urge that aid might at once be despatched. Fortunately a long pole, which Mr Twigg had intended to put up for thatpurpose on a neighbouring height, had been brought to the house to beprepared by the carpenter. It was at once carried indoors, and, thelower end being fixed in a beam of the ceiling of the upper story, wasrun through the trap which led to the roof. Here, under the directionof Mr Ferris, who had some nautical knowledge, it was stayed up byropes to the corners of the house, halliards having previously been rovethrough the sheave at its summit. The difficulty was to obtain a flag. None was to be found, till Mrs Twigg remarked that she and the youngladies had some light dresses which would answer the purpose. 

"Let us have them at once, then, " exclaimed Mr Twigg eagerly; "there isno time to be lost. "

Ellen and Fanny, hurrying to their room, quickly returned with a coupleof cambric dresses, such as are generally worn in that warm climate. Before they had time to take their scissors and cut them open as theyhad intended, Mr Twigg seized them, and hurried with them up to theroof, where Mr Ferris was superintending the erection of the flagstaff. 

"Here they are, " exclaimed Mr Twigg. "Run them up at once; they willtell our tale better than any more perfect flag. "

Mr Ferris, with a ball of rope yarn in his hand, fastened the dressesforthwith to the halliards by the skirts, allowing the full sleeves toblow out. 

"There!" he exclaimed, with a touch of his native wit. "Faith, theywill show that there are ladies in distress, and if there is anygallantry in the heart of the islanders, we shall soon have them runninga race to our assistance. "

The dresses thus hoisted flew out to a brisk breeze which blew from theeastward. Just then several shots were heard, and two or three bulletsfell on the roof, which, though spent, warned those on it that shouldthe marksmen approach somewhat nearer their position would becomedangerous. Mr Ferris, therefore, calling his assistants down, they allquickly got under shelter. 

Notwithstanding the signal flying from the roof, the day passed withoutany one coming to their relief. Their provisions were almost exhausted, and affairs were becoming serious. Another consultation was held, whenit was determined to beg Mr Pemberton to come as he proposed, thegarrison undertaking to attempt cutting their way through the rebels, and abandoning the house to destruction. A note to that effect wasaccordingly written, and secured, as the former one had been, inQuashie's woolly head. About an hour after sundown he crept out at theback of the house, and the instant after was lost to sight. Even hismother felt no fear for his safety, and every one believed that he wouldmake his way without difficulty back to Walton. 

After he had gone the enemy recommenced their system of annoyance, coming up under cover and firing at the house. Though the garrisonaimed in return at the points from which the flashes of the rebels'muskets were seen, the latter so rapidly retreated that it was supposednone of them were hit. Nothing could be more trying. Sometimes forseveral minutes together they would remain quiet, when suddenly a showerof shot would come pattering against the walls. The enemy would thenagain retreat, and single shots would be fired, now from one point, nowfrom another; then again another shower would come, as if the enemy hadmade a general advance. 

"Let them fire away as much as they like, " observed Lieutenant Belt, laughing. "I only wish they would fire much oftener at so safe adistance, as they must thus at last expend their powder. "

Still those unaccustomed to warfare could not fail to experienceuncomfortable sensations as the bullets in rapid succession struck thewalls, although as yet they had done but little damage, five of thepeople only, besides Lieutenant Belt, having been slightly wounded intheir shoulders or faces. At length the rebels appeared to have growntired of that style of amusement, and perfect silence reigned around thehouse. 

Towards morning, when most of the little garrison were lying down, wornout with constant alarms and watching, the cry was raised that theblacks were again coming on; and they were seen rushing up the hill, carrying not only faggots but ladders, evidently intending to attack thehouse as they had done at Walton, and to set both it and the stockadeson fire. Should they succeed, nothing could save the lives of theinmates. 

The shrieks and yells uttered by the blacks for the purpose ofintimidating the garrison were certainly terrific, and even the gallantlieutenant began to fear that all the efforts made to resist them wouldbe in vain. On inquiry, too, he found that the ammunition was runningshort, a large proportion having been expended during that and theprevious night. Still undaunted, he went round among the people, inspiring others with his own cool courage. 

"We have more serious work than hitherto, my friends, " he said; "but ifwe are true to ourselves, we shall beat the enemy as before. Never mindthough they burn the _chevaux-de-frise_, they will not venture throughthe flames, depend on that; and if we fail to put out the fire, we mustretreat into the house. As I told you before, do not throw a shot away. Here they come. "

As he spoke, the savages carrying the faggots rushed forward with theintention of casting them over the outer line against the stockades. Many, however, were shot down before they succeeded in doing this;others were killed or wounded after they had thrown forward their loads. A number of men now advanced, carrying candlewood torches. 

"Those fellows must be picked off, " shouted the lieutenant. 

In some cases the command was obeyed; but many of the blacks, nowleaping on one side, now on the other, eluded the bullets aimed at them, and threw the burning brands amid the bundles of wood, which catchingfire began to blaze up in all directions, the smoke almost concealingthe combatants from each other. Whenever it lifted, however, the flamesexposed the shrieking mass of blacks clearly to view, and many were shotdown in the moment, as they supposed, of their triumphant success. 

As Lieutenant Belt had expected, none of them ventured through theburning mass; but here and there the stockades were catching fire, andit appeared too probable that they would be burnt through and afford anultimate ingress to the foe. The scene was indeed terrible to thosestanding in the narrow space within the stockades--the crackling of theburning wood, the lurid flames, the dense mass of smoke, and outside theshouting, shrieking savages eager to break through the defences andmassacre all within. 

Efforts were made to extinguish the fire, and had there been an amplesupply of water, it might easily have been done, for it was only inspots where the flames blew against the woodwork that they produced anyeffect. Still the back and sides of the house were protected, and untilthe stockades were destroyed the besiegers could make no use of theirladders. 

"I do not think we need fear them, " said Lieutenant Belt. "We mustwatch narrowly where they are placed, and shoot down the people from thewindows immediately they attempt to mount. "

The blacks, as before, carried off their dead and wounded, and it wasdifficult to ascertain how much they had suffered. Already a good manyhad retreated, but others were seen coming up with more faggots, whichthey attempted to throw amid the already burning mass. By this time thewhole house was surrounded by a hedge of flames, and Mr Twigg, who hadexerted himself as much as any one, made his way up to the lieutenant, and advised that they should retreat into the house while the enemy wereunable to follow them. 

"Let us make another attempt to drive them off, " was the answer. "Theyare afraid themselves of the flames they have kindled, and will notventure through them. Now, my lads, give them one more volley, " heshouted, "and if I mistake not they will turn tail. "

As he shouted "Fire!" at the top of his voice, the order was heard bythe blacks, and away they went scampering down the hill, hoping to avoidthe bullets which they expected would follow. 

The greater number got under cover, or escaped by falling flat on theirfaces. Ignorant savages as they were, they were unable to takeadvantage of the success their bravery and hardihood had accomplished. On this the ultimate safety of the hard-pressed garrison depended. Hadthey pressed on through the opening which the fire had produced, theymight have forced their way, not only within the stockade, but into thehouse itself. Hopes were entertained that the enemy had had fightingenough for the night, and intended to allow the fire to do its workbefore making another assault. Fresh efforts were made by the garrisonto extinguish the fire, which had got hold of the stockades. They hadbeen composed chiefly of dry timber, which easily ignited and burnedfuriously. At length the lieutenant saw that all attempts to save themwould be futile, and that the utmost that could be done would be toprevent the doors and windows of the house itself from catching fire. This, by constant watchfulness and great exertion, was done; and hethen, complying with Mr Twigg's earnest appeals, summoned the people tocome within the house, when the door was barricaded, and they preparedto hold out, in what they had from the first called their citadel, tillthe moment for the intended sortie had arrived. 

It was a night of terror to many and anxiety to all. Their ammunitionwas running terribly short; but a few rounds only remained, and therewas barely food sufficient to afford a breakfast for the weary garrison. The water also was almost exhausted. 

Daylight came, and the lieutenant went himself to the roof of the houseto look out, but could see no friendly band coming to their relief. Theyoung ladies' dresses were flying in the morning breeze, sadly rent bythe bullets which had passed through them. The lieutenant then turnedhis glance into the valley, where he saw the black besiegers stillapparently as numerous as ever. The hedge of fire had now burned itselfout; large gaps existed in the stockades, but portions still remainedstanding, and would afford some protection to his men in case a sortiehad to be made. His chief object was to examine the ground which theywould have to traverse, should Mr Pemberton carry out his intention ofcoming to their relief. He at last descended, and went round to each ofthe windows, where he had posted a sentry to keep a look-out on themovements of the rebels; then, feeling that he had done his duty, hethrew himself down on a cane sofa, to snatch for a short time the resthe so much required. 

The other inmates of the house, who had been kept awake all the night, were dozing in their chairs or on their sofas; the men not on guard werelying down on the ground; the children were in their cribs, watched overby Martha. She had reserved some food for them, and they were in thatrespect better off than any one else. The young ladies and Mrs Twigghad positively refused to take more than their share. They were happilyalso forgetting their troubles in sleep. 

Weary as he was, Mr Ferris felt the dangerous position in which theywere placed too much to rest, and continued going from room to room, looking out at each window, and occasionally mounting to the roof. Hewas standing there, when he saw a single black advancing up the hillfrom among the savages. He was unarmed, and carried in his hand a polewith a large white flag waving from it. He evidently understood the useof a flag of truce, and trusted to its being respected. He advancedtill he got within hearing distance of the house. He was a tall, strongly built man, his features unusually hideous even for a negro. Onseeing Mr Ferris, he shouted at the top of his voice, "Will you gib in?You see what we can do. We ask you to make friends. "

"We shall be ready to do so on condition that you lay down your arms andreturn to your duty, " answered Mr Ferris. 

The black laughed loud and hoarsely. "Do you know who I am?" he asked. 

"No, " answered Mr Ferris. 

"Den I tell you--I Cudjoe. Some inside de house know me, and know dat Ino fool. Listen den. We go away and leave Massa Twigg--he good man--and all de people alone on one 'dition, dat you gib up the oberseer andlet us hab him to do wid him as we like. Dat is our 'dition; 'cept itand you safe. If not--listen, massa--you got one lily-white daughter, and Massa Twigg him got wife and piccaninnies. You lub dem. You seewhat we do dis night; we soon come again wid more faggots and fire andladders, and we burn de house ober your heads and kill ebery one. Cudjoe no fool--Cudjoe speak de truth. Listen, massa, what I say--gibup de overseer or die. "

"It is useless making such a proposal, " answered Mr Ferris; "no onewould consent to it. If you have any other terms to offer we willlisten to them. We can hold out against all your attempts to take thehouse. You have already lost a number of your foolish followers, andmany more will be killed if you venture again to attack us. "

While Mr Ferris was speaking, he heard a person coming up the ladder, and glancing round he saw Thompson the overseer standing by his side, and on the point of lifting a musket, which he had placed on the roof. Before Mr Ferris had time to stop him, he had raised it to his shoulderand was taking aim at the insurgent leader. As he pulled the triggerMr Ferris struck up the weapon, and the bullet whistled over theblack's head. 

"Respect a flag of truce, even in the hands of a savage, " he exclaimedindignantly. "If we set such an example, what can we expect in return?"

Cudjoe had observed the act. "I tank you, massa, " he shouted, "but datman die before de sun go down;" and, rapidly turning, he bounded downthe hill. 

Several shots, which went whistling after him, were fired by the men onguard in the lower story. 

"You have done an ill service to the country, sir, and worse to allwithin this house, " exclaimed the overseer. "That man is the mainspringof the rebellion. Had I killed him, the blacks in this neighbourhood, without a leader, would have taken to flight, and we should have beensafe. "

"I did what was right. A flag of truce should ever be held sacred, "answered Mr Ferris. "I do not regret refusing his request, but youract has prevented us from making other terms, which might have beendone. "

"No terms can be kept with savages. It is impossible to trust them, "exclaimed the overseer. "However, we must now stand the consequences. "

Mr Ferris, who felt his anger rising at what he considered Thompson'sinsolence, descended from the roof. 

The firing had aroused the rest of the party. The lieutenant even, although musket-shots were familiar sounds, started to his feet, believing that the house was about again to be attacked. Mr Ferrisexplained what had happened, and both the lieutenant and Mr Twiggagreed that he had acted rightly, and blamed the overseer for firing. Lieutenant Belt especially was indignant at his conduct. 

"They may or may not venture again to attack us, but if they do, andsucceed, we can expect no mercy at their hands, " he said. 

"We could have expected none, at all events, I believe, " observed MrTwigg. 

Some of the garrison, who had a lower sense of honour than Mr Ferris, were not so well satisfied with his decision, and declared that if theyhad had their will they would have given up the overseer to Cudjoe, though they took care not to utter such an opinion in his hearing. 

The position of the garrison was now truly critical. The shotsuselessly fired had expended several of the few rounds, now of suchinestimable value. The lieutenant, on making inquiries, found that someof the men had only a single charge apiece; none had more than two. Should another attack be made, what hope had they of beating off thefoe? He did not conceal the state of affairs from the gentlemen. 

"Then our best chance will be to sally out at once and fight our waytowards Walton, " said Mr Twigg. 

"Unless our friends should appear to our relief we should be surroundedand cut to pieces, " answered the lieutenant. "When the blacks find thatwe have no powder, they will attack us with greater confidence. We maystill hold out for some hours in the house, and as the enemy are not asyet aware of our want of ammunition, they may possibly not again ventureon an assault. "

"But if they do?" asked Mr Twigg. 

"Then we must reserve each bullet for the most daring among them. If wecan shoot their leaders, the rest will probably take to flight. "

"But if we fail, and should they force their way in?" asked the planter, whose spirits were sinking as he thought of the fearful danger to whichhis family were exposed. 

"Then, sir, we must endeavour to drive them out again with our cutlassesand bayonets; or, if the worst happens, place ourselves round the ladiesand children, and fight to the last, " answered the lieutenant in aconfident tone. "Though my sword-arm cannot serve me, I can use a pikeor bayonet. "

Mrs Twigg had heard of what had taken place, and began to suspect theirdesperate condition. She imparted her apprehensions to Ellen and Fanny, though neither of them showed any signs of fear. 

"I wish that I could use a pistol or sword, " exclaimed Fanny; "butsurely we can do something. We can hurl stones or logs of wood down onthe heads of our assailants from the windows or roof. "

"I will help you, " cried Ellen, inspired by her friend's courage. "Letus get them carried up at once, in case they are wanted. There arepaving-stones which can be dug up and broken into fragments, or piecesof the heavy furniture will serve the purpose. We will at once tell MrTwigg what we are ready to do. "

They hurried into the room where the gentlemen were assembled. 

"A brave idea, " cried Lieutenant Belt, looking at the young heroineswith admiration; "but others can do the work you propose. You must notbe exposed to the risk of appearing on the roof. The enemy's bullets, as we know from experience, would reach you there. Let me entreat youto remain below. We shall fight with more confidence when we know thatyou are safe. "

Ellen's suggestion, however, was carried out, and men were immediatelysent to break up the paving-stones in the back part of the house. Theblacks, at all events, were not likely to gain an easy victory. Hopesindeed were entertained that they would not make another attack, butthose hopes were doomed to be disappointed. 

"Here they come!" cried several men stationed at the windows. 

Lieutenant Belt, starting to his feet, saw the whole body of blacksadvancing, some in front, others on one side of the house. 

"Now, my men, I charge you not to fire a shot till you can pick out thefellows leading them on, or, if you cannot distinguish them from therest, wait till the ladders are placed against the wall; for see, theyhave got ladders with them, and faggots too, and they intend, if theycannot succeed by other means, to burn us out. But do not let thatalarm you; if you keep up your courage, we shall prevent them. "

As he was speaking, the insurgent slaves were drawing nearer and nearer, though advancing slowly, apparently to enable those carrying the laddersand faggots to keep up with the rest. Just then a dense volume of smokeburst forth between the house and the sea to the north-east, flamesquickly following, driven by a brisk breeze which had lately sprung up. The blacks, retreating before the fire, had to make a circuit to avoidit. So furious were the flames that they threatened to set theneighbouring plantations on fire. The chief effect was to shroud theview over the sea in that direction from those in the house; another wassomewhat to delay the advance of the blacks, who had evidentlydetermined to approach the house with their whole body at once. 

The lieutenant having disposed his men to the best advantage, againascended to the roof to see if any help was coming. He gazed eagerlyround to the west and north. He could discover neither the looked-forsignal announcing the approach of Mr Pemberton's party, nor any troopsor militia. As he was about again to go down the ladder, he discoveredthe overseer lying on the roof with a musket by his side. 

"Why are you not at your post?" he asked. 

"I am of more use where I am, " answered the overseer. "I intend doingwhat was left undone just now. Don't interfere with me. "

The lieutenant had not time to exchange words with the man; he hasteneddown that he might be ready to encourage the rest. 

Suddenly the savages gave forth one of those fearful yells which theyare accustomed to utter as they rush forward to the fight. As soon asthey got within musket range, those in the front line began firing, showing that they evidently had abundance of ammunition. 

The lieutenant distinguished a tall black, with a musket in his hand, leading them on. He raised it to his shoulder and fired. At thatmoment a fearful shriek was heard--it came from the roof--and a heavybody fell from the trap to the floor below. The black flourished hisweapon above his head without stopping to reload. 

"De oberseer is dead, " cried Martha, who had rushed out of a closet inwhich the children had been placed for safety, "he is dead, pity he notkilled dis morning. "

The event had indeed occurred too late to be of any avail to thegarrison. To attempt making a sortie would now have been madness, for, bad marksmen as were the negroes, the whole party might have been shotdown even before they could have reached any available shelter. 

Cudjoe's success--for he must have seen the overseer fall by hisbullet--encouraged his followers, and now, shrieking, leaping, andbrandishing their weapons, they rushed forward. In vain the lieutenantcharged his men not to throw a shot away; the greater number in theireagerness fired, forgetting that they had no fresh charges, and whenthey felt for their cartridges to reload, they found that theirammunition was expended. The enemy thus almost with impunity reachedthe walls. 

Several of the remaining shots were fired at Cudjoe. He seemed to beara charmed life, or rather the wonderful leaps and bounds he made amidhis companions prevented the defenders of the house, none of whom wereover good marksmen, from taking a steady aim at him. Like a swarm ofants about to devour some creature of the forest, the blacks surroundedthe house, and began to lift the ladders and place them against thewalls. 

The lieutenant now ordered the party he had told off for that purpose togo up on the roof to force back the ladders, to hurl down the stones, and to defend it to the last. 

Desperate, indeed, had now become the condition of the devoted inmatesof Bellevue. 

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. 

THE CHAMPION SAILS FROM PORT ROYAL--IN SEARCH OF ENEMIES--CHASES APIRATE, WHICH ESCAPES--RETURNS TO THE NORTH COAST OF JAMAICA--NORMANFOLEY HEARS OF THE INSURRECTION--FINDS SOME MURDERED WHITES--DREADFULSCENE AT FORT MARIA--THE SHIP PROCEEDS ALONG THE COAST--A WHITE MAN SEENMAKING A SIGNAL FROM THE SHORE--A BOAT SENT TO BRING HIM OFF--PURSUED BYBLACKS--RESCUED--PROVES TO BE ARCHIE SANDYS--GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THEATTACK ON BELLEVUE--A CONFLAGRATION--SIGNALS SEEN--AN EXPEDITION UNDERNORMAN FOLEY SENT ON SHORE--THE REBELS PUT TO FLIGHT--THE GARRISON OFBELLEVUE RELIEVED--MEETING OF NORMAN AND ELLEN--MAJOR MALCOLM AND ASTRONG FORCE ARRIVE--THE CHAMPION SAILS--SIGNS OF A COMING GALE. 

When Gerald wrote the last letter his father and Norah had received, the_Champion_ was on the point of sailing from Port Royal harbour, on acruise between Jamaica and Cuba, with directions to look out for any ofthe enemy's privateers or smaller vessels of war, or should she come insight of any squadron of larger ships, to watch their movements, and toreturn to port with an account of their whereabouts. Captain Oldingalso received orders to visit the northern coast of the island, andascertain if the reports which had just arrived of the unquiet state ofthe slaves had any foundation in truth; but he was not to waste time onthe coast, as the former part of his orders was considered of by far thegreatest importance. Still his second lieutenant very naturally hopedthat he might obtain an opportunity of paying his promised visit to MissFerris, and Gerald expected that he might get a run on shore, andperhaps spend a pleasant day with his friends. He had inquired, when atMr Twigg's office in Kingston, about the _Ouzel Galley_. The anxietyhe had naturally felt when he heard of the hurricane had been relievedon his being assured that a search had been made for her along thecoast, and that not the slightest trace of her could be discovered. Hetherefore hoped that the next packet would bring the account of her safearrival at Waterford, and that he might before long meet Owen again atKingston. 

The _Champion_, after rounding Port Morant, stood to the northwardtowards Saint Jago de Cuba, and chased several vessels, which got awayfrom her, not perhaps very much to Lieutenant Foley's disappointment. He even ventured, when dining with the commander, to speak of theimportance of visiting the northern coast of Jamaica, in case the slavesshould really, as was supposed possible, be contemplating aninsurrection. The commander, who did not imagine that such a thing waslikely, was, however, bent on looking out for enemies of a size which hemight hope to capture. He was heartily joined by Lieutenant Tarwig, who, if he did not care much for honour and glory, was at all eventsanxious to obtain a good lump of prize-money, with which he might set uphousekeeping with Mrs Tarwig, whenever he had persuaded some lovelydamsel to share his fortunes. The master and the other officers werevery much of his way of thinking. 

"A sail on the weather-beam, sir, " said Gerald, entering the cabin wherethe commander, the second lieutenant, the purser, and two midshipmenwere his guests at dinner. 

"Empty your glasses, gentlemen, " said the commander hurriedly, risingand running up the companion-ladder on deck. "What is she like?" heshouted to the look-out on the mast-head. 

"A ship, sir, going free, and standing to the eastward, " was the answer. 

"Make all sail, Mr Tarwig; we shall be up to her before dark, andascertain what she is. Haul up a couple of points--she can't escapebetween us and the land. "

The breeze was fresh, and the stranger continued on her former course, either not having discovered the corvette or not being desirous ofavoiding her. Beyond her was seen the coast of Cuba rising intomountainous elevations, the more distant scarcely to be distinguishedfrom the blue sky. 

The corvette having been lately out of dock, and being in good trim, sailed her best. To deceive the enemy, the commander had had somecanvas painted black and hung over her sides, triced up a couple of feetor so above the hammock nettings, to give her the appearance of amerchantman, but an observant eye might have detected her by the perfecttrim of her sails. This, however, under the present circumstances, could not be avoided. 

The stranger, now clearly visible from the deck, was after a time seento haul to the wind. She was apparently not much smaller than the_Champion_, and probably did not carry fewer guns; it was hoped, therefore, that she would before nightfall heave to and await a contest. 

"She is a fast ship whatever she is, " observed Mr Tarwig; "but as toher wish to fight us, or whether she is French or Spanish, I have greatdoubts. "

"She has hoisted Spanish colours, at all events, " said Mr Foley, whohad been looking at her through the telescope, "but she does not shortensail. "

"She is probably making for Cumberland harbour, " said the master, whohad been looking at the chart, "and if she gets in there it may be ahard matter to persuade her to come out again, unless we send in theboats and cut her out. "

For a considerable time neither of the ships altered their course. Thestranger, however, going free, was making faster way through the waterthan the _Champion_, which was close-hauled, and it seemed very likely, should the wind shift more to the eastward, that the former vessel wouldpass her. The sun was already approaching the horizon, and although thecrescent moon could be seen faintly in the sky, it would not long affordits light. The stranger, if inclined to escape, might do so during thehours of darkness. The two ships, however, were now scarcely threemiles apart, and rapidly approaching each other. The _Champion_ wasprepared for action, the crew were at their quarters, and the guns runout. The sea was sufficiently smooth to allow even the lee guns to befought without difficulty. Mr Billhook had taken the telescope and wasnarrowly examining the stranger. 

"Shiver my timbers, but I believe she is the same buccaneering craft wefound alongside the _Ouzel Galley_, when we chased her till she hadwell-nigh run on those rascally Bahama reefs, " he exclaimed, stillkeeping his eye at the glass. "Yes, there is a square patch on hermizen-topsail to repair a hole which I doubt not an enemy's shot hadmade, as she was showing her heels in the fashion the picaroons alwaysdo, unless they hope to make a prize of some unwary merchantman. "

The commander, on hearing this, took the telescope. 

"Yes, " he said. "If not the same vessel, she is very like her; andshould she be so, she will not wait to allow us an opportunity of takingher if she can help it, but will run ahead of us even now, unless thewind shifts a point or two more to the eastward, and then our bestchance of catching her will be to tack and stand in for the land. "

The wind, however, held and the sun went down, when the stranger, setting flying sails above her royals, stood almost across the_Champion's_ bows. 

"Try her with our foremost gun, " cried the commander to the secondlieutenant, who had gone to his station forward. 

McTrigger, the gunner, who was on the look-out expecting the order, trained the gun himself, and in the dim light of evening the whitesplinters were seen flying from the stranger's side. The next instantnine flashes of flame issued forth from her, the shot ricocheting overthe calm ocean, three or four passing close to the corvette but failingto strike her. 

"The fellow wishes to show us that he can give as good as he can take, "said the master. "I wonder, since he has got so many teeth, he ran fromus in the fashion he did before. "

"Perhaps they were not as well sharpened as they are now, " remarked thedoctor, chuckling at his own wit. 

"If we get alongside we'll either draw them or knock them down histhroat, " answered Mr Billhook. 

"Thank you, kind sir, I owe you one, " replied the doctor, who objectedto any one making jokes but himself. 

All on board, now that her character was discovered, were more eagerthan ever to come up with the pirate. She was, however, evidentlymaking better way through the water than the _Champion_. Again shefired her starboard guns, though she did not alter her course to do so;while the _Champion_ could not fire her larboard foremost guns withoutkeeping away a couple of points or more, and thereby losing ground. Itwas very provoking to have got within shot of a buccaneer which wasreported to have committed so much damage to the trade of the islands, for, though the Spanish colours were still flying at her peak, no onedoubted what she was. All the sail the _Champion_ could carry wasalready set, and nothing that could be done would make her go faster. Twice again she fired, but neither shot reached the enemy. The gloomincreasing, dimmer and dimmer grew the enemy's wide spread of canvas, although the silvery light of the moon, playing on the starboard leachesof her sails, for some time showed where she floated on the glitteringwaters. The moon was, however, going down, and as the night advancedthe darkness increased till the chase was almost lost to sight. Theofficers and even most of the watch below remained on deck. 

"She has tacked, sir, " cried Mr Foley from forward. 

"We'll tack too, " said the commander. "Hands, about ship; helms alee;raise tacks and sheets; mainsail haul; of all, haul!" The crew eagerlyperformed the manoeuvre, and the ship, now on her starboard tack, stoodin towards the land. 

Many sharp eyes on board were directed towards the spot where thestranger had last been seen. The master had gone to consult his chart;it was his business to warn the commander not to stand on too longtowards the coast, although it was not as dangerous from hidden reefsand keys as further to the westward. 

"Can anybody see her?" asked the commander, whose eyesight was lessacute than that of most of his younger officers. 

No one answered. 

"I got a glimpse of her a minute ago, but I can't make her out anywherenow, sir, " said Mr Foley. 

At length the ship stood on for a quarter of an hour, till the outlineof the land could be seen distinctly ahead against the clear sky. Againshe was put about, but nowhere was the chase visible. The _Champion_was now standing along the land at a safe distance. If the buccaneercould not be discovered from her deck, neither could she from that ofthe buccaneer; she might come upon her unexpectedly. A sharp look-outwas kept all night, but when morning returned no sail was in sight. Amist hung like a thick veil along the coast, allowing only the summitsof the higher ridges to be seen, as the sun, rising above the horizon, tinged them of a red hue with his glowing rays. To look for her to theeastward was useless, and the ship again being put about, stood to thewestward along the land; but, except a few small craft which immediatelymade their escape among the rocks, or within the numerous bays andcreeks, no craft worth overhauling was seen. 

The commander was a calm-tempered man, accustomed to disappointment, orhe might have joined with some of the younger officers in theirexpressions of disgust at having lost the picaroon. Lieutenant Foleytried to look unconcerned when the commander at length expressed hisintention of standing across to the Jamaica coast, touching at differentplaces to ascertain what was going forward on shore. 

As the wind was favourable the _Champion_ was not long in making theland. A small bay marked as Peyton's Cove on the chart lay directlyabreast of her. The commander, heaving the ship to, sent his secondlieutenant with a boat to try and ascertain from any of the people inthe neighbourhood what was going forward, that he might direct hiscourse accordingly. A fisherman's hut appeared not far off from wherehe landed, and the lieutenant made his way towards it. The door wasclosed, but Mr Foley, on listening, heard a loud snore from within. Heknocked. 

"Ki! who are you? What you come for?" asked a gruff voice. 

"Open the door, my friend, and I will tell you, " answered thelieutenant; "but bear a hand, for I am in a hurry. "

The door was speedily opened, and a stout, well-fed negro appeared. 

"Beg pardon, Massa Osifer, " exclaimed the man, who had evidently beentaking his midday sleep after the labours of the morning, for he stoodblinking his eyes as the bright light shone on them; "what you want?"

"I want to know what is going forward in the country; and if you cannotinform me, pray say where I can find some one who can, for I see nodwelling-houses hereabouts. "

"Oh, massa, bad, berry bad. De black slaves great rascals. Dey say datdey murder all de garrison at Fort Maria, and kill de white buckraseberywhere. "

"That is indeed bad news, " observed Mr Foley, scarcely believing theman. 

"It true news too, " answered the fisherman in a positive tone. "If youwish to know, go on along de road up dere, on de top of de hill to deright, and dere you find a house, and de people tell you what happen, ifdey alive; but me tink all de people dead by dis time, seeing dat deretroats were cut last night. "

"Is such really the case?" exclaimed the lieutenant. 

"Iss, massa; dey cut my troat 'cause I free gentleman, but I hide awayand pull off in de boat, and so I 'scape. "

The black spoke so positively that the lieutenant, not thinking itprudent to venture alone, lest some of the insurgent slaves might be inthe neighbourhood, called up his men and proceeded along the road thefisherman had pointed out, till he reached a house embosomed in trees. The doors were open, but no one came forth. He entered. Marks of bloodwere on the floor, and an odour of burning pervaded the building. Goingalong the passage, he found that the fisherman's statement was too true. At the further end of a room lay on the ground the bodies of a whiteman, a brown young woman, and two children cruelly mangled, while inanother room were some extinguished torches, showing that the murderershad intended to set the house on fire, but had suddenly retreatedwithout effecting their purpose. As it was important to returnimmediately to the ship, he could make no further examination of thebuilding. It had apparently been the residence of a small proprietor. The garden and neighbouring fields, though trampled down, had evidentlybeen carefully cultivated. He hurried back to the beat, passing thefisherman's hut on his way. 

"I told you so, massa, " said the man quite coolly. "Worse tings happenin other places. "

"You did indeed speak the truth, " answered the lieutenant, his heartsinking as he thought of the danger to which Ellen and her father mightbe exposed. 

On reaching the ship he informed the commander of the dreadful state ofaffairs, and recommended that they should stand along the coast and makefurther inquiries at the towns and forts near the shore. In the lastletter he had received from Ellen, she had told him that she wasresiding at a house some way further to the westward, but its exactposition he had been unable to ascertain, and he could not find itmarked on the chart. 

A fresh and favourable breeze blowing, the ship soon came off FortMaria, when she hove to, and he--this time having Gerald with him, andaccompanied by another boat, of which Crowhurst had the command--pulledon shore. As they approached the fort, the appearance it presentedexcited their fears that the fisherman's report was likely to prove tootrue. The flag and staff had vanished, and no sentries were to be seenon the ramparts, while in the centre rose a mass of blackened walls. The guns peering through the embrasures commanded the landing-place, but, as the fort was evidently deserted, the boats pulled in, and thelieutenant and his companions at once leaped on shore. They made theirway up a steep path which led to the rear of the fort. The gates wereopen, and they hurried in. A fearful sight met their gaze. Everybuilding within had been set on fire and gutted. Amid the mass ofcharred timber lay numerous bodies, apparently, as far as their dreadfulcondition enabled the party to judge, of white men--some in the dress ofcivilians, while the half-destroyed uniforms showed that others had beensoldiers. Two, from the broken swords still grasped in their hands, were apparently officers, who had fought their way out of the building, which had been the mess-room of the fort, and had been shot or cut downby the savages. A few bodies of blacks were seen, evidently from theirdresses the officers' servants, who had been waiting at table. Thegeneral state of the fort told its own story. The whole garrison andseveral visitors had, not dreaming of danger, been suddenly surprised byan overwhelming body of insurgents, who must have rushed in andmassacred them before the soldiers could stand to their arms. If anywhite people in the neighbourhood had escaped with their lives, theymust have gone away and not dared to return to the scene of thecatastrophe. 

The lieutenant and the midshipmen climbed to the highest part of thefort, and looked round in every direction. Nowhere could they see ahuman being, but in the distance they observed several blackened spaceswhere flourishing sugar-canes had lately grown or gardens or otherplantations had existed. The fisherman's account was thus fearfullyverified. As no one could be seen from whom to gain furtherinformation, Mr Foley and his companions re-embarked, and pulled backfor the ship as fast as the men could lay their backs to the oars. Thecommander thought of landing the marines and a party of small-arms men, but, without further information, it would be impossible to know in whatdirection to proceed. 

The boats being hoisted in, the sails were again filled, and the shipstood on to the westward as close to the shore as the master wouldventure to take her. Every telescope on board was turned towards it, noone looking out more eagerly than Norman Foley, who dreaded lest theyshould come in sight of a once pleasant mansion now reduced to a mass ofruins. If a well-garrisoned fort had been surprised and thus fearfullydestroyed, what might not have happened in the event of a singleplanter's house with small means of defence being attacked. He verynaturally conjured up all sorts of dreadful pictures; at the same time, he manfully tried to combat his apprehensions, and to hope for the best. 

"I see some one on the shore, sir, making a signal, " cried Gerald, whohad a telescope to his eye. "He appears to me to be a white man. He isrunning up and down, seemingly trying to attract our attention. Therehe is now, under that tall cocoa-nut tree. "

All the telescopes in use were turned in the same direction. 

"Yes, that is a white man, no doubt about it, " said the commander. "Hehas taken off his shirt and is waving it. Heave the ship to, MrTarwig. Call the gig's crew away, Mr Foley, and pull in to ascertainwhat he wants. There can be little doubt that it is a matter ofimportance. Come off again as soon as possible, for we shall probablyfind places further along the coast, where the white people arehard-pressed by the blacks. "

The commander's orders were speedily obeyed, and Norman Foley, withoutthe loss of a moment, followed by Gerald who was directed to accompanyhim, lowered himself into the gig. He was eager to be off. Everymoment of time was precious; he had vividly realised the truth of thecommander's last remark. 

"Give way, lads, give way!" he exclaimed, imparting his eagerness to theboat's crew. 

They bent lustily to their oars, and the boat shot rapidly over the bluewaters towards the sandy beach, where the white man had been seen. Itwas yet impossible to discern him, however, without a glass. Mr Foleykept his eyes fixed on the spot, hoping that he would soon again come insight. 

"I see him, sir, " cried Gerald; "he is still waving his shirt, and seemsin a desperate hurry. Perhaps he is some one who has escaped from theblacks, and he wants us to go and help some white people attacked bythem. "

"Very probably, " answered Norman Foley, with a scarcely suppressedgroan. 

The boat was nearing the shore. 

"He is now making for the west side of the bay, towards a reef of rockswhich runs out some way into the sea, " exclaimed Gerald. "He expectsthat he shall reach us sooner. "

"I see him, " said Mr Foley; but directly afterwards Gerald exclaimed--

"He has disappeared. "

"He has had, probably, to go to the inner end of the rock to climb upit, " observe the lieutenant. "I thought so, " he added; "we'll pull inand look out for a place where we can take him on board. "

"He has good reason to be in a hurry, " exclaimed Gerald. "See, there onthe top of the hill are a whole host of black fellows, and now they arerunning down towards the sand. I suspect that they are in chase of him, and if he does not make haste they will catch him, too. "

While Gerald was speaking, a number of negroes, armed with spears headedwith long blades used for cutting the canes, and with axes and otherrudely formed weapons, were seen scampering down the hill. Theypossessed apparently no firearms, however, or the fugitive's chance ofescape would have been very small. He made his way along the roughrocks, leaping across the fractures in his course, and often passingspots on which he would scarcely have ventured had not a foe been at hisheels. The blacks in their eagerness to catch him scarcely took noticeof the boat, though had they done so they might have suspected that hercrew possessed firearms, with which they could be reached. They werescarcely more than a hundred yards off, when the boat got up to theledge of rock, and the white man, springing forward, aided by thebowman, leaped on board and was passed along by the crew to thestern-sheets. 

The lieutenant immediately ordered the boat to be backed off, and herhead being turned in the direction of the ship, the crew once more gaveway. The blacks, meantime, finding that their expected victim hadescaped, gave vent to their feelings of anger in shouts and cries. Afew also, who had been in the rear, now appearing armed with muskets, had the audacity to fire at the boat, but happily the bullets fell shortof her, and she was soon entirely beyond their range. 

"Where do you come from? What has happened?" asked the lieutenant, asthe stranger sank down by his side. 

"I was hiding from the rebel slaves in the wood up in the hill, when Isaw the ship out there, and came down in the hopes that the commanderwould land some of his crew and send them to the assistance of a whitefamily, friends of mine, whose house is surrounded by savages who arethreatening their destruction, " answered the latter. "There is no timeto be lost, for they were fearfully beset, and have neither food norwater remaining, while nearly all their ammunition is, I fear, expended. "

"Who are they?" asked Norman Foley, in an evident tone of agitation. 

"A Mr Twigg and his family, with whom Mr Ferris, an Irish gentleman, and his daughter are staying. There are several other white people inthe house, " was the answer. 

"Mr and Miss Ferris in danger!" ejaculated the lieutenant and Gerald inthe same breath. "How far off is the house? Can we soon reach it?"inquired the former. 

"Twelve or fourteen miles to the westward from here, " answered thestranger. "I should think with this breeze you might get off it in lessthan a couple of hours. "

"We'll lose no time, and the commander will, I am sure, afford everyassistance in his power, " said Norman Foley. "Mr and Miss Ferris arefriends of mine, and I will use every exertion to go to theirassistance. But how do you know that they are so hard-pressed?" headded, anxiously. "Have you made your escape from the house?"

"I did not do so intentionally. Having set out with a number of othersto obtain some yams, we were attacked by a party of blacks, and I wasmade prisoner. Happily I had done some service to two or three slavesamong the party, and had saved them more than once from a flogging. While some of the others proposed putting me to death, they dragged meoff among them, and before the rest of the gang knew what had happened, it being at night, they enabled me to get off. I made my way along theshore, as I knew that part of the country and recollected places where Icould conceal myself. I felt pretty sure, however, that should theblack leader or any other instigators of the rebellion discover that Ihad escaped they would send in pursuit of me. I could not move fast inthe darkness, and had got to no great distance when daylight broke, so Iclimbed up into a big cotton-tree and hid myself among the mass ofcreepers to rest. I had intended trying to reach a fort where I couldobtain assistance, but on looking out of my hiding-place in the morningI saw a party of blacks, who were apparently searching for me. Itherefore crouched down among the creepers, where, as I was pretty wellworn out, I fell asleep. At night I again pushed on, hoping that theblacks had given up the pursuit. I had reached the hill below which yousaw me, when another day broke, and I had once more to hide myself forfear of being discovered. On looking out next morning I saw your shipapproaching, and though I thought it probable that the blacks mightstill be looking for me, I hurried down in the hope that you would seeme and would go to the assistance of my friends. But two days havepassed since I left them, and I know not what may have happened in themeantime. "

Norman Foley's anxiety was greatly increased by the account given him byArchie Sandys, for he it was who had so happily escaped destruction. Heobserved the lieutenant's evident agitation, though he might not havesuspected the cause. Gerald plied him with questions, and drew forthmany particulars of the siege and defence of Bellevue. 

On reaching the ship Norman Foley introduced Archie Sandys to thecommander, who, learning from him the state of affairs at Bellevue, ordered the sails to be filled, and the _Champion_ under every stitch ofcanvas she could carry stood along the coast. As she approached thatpart where, by Archie's account, Bellevue was situated, a look-out waskept for a fitting landing-place for the boats. They had all been gotready for lowering. The marines, under their sergeant, and a party ofblue jackets armed with muskets, pistols, and cutlasses, were ordered tobe prepared to go in them with Mr Foley, Crowhurst, Mr Dobbs theboatswain, and Gerald; Archie Sandys was of course to accompany theexpedition as a guide. On nearing the spot dense volumes of smoke wereseen rolling along, driven by the wind, concealing the landscape fromview. 

Poor Norman was almost ready to give way to despair. His worstapprehensions were fulfilled. The savage blacks must have set the houseon fire, and too probably its hapless inmates were destroyed. Manyothers on board thought as he did. 

Gerald, who was looking out, however, suddenly exclaimed, "I see the topof the house above the smoke; the fire does not reach it. There is aflagstaff with two flags flying from it, though they are odd-lookingones. "

"It is my belief that they are petticoats, or some female gear, "exclaimed the master. "Yes, no doubt about it; the signal is prettyclear, it means females in distress. We'll soon help you, my prettymaidens, whoever you are. "

Mr Foley had taken the glass. After carefully surveying the spot hebegan to breathe more freely. Yes, it was a wood on fire, some waybelow the house, and that might still be holding out. The flags, too, he discovered, were light muslin dresses, and he very likely suspectedeven then that one belonged to Ellen. It did not require that, however, to make him spring forward with even greater eagerness than he had morethan once displayed when setting forth on a cutting-out expedition. Hetook the lead, the launch and pinnace following. He allowed his crew todash on ahead of the other boats, for as they approached the shore rapidfiring was heard. Even now the house was being attacked, and Archie hadmentioned the scarcity of ammunition. Should there be any delay theymight be too late to save its inmates. The thick smoke had concealedtheir approach, as it had the ship, from the view of the blacks as alsofrom those in the house. The former, indeed, not expecting to beinterfered with from the side of the sea, had not turned their eyes inthat direction. 

Norman had time to land, and with the assistance of Archie, who pointedout the different localities to form his plan of proceeding. It was tomove to the right just outside the burning wood, then to charge up thehill under cover of the smoke and attack the enemy on the flank, so thattheir shot might not be directed towards the house. The other boatsappeared to him to be pulling very slowly, but they arrived at last, anda small party of marines quickly formed with the blue jackets on eitherhand. The orders were given in a low voice, Norman and Archie leadingin Indian file, and at a double quick march. They proceeded a short wayalong the shore, and then facing about they rushed up the hill, utteringa true English cheer. The blacks raised a cry of alarm. Those who withburning brands in their hands were attempting to mount the ladders letthem drop, tumbling head over heels to the ground. Their companionsscampered off, many throwing down their muskets. Their leader Cudjoeheld his, and sullenly retired, but as several shots came whizzing pasthim, he increased his pace, till he began to run as fast as the rest, and the whole multitude took to their heels, shrieking with alarm, likea herd of swine, tumbling over each other down the hill, some making forthe opposite height, others rushing along the valley. 

The marines, led by their sergeant, charged after them till the greaternumber of the fleet-footed savages had disappeared. 

Archie Sandys accompanied the master with one party of blue jackets inpursuit of Cudjoe, but the black leader succeeded in reaching a wood, and was soon lost to sight among the trees. Several negroes, however, were overtaken. Seeing that they could not escape, they fell on theirknees, begging for mercy. The seamen were about to cut them down whenArchie recognised two or three slaves who had saved his life, andthrowing himself before them intreated the seamen to desist. Themaster, who had fortunately heard his account, understanding his motive, restrained the sailors, and the lives of the poor blacks were spared. 

"I don't forget the mercy you showed me, " said Archie, "but I wish youhad managed to run off. " Then, turning to the master, he begged that hewould allow the blacks to escape. "If they are made prisoners I may beunable to save their lives, " he said. 

"Well, then, let us go and look after some others, " exclaimed MrBillhook. "Tell them to show leg-bail and we'll not follow them. "

The kind-hearted seamen fully appreciating Archie's object were wellpleased to let the poor trembling wretches escape, and led by themaster, they pursued some others who had still retained their muskets, and who proved to be Coromantees, the most warlike and savage of theblacks engaged in the insurrection. Several of these attempting to makea stand were captured. 

The shouts of the gallant band of seamen and marines had been heard bythe garrison, and their movements and the flight of the blacks seen fromthe windows. The doors being thrown open, the greater number rushed outto join them in the pursuit of the fugitives, but their ammunition beingexpended they were unable to fire a shot, and the blacks happily forthemselves were soon beyond the reach of the whites, or they would havereceived less merciful treatment than the blue jackets were inclined toshow them. As it was, indeed, the British officers had some difficultyin restraining several of the drivers from cutting down the prisonerswho had been secured. In a few minutes not a single black, except thosewho had been made prisoners and a few who lay dead or wounded on theground, was to be seen. 

Mr Foley, having ordered the recall to be sounded, hurried with Geraldto the house, where the first person they met was Mr Ferris, who atonce recognised them. Taking them by the hands, he thanked them withtears in his eyes as the deliverers of his daughter and himself andtheir friends. 

"You have rendered me for ever your debtor, " said the merchant; "indeed, it is impossible to repay you. "

Norman, making a fitting answer, eagerly inquired for Ellen. 

"She is there, " replied her father; and the words were scarcely out ofhis mouth before Norman sprang forward, and there he saw Ellen standing, somewhat pale indeed, though the colour began to mount rapidly to hercheeks, with her hands extended to greet him, her trembling limbs, however, preventing her from moving towards him as her feelings mighthave prompted. He had good reason to be satisfied that absence had notcooled her affection. Mr Twigg kindly allowed them to enjoy eachother's society without interruption. Perhaps Norman would haveremained longer than his duty ought to have permitted him, had not thesound of hearty cheers reached their ears, and he and Ellen on goinginto the hall were informed by Mr Ferris that a party of white men wereseen coming over the hill who were thus welcomed by the garrison. Ellennow first heard of the escape of Archie Sandys, who had been heartilywelcomed by all hands, among whom he was a universal favourite. Hemight before have had his suspicions as to the interest which LieutenantFoley entertained for Miss Ferris. When he saw them together, he had nodoubt about the matter, and the slight hopes he had cherished vanishedfor ever. 

Mr Twigg in the meantime had dispatched people to the yam ground, andto every part of the neighbourhood where provisions could be found, though the blacks had consumed most of the roots and fruits as well asthe animals they could lay hands on near the house. Water had also beenbrought up from the well to supply the thirsty inmates, while thesergeant of marines had drawn up his men, as he said, to observe theenemy, lest they should venture on another attack. That, however, didnot appear probable, as numbers were seen flying at full speed towardsthe mountains to escape the vengeance of their masters, which they knewfull well was likely to overtake them. 

Jack Pemberton and the party from Walton now appeared. 

"We hurried off as soon as Quashie arrived, " said Jack, "but he with amisadventure, and was captured by some rebels who, though they couldmake nothing of him, detained him, and he had no little difficulty inmaking his escape. On our way we were overtaken by a messenger fromMajor Malcolm, who is advancing with a strong force, and depend upon ithe will give the rebels a fearful drubbing if he overtakes them. "

"We are much obliged to you, Jack, for your good intentions, but had notthe party from the ship arrived in the nick of time, you would in allprobability have found the house a heap of ruins, and we all burned tocinders in the middle of it, " answered Mr Twigg. 

No one welcomed Archie Sandys more cordially than did Lieutenant Belt, who had greatly admired the coolness and courage he had displayed. Hehad now also a fellow feeling for him, as he quickly perceived that thesailor officer had forestalled him in the affections of Miss Ferris. 

The family at Bellevue, notwithstanding the fearful danger they had gonethrough, soon recovered their spirits. Such provisions as could behastily collected were cooked, and, as there was a good store of wineand other articles of luxury, an ample repast was soon prepared fortheir guests. 

While they were seated round the table, it was announced that a body ofsoldiers were seen coming from the west, with several persons onhorseback; and in a short time Major Malcolm and two other officersgalloped up to the door. The expression of his countenance when MrTwigg went out to meet him, and as he surveyed the havoc which had beenmade around the house, and saw the fearful danger to which the inmateshad been exposed, showed how much he felt. He condemned himself forhaving quitted Bellevue, although he had gone at Miss Pemberton'sexpress wish; but when he entered the room and saw her eyes turnedtowards him, and the slight tinge which rose to her generally palecheeks, he knew that she, at all events, did not blame him. His staycould be but very brief, for as soon as the forces who were coming uparrived, he must push forward in pursuit of the rebel blacks. 

"It is painful work, without honour or glory, and yet duty demands thatit must be done, " he observed to Miss Pemberton. "I would that othershad to do it. "

Mr Twigg did not fail to expatiate largely on the gallant conduct ofLieutenant Belt, and the important service he had rendered them. "Itwas indeed a happy day for us when you came here, for, had it not beenfor him, I believe that none of us would now be remaining alive; and Itherefore propose the health of the hero of Bellevue, for such hedeserves to be called. "

Every one corroborated Mr Twigg's account, and the gallant lieutenantmade a very neat and appropriate speech. 

"As he is unfit to march, if you desire it, Mr Twigg, I will leave himhere in command of a detachment sufficient to protect the house, " saidMajor Malcolm, "as probably the marines and sailors may be required onboard their ship, to render aid in other directions. "

Norman Foley was not especially obliged to the major for this offer, ashe had thought it possible that he might again have been sent on shorein command of a party to protect the house. He had now, however, noexcuse for remaining; he was therefore compelled, very unwillingly, toorder his men to prepare for embarking. 

"You will write to Norah, Miss Ferris, " said Gerald, as he was wishinggood-bye. "Tell her all about me, and say that I hope to see OwenMassey when he comes back again in the _Ouzel Galley_; and also tell herthat we had a brush with, we believe, that same rascally buccaneer whichattacked the old ship on her voyage out, when you were on board. Thefellow escaped us, but we shall keep a sharp look-out for him and takehim one of these days. I suppose that we shall remain on this northerncoast for some time, and then go back to Port Royal, with lots ofprizes, I have no doubt, and perhaps the pirate among them. "

Ellen and Norman had to part, but they expected ere long to meet againat Kingston, to which place Mr Ferris intended returning as soon as thecountry was considered safe for travelling. 

As the evening was approaching, Lieutenant Foley had to hurry his men tothe boats, after a friendly parting with Archie Sandys. He had anotherreason for making haste, for he did not altogether like the look of thesky. 

"What do you think of the weather, Mr Dobbs?" he asked. 

"Coming on nasty, to my mind, " answered the boatswain, casting his eyeround the horizon. "Whether it is one of them hurricanes which blow inthose seas, or only a common gale, I can't just say; but the sooner weare aboard, and the ship can get a good offing, the better. "

Crowhurst, who had been some time before in the West Indies, was of theboatswain's opinion, and thought that they had already delayed too long;but, then, he was not, like the lieutenant, in love, and had foundnothing of especial interest on shore. 

The commander was highly pleased at hearing of the service his officersand men had performed, and did not blame the lieutenant for remaining onshore so long. Indeed, he observed, "Had no other force appeared toprotect the house, I should have considered it right to send you, withthe marines and a few seamen, back to guard it, in case the rebelsshould return. "

Norman heartily wished that Jack Pemberton with his friends, and MajorMalcolm with his troops, had marched after the rebels, instead of comingto Bellevue. 

The commander had observed the signs of a change of weather, and by themaster's advice, who felt sure that a heavy gale would soon be blowing, though he could not say from what quarter it might come, the ship's headwas put off shore, so as to gain as good an offing as possible before itwas down upon them. The wind increased, and though the _Champion_ couldstill carry her whole canvas, it was necessary to keep a bright look-outagainst a sudden squall, all hands remaining on deck, ready to shortensail at a moment's notice. 

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN. 

THE CHAMPION IN A HURRICANE--HOVE ON HER BEAM-ENDS--LOSS OF MAIN ANDMIZEN-MASTS--RUNS ON BEFORE THE GALE--STRIKES ON A REEF--AN ISLANDDISCOVERED AT DAYBREAK--BOATS AND STORES GOT OUT--THE CREW REACH THESHORE--WATER FOUND--SITE FOR A FORT CHOSEN--STORES AND GUNS LANDED--AGALE--SHIP GOES TO PIECES--LAUNCH LOST--A VESSEL SEEN--CHASED--ESCAPES--FORT FINISHED--A SPANISH MAN-OF-WAR APPROACHES--ATTACKS THE FORT--SPANIARDS DEFEATED--A GALE--SPANISH SHIP LOST--VAIN ATTEMPTS TO SAVE THECROW. 

The _Champion_ was standing across the channel between Jamaica and Cuba. The night came on very dark. The wind, though blowing fresh from thenorth-west, did not increase as much as had been expected, and it washoped that the ship would claw off the shore and obtain a good offingbefore the morning. The topgallantsails had been handed, and as muchcanvas was set as she could carry. The master turned many an anxiousglance over the quarter, where he could still dimly discern the outlineof the land. The ship was heeling over till her lee bulwarks weresmothered in the fast-rising sea. Still the commander was unwilling toshorten sail while she could bear what she was then carrying. It wasimpossible to say from which direction the wind might next blow. Itmight come from the northward, and if so, she would have the shore deadunder her lee, and, should her masts go, might be driven helplesslytowards it. Another reef was taken in the topsails, but still sheheeled over to the wind more than the commander liked, notwithstandingwhich she was evidently making considerable leeway. 

At length there came a lull; the ship righted, and for some timecontinued to stand up better than heretofore to her canvas. Theappearance of the sky, however, did not improve. Dark masses of cloudsflew across it, gradually thickening till a dense canopy hung over theocean without any discernible break. The wind howled and whistled, andthe sea rose more and more. 

"We'll heave the ship to, Mr Billhook, " said the commander. "We havegot, I should think, a sufficient offing, and we must return to theshore as soon as the weather will allow. "

"If you will take my advice, sir, we will rather stand on for some timelonger. We are perhaps nearer the coast than we may fancy, and we mightfind it a hard matter to get off again, should we discover in themorning that we have been drifting towards it. "

"Keep her as she is going, then, " said the commander, who thought thatthe master was probably right. 

Soon after this the wind somewhat lulled, and the ship looked up more tothe northward than she had hitherto done, showing that the wind hadshifted a point or two. Even the master thought that the weather wasimproving. The watch below was ordered to turn in and some of theofficers went to their berths. 

It had just gone two bells in the morning watch, when a sound like athunder-clap was heard, and Gerald, who was in his hammock, was nearlythrown out of it. He felt the ship heeling over to starboard. He andall those below, slipping into their trousers, sprang on deck. The shipwas on her beam-ends, the water washing half-way up to the coamings ofthe hatchways. 

"Hard up with the helm! let fly the main and mizen-topsail sheets!"cried the commander; but the ship did not rise or answer the helm. "Cutaway the mizen-mast!" he shouted; and the carpenter and boatswain, armedwith axes, came aft, and while some of the men severed the rigging, afew blows served to send the mast, with its spars and fluttering sails, over the side. At the same moment the mainmast, which must already havebeen sprung when the hurricane struck the ship, fell after it, and theseamen immediately commenced hacking away at the rigging to clear thewreck. The ship thus relieved, rose to an even keel, and now feelingthe power of the helm, away she flew before the gale. 

The master hurried to the binnacle. The wind had happily shifted to thewestward, and though blowing with far greater fury than before, the shipwas in less peril than she would have been had it continued in itsformer quarter. The yards were now squared and preventer backstays setup, and the carpenter, having examined the mast, reported that it wassecure. The hands were sent to close-reef the fore-topsail; but eventhough thus reduced, it was as much sail as the ship could carry. Onshe flew, free from the wreck of both the masts, which it was impossibleto secure. Every effort was made to secure the remaining mast, on whichso much depended. Some spare spars still remained, with which, when theweather moderated, jury-masts could be rigged; but with the heavy seanow running, nothing could be done. The wind kept veering about, sometimes to the southward and west, at others getting back to thenorth-west. 

"Provided it does not shift to the northward, we shall have room to runon till it blows itself out, " observed the master. But there was nosecurity that it would hold in the most favourable quarter. 

The hurricane blew harder and harder--for such it might almost beconsidered, though not one of those fearful storms which so frequentlydevastate the islands of the Caribbean Sea. The rain, too, beat downfuriously, and the spoondrift in thick showers flew off the summits ofthe seas, shrouding the ship in a dense mist, through which no objects, had any been near, could have been discerned. At present, the chieffear was lest the ship should run foul of any other hove to, for nonecould cross her course under sail. 

On she flew. Daylight returned, but the view around was almost asobscure as during the night. The master consulted the chart. He wouldhave wished to haul to the southward, but the sea was running too highand the wind blowing too furiously for that to be done; neither, inconsequence of the loss of her after-rails, could she be hove to. Heronly safe course was to fly before it. Except the close-reefed topsail, no other canvas was set. The _Champion_ had by this time got to theeastward of Cuba, and was compelled to run on far away from the coasther commander wished to reach. 

Another day and night passed by, the wind blowing with scarcely lessfury than at first. The well was sounded, but it was found that theship had made no unusual amount of water. If she could steer clear ofrocks and reefs, the only other thing to be apprehended was that, whilein her crippled condition, she might fall in with an enemy's ship ofequal or superior force. Numerous reefs and rocks however existed, andas it had been impossible to take an observation, or even to keep anexact dead reckoning, in consequence of the frequent shifting of thewind, the master confessed that he was not certain of her position. Shewas, he supposed, approaching the southern end of the dangerous BahamaIslands, known as the Great Caicos. The island of Inagua, it was hoped, was passed, but even that was not certain. 

Another night was coming on. All on board hoped that the gale wouldblow itself out, but as the darkness increased, it gave no signs ofdoing so. A sharp look-out was of course kept, ahead, and the cableswere ranged ready to let go the anchors should any danger be seen. 

Except when wearied out, in order to snatch a short rest, few of theofficers or men had gone below. Most of them were collected on deck, when a voice from forward shouted out, "Breakers on the starboard bow!"and almost immediately afterwards their roar was heard, and the whitefoam could be seen dashing up over a dark reef. The helm was put acouple of spokes to windward; the ship flew on. Scarcely had the dangerbeen passed, when the wind fell and the sea became rapidly calmer. 

"Has not the sea gone down with wonderful quickness?" observed Gerald toNat Kiddle, who was standing near him, both of them trying to peer outthrough the darkness. 

"I suppose it is because we are protected by the reef we passed, "answered Nat. "I only hope we shall not meet with others. "

"Breakers ahead!" shouted the look-out from forward. 

"Starboard the helm, hard a-starboard!" cried the commander. 

The ship came to the wind, and as she did so the white foam was seenrising directly under her lee. The threatened danger was passed, although so narrowly that her keel grated over a rock below it. 

"Stand ready to let go the best bower!" was the next order heard. 

"Hands aloft to furl the fore-topsail!" Scarcely had the commanderuttered the words than a terrific crashing sound was heard. The shiphad struck a sunken reef. The way she had on her forced her over it. 

"Sound the well, Mr O'Rourke, " cried the commander. 

Before, however, the carpenter could obey the order, the ship againstruck and remained fixed, apparently on a reef. Soundings wereimmediately taken ahead and astern, and from the small depth, of waterround her, it was too clear that she had been driven hopelessly on abroad reef. The sea dashed against her, sending the spray in denseshowers over her decks; but it was evident that there were reefs outsidewhich greatly protected her, and that there was no immediate danger ofher being dashed to pieces, or the crew losing their lives. Thedarkness prevented any object from being seen round her, except blackrocks and the snow-white foam which flew off from the summits of theseas. The crew behaved, as well-disciplined British seamen always dounder such circumstances, with perfect coolness. The men who were goingaloft to furl the fore-topsail were ordered down, and the commanderdirected the carpenter to cut away the remaining mast, as it threatenedevery instant to fall. A few strokes of the axe brought it down overthe forecastle, the wind carrying it in that direction. 

"I fear the old bark is lost, " said Gerald to Nat Kiddle. "I littleexpected to see such an ending of her. "

"No doubt about it, " answered Nat. "The water is rushing like amill-sluice into the hold, and if it wasn't that she is firm on therocks, she would not have many minutes to swim. "

"Faith, I don't think she's swimming now, " said Gerald. 

"No, " answered Nat; "but she is not going down, and that is ofconsiderable consequence to us. When daylight comes I suppose we shallfind out where we are. I hope that land is not far off, or we may haveto make a voyage on a raft, as the boats won't hold us all. "

Norman Foley's chief feeling was disappointment at the probability ofnot being able to return to Jamaica for an indefinite period of time. The distance was too great to perform with any safety in boats; indeed, it was doubtful, without masts to hoist her out, whether the launchcould be got into the water. 

As other shipwrecked seamen have done, all wished for day to relievetheir anxieties. At present it was impossible to decide what to do. Gradually the ship became steadier. As the sea broke over her lessfrequently, the master was of opinion that the tide was falling, andthat she had been driven on shore at high water. 

The commander and his first lieutenant accompanied the carpenter roundthe ship to ascertain more particularly her condition. They quicklycame to the conclusion that she was hopelessly wrecked. "The firstthing to be done, then, is to get the stores from the hold while thetide is out, and to save the ammunition, " observed the commander. "Should we reach the shore, we must not leave ourselves defenceless. "

The crew were accordingly at once ordered to set to work, and beef, pork, flour, and other stores were hoisted up, while the powder was gotout of the magazine and placed in the commander's cabin with a guardover it. 

Daylight found all hands thus busily employed. The wind had gone downand the sea was perfectly smooth. The commander was on deck when thefirst light streaks of dawn appeared in the sky. As the lightincreased, he discerned a line of cocoa-nut trees rising out of one ofthe low islands, known as keys in those seas, scarcely half a mile off, while in the intermediate space were numerous dark rocks, the upperportions of reefs which extended on every side. Between them, however, were wide spaces of calm water, so that there would be nothing to stopthe boats from reaching the island. The satisfactory intelligence wassoon made known through the ship. The smaller boats were at oncelowered, while the carpenter and boatswain set to work to erect shearsfor hoisting out the launch. As soon as the boats were ready, thecommander ordered them to be loaded with provisions, and canvas fortents, and a portion of the powder, and they were sent off under thecommand of the second lieutenant, with Gerald and Kiddle. The twolatter were directed to remain in charge of half a dozen of the men, while the boats were immediately to return. In the mean while a raftwas commenced, to assist in transporting the guns and stores, all ofwhich the commander intended if possible to save. The crew were sobusily employed that they had no time to indulge in apprehensions forthe future, should they have entertained any. 

The commander's chief anxiety was to ascertain if water existed on theisland. Without it they would be unable to support themselves, beyond ashort period, when that on board was exhausted. The midshipmen wereaccordingly directed to search for water immediately on their landing. Away they pulled, their spirits scarcely lowered even by the loss oftheir ship. As they looked back at her as she lay on the rocks, withher masts gone and heeling over on one side, Gerald, however, exclaimed--

"Poor old girl, there you are, and there you will leave your bones. Idon't suppose you care much about it, though you don't find it aspleasant as bounding over the heaving waves, as the poets say. "

"We shall not find it so pleasant, either, living on that sandy-lookingisland ahead there, " observed Kiddle. 

As they drew near the island its appearance improved. They could see avariety of trees and bushes, and that the ground rose beyond them. Further in the interior the green grass, which here and there wasvisible, gave promise of an abundance of water, so that they should nothave, as they at first feared, to suffer from thirst. In a little bay, with rocks rising on one side, they found a convenient landing-place, towards which the boats were steered. The goods were quickly got onshore, and carried up to a level spot under the shade of some cocoa-nuttrees. 

Here, as soon as Mr Foley had shoved off, Gerald and Nat set to workwith their men to put up the tents in which the provisions were to bestored. Gerald then, taking one of the crew with him, set off to lookfor water as he had been directed. The island appeared to be scarcelyhalf a mile across, but it was considerably longer. A somewhat elevatedridge ran down the centre, from which, before he had gone far, he saw anample stream gushing forth into a pool, after which it ran in ameandering course towards the side of the island where they had landed. Having made this discovery, they returned to the camp. Soon afterwardsthe boats came back with some men and a further supply of provisions. He then learned that the commander intended to land the guns. 

The work continued all day long, and towards evening the boats returned, towing a large raft on which several of the guns were placed. The onlybad news was that, in trying to get the launch into the water, she hadbeen severely damaged, and as it would have occupied time to tow her onshore full of water, she had been left anchored near the ship. About athird of the crew, with the marines, under charge of Mr Foley, had nowlanded; the commander and the remainder, with a portion of the officers, still staying on board. Crowhurst, who came with the raft, said thatthere was no danger, and that the commander intended to be the last manto leave the ship. 

As there was abundance of wood, fires were lighted, provisions cooked, and the shipwrecked crew prepared to make themselves as happy as theycould. Some, indeed, when they had knocked off work, amused themselvesby playing leapfrog on the sands, and running races; and the black cook, who had brought his fiddle, beginning to scrape away, set the wholedancing. At last they were ordered to turn in, and though it was notlikely that any enemy was near, sentries were stationed round the camp, according to man-o'-war fashion. 

Norman Foley walked up and down on the beach long after his men had goneto sleep. The boats and raft had returned to the ship. He cast his eyeround to note the appearance of the weather. Should it again come on toblow, her position would be one of considerable danger, and those onboard might have great difficulty in saving their lives. Should theboats be destroyed, he and those with him would scarcely be better offwithout the means of escaping. They might have to remain there forweeks or months, for no vessel was likely willingly to approach sodangerous a neighbourhood. The provisions, though sufficient to lastfor some time, must ultimately be exhausted, as would be the ammunition, with which birds might be shot. Then what would be the consequence?"It is useless to indulge in such thoughts, " he said to himself at last. "With a few hours' rest I shall feel more cheerful. " He did the wisestthing to be done under such circumstances--he went into his tent andfell fast asleep. 

On rising the next morning, he saw the raft and boats again approaching. Mr Tarwig came in command of them, with directions from the commanderto choose a site for erecting a battery on the island with their guns. "The commander thinks it probable that the Spaniards, when they find outthat we are here, will attack us for the sake of making us prisoners, and the sooner we are prepared for them the better, " he said toLieutenant Foley. 

While the other officers and men were engaged in landing the storeswhich the boats had brought, the two lieutenants walked together acrossthe island, and then followed the rise which ran along the centre on theeastern side. Although there were many reefs on that side, the islandwas more approachable than on the west, where the _Champion_ had beenwrecked, and after a careful survey they fixed on a spot below which itappeared that a ship might approach the shore. Consequently it was thespot which an enemy would probably choose for landing with boats. 

The lieutenants were not long in marking out the site of their proposedfort. The ground was here covered more thickly than, in other placeswith trees, some of considerable height, which would effectually mask itfrom the sea. The island was of a width which would enable the guns inthe fort to defend it on both sides, as some might be so placed as tocommand their own landing-place, should an enemy attempt to come onshore on that side. Having formed their plan, they returned to thecamp. Here all hands were still busily employed in getting the guns onshore. The difficulty was to drag them up to the site chosen for thefort. Their own carriages, which had been also landed, were of no usefor this purpose; but the carpenter suggested that rollers should beplaced under them, and, ropes being secured to the breeches, they couldbe dragged up by the crew. 

While the first lieutenant returned to the ship, Norman Foley directedthe carpenter to form his proposed rollers, and to try what could bedone with one of the guns. Some of the rigging had already been broughton shore on the raft, and there was an abundance of ropes for thepurpose. 

The carpenter and his crew were not long in getting all things ready. Four rollers were placed under one of the guns, and a party were toldoff to take charge of four others, while the rest of the crew laid holdof the towlines. The boatswain sounded his whistle, and off they set. It was pretty hard work to draw a heavy gun over the soft sand, butBritish seamen are not to be defeated when they put their shoulders toan undertaking. The gun was started amid cheers from the crew, and itbegan to move forward faster and faster. The moment one roller wasreleased it was carried ahead, and at length the gun was dragged up tohard ground. Now, however, the tug of war began. Though the ground washard, it was rough and uphill; but the inequalities were cleared away, and the gun was got some distance up the bank. It became evident, however, at length that the whole strength of the crew would be requiredto get it up to the site of the fort, and the lieutenant ordered the mento knock off, and to bring another gun up. This was soon done in thesame fashion. The seamen enjoyed the work as if it had been given tothem as an amusement. 

Thus six guns which had been landed were got a part of the way towardstheir destination. Parties of men were next harnessed to the guncarriages, a boatswain's mate or one of the other seamen seating himselfon each--the former with pipe in mouth, and with a long stick in hishand, with which he pretended to drive his team, cheering and shoutingin high glee. One of the carriages, however, as the men were runningalong with it, capsized and shot its occupant out sprawling on the sand, greatly to the amusement of his shipmates. It is wonderful what anamount of work can be got through by seamen when they are allowed to doit in their own way, and make an amusement of the severest labour. 

It would still require the raft and boats to make very many trips beforeall the guns and provisions and stores could be landed. The commanderwisely sent off a proportion of each, so that, should bad weather comeon and the ship go to pieces, a certain amount of all things necessarymight be saved. The weather, however, continued favourable, though thestormy period of the year had now come on. All the guns and provisions, and a considerable quantity of the stores, were at length landed. Thecarpenter had of course taken good care to bring his tools. He proposedbuilding a vessel out of the wreck. The commander approved of hissuggestion, and it was arranged that they should return the next day, and endeavour to procure timber sufficient for the purpose. 

The commander had hitherto not left the ship. The last of the crew whohad remained with him were sent into the boat. His own gig wasalongside. With a heavy heart he hauled down the flag, which hadhitherto been kept flying on a temporary flagstaff, secured to the stumpof the foremast. After looking round his dismantled ship, he descendedinto the boat. 

"Shove off, " he said, and his voice as he spoke appeared to have lostits usual cheerful ring. 

He cast another fond look at her as she lay bilged on the cruel rocks. He had reason to be thankful that not a life had been lost, and that itwas from no carelessness or want of good seamanship that she had beendriven on shore. Had she struck one of the outer reefs, where would heand his gallant crew now be? Probably not one would have escaped. Thesky as he looked westward had again assumed a threatening aspect. 

"We shall have another gale before long, I suspect, " he observed toGerald, who had brought the gig for him. "It may not do us on shoremuch harm, although it may blow down our tents if we don't stay them upwell, but the poor ship--I fear that her days are numbered. A heavy searolling in here would soon knock her to pieces. Give way, my lads, andovertake the raft; we may assist in towing it, and the sooner it reachesthe shore the better. "

Fortunately by this time everything of value had been landed from theship. The cabins had been stripped of their furniture, even to thebedding; the men's hammocks, and every article belonging to them, hadbeen brought off. There was an abundance of water, and there was noprobability of their provisions running short for some time to come. 

Scarcely had the boats and raft been unloaded and the stores carried upto the camp, than the sea began to roll in with much greater force thanhitherto, and as the sun went down the white breakers appeared on everyside, like horses' manes waving in the wind, above the darkening waters. The commander was received with hearty cheers by his crew. 

"Now, my lads, " he said, "I intend to turn this island into aman-of-war, and although we cannot get under way--for if we could wewould soon run her up to Port Royal harbour--we will hold her againstall enemies, whoever they may be, who may wish to make a prize of us. Iintend to maintain the same discipline as heretofore, and I expect thatyou will still remain the well-ordered crew of whom I have always beenproud. "

The captain's address was received, as he expected it would be, withhearty cheers, and several voices among the men cried out, "We'll stickby you, sir, and you won't have to be ashamed of us. "

Several fires had been lighted, round which the men were collected, cooking their suppers in a fashion in which Jack especially delightswhen he has the chance; but the rising wind soon made it necessary toput them all out, for fear of their setting the bushes and trees inflames, or lest a wandering spark might find its way to the tent inwhich the powder was stored. This, by Mr Foley's forethought, had beenerected some way from the camp, and a sentry placed over it. The nextthing to be done was to secure the tents with preventer-stays, as theseamen called them. By this means, furiously as the wind began to blow, not a tent was capsized. Being composed of sails, they were much lowerthan ordinary tents, and thus much less exposed than such would havebeen. They resembled indeed gipsy tents, though on a larger scale. Itwas fortunate for the shipwrecked crew that they had been erected ingood time, for as the night drew on the rain came down in torrents, andwould have drenched them to the skin. The wind increased, howling andwhistling amid the cocoa-nut trees; while the sea, as it dashed withincreasing fury on the shore, uttered continuous and never-ceasingroars, echoed, so it seemed, by the breakers on the more distant reefs. The commander, who had scarcely closed his eyes on board, shared a tentwith his lieutenants and the surgeon. His chief care, for the presentwas over, and he at length fell fast asleep. 

"It is a hard trial for him, poor man, " observed the surgeon, as he andthe two lieutenants sat at their table at the further end of the tent. "Though it may not be the commander's fault when he loses his ship, hemust feel it dreadfully. "

"Somewhat as you feel when you lose a patient, Mac, " observed MrTarwig. 

"Nay, nay, " answered the doctor. "I have a better chance of gettingfresh patients, whereas the captain who loses his ship is often lookedupon as unfortunate, and may chance not to get another--"

"That he may have the opportunity of losing her, doctor, you would say, just as you would desire to have the chance of losing some freshpatients. "

"You're hard on me, Tarwig, " said the doctor. "My desire is to curethem. And just remember that men's lives are not in our hands: all wecan do is to employ such knowledge as we possess. That may be butlittle, I confess, for I tell you our ignorance is great. If I pridemyself on anything, it is that I am aware that I know next to nothing, and that is what many fools do not. "

"Well said, Mac, " observed Norman. "I always had a respect for you, andI have a greater now, and shall have perfect confidence in your skill, if I should have again to come to you for assistance. I believe I owemy life to you when I was wounded, as far as I owe it to any humanbeing. "

"Nay, nay, " again said the doctor, laughing. "You owe it, to mythinking, to a fair young lady who looked after you so carefully when weput you on shore at Waterford--for you were in a bad way then, let metell you, though I did not say so at the time. "

"He has repaid the debt, doctor, for I understand that the same younglady was in the house attacked by the rebels, and that they were on thepoint of entering it and murdering all the inmates, when he drove themto the right-about, " said Mr Tarwig. 

In another tent the master and purser, with the midshipmen, were engagedin amusing themselves in a more uproarious fashion. Many a merry staveand sentimental ditty was sung, and not a few yarns were spun, anecdotestold, and jokes cut, albeit not of the newest. The remainder of theshipwrecked men having been pretty well worked during the day, soonturned in, and in spite of the storm raging over their heads went fastasleep; the only people awake being the sentries, who, wrapped in theirgreatcoats, their firelocks sheltered under them, stood with their backsto the wind. 

Thus the night passed away. With the morning light the rain ceased, andas Norman, who was the first among the officers on foot, looked in thedirection of the spot where the ship had been, she was nowhere to beseen, but here and there amid the foam-covered reefs fragments of thewreck could be discerned, tossed about by the tumbling seas. He hadreason to be thankful that such had not been her fate while the crewwere still on board. He was soon joined by Mr Tarwig. He pointed inthe direction of the wreck. 

"Our chance of building a craft to carry us away is gone, " observed thefirst lieutenant, with a sigh. "Well, we must bear our lot patiently, and maybe some friendly craft may heave in sight. And if a friend doesnot come, why, perhaps an enemy will; and if so, we must capture her, and change places with her crew. "

"Little chance of that, I fear, " said Norman, who, eager as he was toget off, had from the first not been very sanguine of doing so. 

After the crew had been piped up, and Mr Tarwig had mustered them andgone through the usual duties performed by a first lieutenant--although, as he observed with one of his comical looks to Norman, he need not getthe decks washed, the rain having done that already--they re-enteredtheir tent, to which their servants brought fresh water for theirmorning ablutions. Fires were lighted, though the wood did not burn atfirst very briskly, and the cooks busied themselves in preparing forbreakfast. 

The commander on going out of his tent took one glance seaward. "Ifeared it would be so, " he said, turning away his head. "Now, MrTarwig, we'll get our fort under way. "

"It would be a hard matter to do that, sir, " answered the firstlieutenant, screwing up his mouth, with a twinkle in his eye, "seeing itis not built yet. "

The commander, who knew he was fond of a joke, laughed, and desired tobe shown the proposed site. On inspecting it, he highly approved of thespot selected. 

Immediately breakfast was over, all hands were ordered to man the gunsand commence the work of dragging them up the hill. One at a time, however, only could be moved, till it was got near enough to a stouttree to which a tackle could be fixed, and the seamen then ran it up thesteepest part of the ascent with surprising rapidity. 

Before the day was over half the guns were placed in position, and bymeans of stout shears, which were erected on the hill, were hoisted ontheir carriages. The rest were allowed to remain where they were tillthe embankments were thrown up. The smith and his mates, with suchhands as he required, had put up a forge, and he and the carpenters hadbeen busily engaged manufacturing pickaxes and spades. With such as hadbeen finished the men were the next day set to work on the trenches, some being employed in cutting down trees to serve for the woodworkwhich was required. Eighty men were engaged in these operations, and itseemed extraordinary how much that number of willing hands could getthrough, the officers all labouring away to set them the example. 

The commander was well pleased as he surveyed the work. "We shall beable to give a fair account of an enemy should one attack us before manydays are over, " he observed to Mr Tarwig. "I think it very probable, should the Spaniards find out we are here, that they will not let usalone, as they will fancy that for some reason or other we have takenpossession of the island. "

"Ay, sir; but I have a notion we should be able to beat them off withoutthese embankments, satisfactory as it may be to have them as shelter, "answered the first lieutenant. 

It took, however, several days to complete the fort, and when that wasdone, one of the chief objects of the commander was to find occupationfor the men. He knew that it would never do to let them be too longidle. Among the stores saved were several seines; one or two of thesewere drawn every day on the sandy portions of the beach, and neverfailed to catch a number of fish, which added to the store ofprovisions. Drawing the seine afforded not only occupation butamusement to the men, who engaged in it with the greatest avidity. Thefresh fish, too, assisted to keep scurvy at a distance. The surgeonexplored the island in search of any vegetable productions which mightassist in that object. Happily there were a good number of cocoa-nuts, but it was necessary to husband them, or the men would have consumedthem in the course of a day or two. 

Though it was necessary to prepare for a long stay, the commander tookthe requisite measures for attracting the notice of any passing vessels. A high flagstaff was put up in the centre of the fort, from which theBritish ensign was kept flying from sunrise to sunset, and on the twohighest points of the island piles of firewood were placed ready tolight up at night, should it be considered expedient to try and attractthe attention of any ships seen in the offing. There might, however, bea danger in doing this, lest a stranger, standing too close in, mightrun on the rocks. By firing guns, however, she might be warned off. Ofcourse, by these means it was as likely that an enemy would be attractedto the spot as a friend, but this caused them no anxiety, as they couldbeat off any vessel which might come with hostile intentions. 

Day after day, however, went by, and no sail appeared in sight. As soonas the weather moderated the boats were launched, and the secondlieutenant and master, with Crowhurst, pulled round the island andsurveyed its approaches in every direction. They found but two channelsthrough which a vessel of any size could approach to attack them, andthat could only be done with the greatest caution, by those who had athorough knowledge of the navigation. Indeed, the island was almostcompletely surrounded by reefs, some rising above the surface, otherssunk beneath it at different depths. These, it was found, extended to aconsiderable distance from the shore, so that no craft of large size waslikely intentionally to approach. After the survey had been completed, Lieutenant Foley offered to try and make his way to Jamaica in thepinnace, the largest boat which now remained, the launch having beenlost with the ship. 

"I cannot let you go, " answered Captain Olding. "Even should theweather continue favourable, the probabilities are that you would bepicked up by a Spaniard or a Frenchman, and you would fail to reach yourdestination. "

"But I might as probably be picked up by an English man-of-war or amerchant vessel, sir, " answered Norman, who was eager to make theattempt. 

The commander, however, was inexorable, and the lieutenant did not againfor some time venture to broach the subject. 

The shipwrecked crew continued in vain to look out for relief, andCommander Olding remained firm to his resolution of not allowing one ofthe boats to try and make her way to Jamaica. 

Notwithstanding the refusal Lieutenant Foley had received, Mr Billhook, the master, offered to take charge of the pinnace with four or fivevolunteers. "No great harm can happen if we are taken, sir, and stillless, some will say, if we go to the bottom, but the chances are we getclear and arrive all right, " he urged. 

"One great harm would happen. Should you be captured, the enemy wouldsuspect where you came from, even if you refuse to tell them, and weshould have them coming here to try and cut us off, " answered thecommander. "Wait patiently, gentlemen. Either some friendly vesselwill appear, or a French or Spanish trader or guarda-costa will some daycome to an anchor within the reefs; then, if we manage carefully, weshall be able to get aboard her before she has time to cut her cable andrun out to sea. "

This idea of the commander's soon got talked about, and all hands wereconstantly on the watch for any vessel which they might hope to capture. Not that the seamen were in any great hurry to leave the island; aslong as they had an ample supply of food and liquor they were happy, while they had sufficient occupation to keep them out of mischief. 

A look-out for any craft which might approach the shore was of courseconstantly kept on both sides of the island. A mist had hung over thesea during the night, which completely concealed all objects, exceptthose close at hand, from view. The sun rising above the horizondispersed the mist, when a small vessel was discovered under sail, threading her way among the reefs to the westward. Those on board hermust have perceived the fort with the people moving about, and theBritish flag which had just been hoisted on the flagstaff, for sheimmediately kept away, and, the wind being to the eastward, ran offbefore it towards the open sea. If she could be captured she wouldafford the means of sending to Jamaica, though she could not carry allthe crew. The boats were therefore launched, and chase was made; but, the breeze freshening, the stranger got clear out to sea, when allchance of overtaking her was abandoned. Much disappointment was felt--but as one vessel had come off the island so might others, and it washoped that one of sufficient size would appear to carry the whole ship'scompany. The commander, being a sensible man, advised his officers tobe patient, and to make the best of the circumstances under which theywere placed. 

After the fort was completed, and all the huts required were erected, the officers had work enough in devising employment and amusement forthe men. They encouraged games of all sorts--football, cricket, rounders, and ninepins; indeed, a stranger coming among them would nothave supposed that the merry fellows he saw were a shipwrecked crew, especially if they had been found playing leapfrog, or dancing to thesound of Pat Casey's fiddle. The commander and his officers were not, however, without anxiety; they knew that no British ships, eithermen-of-war or merchant vessels, were likely intentionally to approachthe dangerous reefs which surrounded the island, and that their store ofprovisions must in time come to an end. 

"We must not run the risk of starving, " observed Commander Olding; "andin the course of a couple of months, if we do not get off, I will allowyou, Foley, or Mr Billhook to try and make your way, as you propose, toJamaica. "

"I shall be ready to go at any time you give me leave, " answered thesecond lieutenant, well pleased with the thoughts of getting away fromthe island and once more meeting Ellen. By that time the hurricaneseason would be over, and he hoped to be able to make the passagesafely. 

"I trust, sir, that you will let me accompany you, " said Gerald, when heheard that there was at length a chance of a boat being sent off. 

"That must depend on the commander, " answered Lieutenant Foley. "If hewill give you leave, I will gladly take you, as I can depend thoroughlyon you; but I suspect that he will prefer sending Crowhurst. However, we have some weeks to wait, and many things may occur in the mean time. "

"Thank you, sir, for your kindness, " answered Gerald, highly pleased atthe compliment paid him, and thinking nothing of the danger to be runduring a voyage of some hundred miles in an open boat, with a chance ofbeing picked up by an enemy's cruiser, or by one of the piratical craftwhich were known to infest those seas. Gerald was not given toboasting, but he confided to Nat Kiddle the promise Mr Foley had madehim. 

"I wonder whether he would take me too, " said Nat. "I should not liketo be left here without you. I should wonderfully enjoy the trip. Whatfun it would be if we were chased, and managed, notwithstanding, to getaway!"

"It would be no fun if we were caught, however, " answered Gerald; "but Ihope that won't happen. Depend on it, Mr Foley will do his best tokeep clear of an enemy. "

Still some weeks had to be passed before the commander would consent tosend off a boat, while not a vessel appeared in sight. The weather hadremained fine for some time, but at length it gave signs of changing. One evening, as the commander, with several of the officers, were takinga quarter-deck walk on a piece of level ground near the flagstaff, occasionally sweeping the horizon with their glasses, now to theeastward, and now on the west side of the island, the commander, who hadturned his in the latter direction, exclaimed, "There is a sail at last. Judging from her appearance she is a large craft; we shall soonascertain how she is standing. "

The other glasses were turned towards the stranger, and in a few minutesthe general opinion was that she was approaching the island. The windwas blowing pretty fresh from the south-west. Her topgallantsails hadbeen above the horizon when she was first seen; gradually her topsails, then the heads of her courses, rose above the water. "Is she a friendor an enemy?" was the question asked by several of those watching her. Hopes, of course, were entertained that she might be the former. Geraldand Nat Kiddle thought that she must be a British man-of-war. 

"See what a wide spread of canvas she has, " observed Gerald; "nomerchant vessel would carry sails like that. "

"If so, then our chance of a trip in the boat is over, " said Nat. 

The commander and his lieutenants discussed the subject earnestly. 

"She is not a British ship, " exclaimed Mr Tarwig, who had been watchingher attentively through his glass for a minute or more; "that craft outthere is a Spaniard. She is coming here to see what we are about. Depend on it, the little craft we saw the other day has carried theinformation that we are here, and the Spaniards have come to turn usout, if they can. "

"I believe you are right, " observed the commander, after again examiningthe stranger. "We must be prepared for whatever may happen. If, as yoususpect, yonder ship is a Spaniard, she comes with the intention oftaking us. What say you, Mr Billhook?"

"I agree with the first lieutenant, sir, " answered the master. 

"And what is your opinion, Foley?"

"I have little doubt that she is an enemy, and probably well acquaintedwith the reefs. If so, she will stand in near enough to attack thefort; or if its existence is not known, the Spaniards will send theirboats on shore, expecting without difficulty to make us all prisoners, "answered the second lieutenant. 

"They will find that they are mistaken, " observed the commander. "Getall the boats hauled up and placed under shelter behind the rocks, MrBillhook. Call the men to their quarters, see that the guns are readyfor action, and serve out arms and ammunition. We shall somewhatsurprise the enemy if they attempt to land, for they are not likely toknow of the existence of the fort, and will probably at once send theirboats on shore, expecting to carry us off without difficulty. "

The men, who had, like their officers, been watching the approach of thestranger, were well pleased when they heard that she was supposed to bean enemy, and were eager for a fight. It would be a pleasant variety tothe monotony of their existence, and no one entertained a doubt but thatthey should beat her off. The rays of the setting sun, glancing on herside as it rose above the water, showed her to be a large frigate. Though her flag could not be seen, not a doubt was entertained that shewas Spanish. The wind, however, had fallen, and she was still somethree or four miles beyond the outer reefs; when darkness settled downon the ocean, she was seen to haul her wind, apparently to lay to tilldaylight. The night was unusually dark, so that nothing could be seenof her. 

The men were kept under arms, and sentries were posted round the islandat the different points at which boats could land, to give notice shouldany approach, in which case the sentries were directed to fire off theirmuskets and retire to the fort. The officers continually went theirrounds to ascertain that the men were awake and attending to their duty. Hour after hour passed by, still no sounds were heard to indicate theapproach of an enemy. 

It was within an hour of dawn, when Mr Foley, who having just visitedthe western side of the island, had returned to the fort, heard a musketfired, and presently afterwards a sentry came running up. "I caught thesound of the splash of the oars in the water, sir, " he said; "theycannot be far off. They hope to catch us asleep, for they seem to bemaking as little noise as possible. "

As the man was speaking, another sentry's musket was heard to go off. He quickly came up and gave the same report as the first. The garrisonwere at once ordered to stand to their guns, and the two sentries weresent off to bring in their comrades. 

"My lads, we shall probably be attacked in a few minutes by Spaniards:perhaps there may be soldiers as well as seamen among them, but I knowthat I can depend on you to beat them off, " exclaimed the commander. "Not a gun or musket must be fired until I give the order. They may ormay not know, of the existence of our fort; possibly they suppose thatwe are without defences, and expect easily to make us prisoners. Don'tcheer now--let not a sound be heard till they get close up to us; theyperhaps expect to surround our camp, but as they know we are awake, theycannot hope to capture us without a struggle, and will come oncautiously. "

The guns had been loaded with grape and canister. The men not requiredto work them were armed with muskets, so that should even the greaterpart of the frigate's crew have been sent on shore, the shipwreckedparty might well hope to drive them back. 

The commander had taken up a position from whence he could command aview of the approaches to the fort on every side; and other sharp eyeswere likewise looking out. So long a time elapsed that he began tofancy that the sentries had given a false alarm, and he was on the pointof despatching a party down to the nearest landing-place, when he caughtsight of a body of men emerging from the gloom. They approachedcautiously, evidently doubtful of the reception they might meet with. 

The seamen stood at their guns with the matches in their hands concealedfrom view; perfect silence reigned throughout the fort. The enemy creptsteadily on, not knowing how near they were to their expected prey, theoutline of the fort not being yet visible to them through the darkness. Commander Olding judged from the ground they covered that there must bebetween two and three hundred men--double the number of his own crew. Suddenly they halted, probably having just then discovered the fort. Two or three figures, apparently those of officers, were seen moving infront of them; then a shout was heard, and the whole line, advancing, fired their matchlocks, the bullets flying thick as hail over the fort. 

The commander leaped down from his exposed position unhurt. "Now, giveit to them, my lads!" he cried, and the guns sent forth an iron showerinto the midst of their assailants. Shrieks and cries arose from thedirection of the enemy, who had evidently not expected to find theEnglish possessed of guns. Still the little garrison fully expected tobe attacked; but when the smoke from the first discharge of the gunscleared off, the whole body of the enemy were discovered in rapidflight, making their way back to their boats. 

"Let us follow them, sir, " cried several voices from among the men; "notone of them shall get back to their ship. "

"They have been sufficiently punished, and are not likely to renew theattack, " answered the commander, who had no wish to make prisoners, andsaw no necessity for the utter destruction of the enemy. "If they comeon again they must take the consequences. "

The seamen were somewhat disappointed at this, but they knew that itwould be useless to expostulate. They remained at their guns, hopingthat the enemy would again attack them; but when daylight appeared, theboats were seen making their way back to the frigate, which lay outsidethe reef. On the ground they had occupied when the fort opened fire onthem were stretched upward of a dozen dead men. It was evident that theSpanish had carried off their wounded, who probably numbered as manymore. A party was at once sent down, accompanied by the surgeon, toascertain if any of those on the ground were still alive; but Mac, having gone round and examined each of these carefully, pronounced themall as "dead as herrings. "

"There, my lads, " he said to the men, who had come with pickaxes andspades. "Now you may bury them all as fast as you like; their fightingdays are over. "

The seamen carried the bodies off to a distance from the fort, whenhaving dug a large grave, they tumbled them in without any ceremony. Before the sun had risen many degrees above the horizon, the deadSpaniards were for ever put out of the sight of their fellow-creatures. 

Meantime, the proceedings of the frigate had been watched with noinconsiderable interest by Commander Olding and his officers. The windwas still blowing a moderate breeze from the south-west, and wouldenable her without difficulty to get in much nearer than she was atpresent to the island. She was seen to be getting up her anchor. Thetopsails were let fall, and, with her boats ahead, she stood in towardsthe fort. 

"Her captain, finding that he cannot capture us as he expected, intendsto attack the fort with his great guns, " observed the commander. "Hewill find, if he attempts to do so, that he has made a still greatermistake than at first. He must be well acquainted, however, with thenavigation or he would not venture to bring his frigate in among thesereefs. "

The men had in the mean time been piped to breakfast, the commander andhis two lieutenants alone remaining on the ramparts to watch theproceedings of the frigate. The wind was light, the sea smooth, and shewas enabled to thread her way amid the reefs without difficulty. 

"Her captain maybe a bold fellow, but he is not a wise one, " observedMr Tarwig. "If it comes on to blow, and I think there is a greatprobability that it will do so, he will wish himself well out to seaagain before he can get there. He seems only to be thinking how he canget near the fort, but if he had kept his eye to windward he would haveobserved yonder bank of clouds rising above the horizon. "

The Spanish flag was now seen to fly out from the peak of the frigate, leaving no doubt as to her nationality. She stood on for a few minuteslonger, when her sails were clewed up and her anchor let drop. Thoughshe had now got near enough to reach the fort with her guns, she had toget a spring on her cable before she could bring them to bear upon it. 

"Now, my lads, let us show the Spaniards what English gunnery is like, "cried the commander, as the men returned to their quarters. "Fire!"

No sooner was the order given than every gun on that side of the fortwas discharged at the enemy, with so good an aim that few missed, someof the shots striking her hull, others her rigging. In spite of it, however, the Spaniards managed to get a spring on their cable and toopen fire with the whole of their broadside. 

"They will not hurt us if they can't take better aim than that, "observed Gerald to Nat Kiddle, as the greater number of the enemy's shotflew either on one side or the other of the fort, or buried themselvesin the bank below it. 

As twelve of the corvette's guns had been brought over to the west sideof the fort, they were not much inferior in number to those the Spanishfrigate could fire in return; while they were much better served, theEnglish crew firing two guns to the Spaniard's one. Their shot soonbegan to tell with terrible effect on the enemy; several were seen to gothrough her bulwarks, while her rigging was much cut up. 

The action had continued for nearly an hour, and during all that timenot a single person in the fort had been hit. At length the Spaniardappeared to have had enough of it. Her boats were observed ahead, as ifabout to tow her off the shore. Her cable was cut, and she was seensteering for a passage which the master had lately discovered betweenthe reefs to the north-west. 

"She must put her best foot foremost, if she expects to get to seabefore the wind which will come out of yonder black cloud catches her, "he observed. "Should it hold as it does now she may do it, but if itshifts to the northward or westward she will go ashore as sure as myname is Billhook. "

As soon as the frigate's head had come round, her topsails were let falland sheeted home, and she quickly glided out of the range of the_Champion's_ guns. The British crew cheered lustily as they saw thedefeat of their enemy. 

"We must not be too sure that she will not come back again, " observedMr Tarwig. "The Spaniards do not like the look of the weather; whenthe squall blows over, they will probably pay us another visit. "

"It is a chance if they will be able to do so, " observed the master. "See! here comes the wind sooner than I expected. If they can manage toget out between the reefs, they are better navigators than I take themfor, " he added, as he eagerly watched the retreating enemy. 

The wind continued for some time blowing from the same direction asbefore, enabling the frigate to thread her way between the rocks oneither hand. A blast at length reached her. Over she heeled. Therewas no time for shortening sail; onward she flew at a rapid rate throughthe water. 

"She will get through, after all, " observed the commander. 

The various spectators almost held their breath, for, though the shipthey were watching was an enemy, no one wished her to meet that fatewhich it seemed probable would overtake her. Now again she rose almostto an even keel, but not a brace or a sheet was slackened. Already thesea was breaking with fearful violence over a dark reef under her lee, while she was sailing as close as possible to the wind. 

"She will not weather it, " cried the master. "They are attempting to goabout. It's too late, though. She's lost--she's lost!"

At that instant the gale with fresh force struck the devoted ship. Downshe heeled, and a sea striking her before she had come round, drove herbodily on the reef. The following seas dashed wildly over her, almostconcealing her dark hull from view. For a few moments her masts againcame into view, but directly afterwards they fell over one after theother, and the vessel herself appeared to be melting away before thereiterated blows of the fierce waves, which seemed suddenly to rise forthe purpose of effecting her destruction. 

"We must be ready to offer help to any of the poor fellows who may bewashed ashore, " exclaimed the commander; "though I fear that few willreach it alive. "

Both officers and men were eager to carry out his suggestion. A numberof long spars and coils of rope were got ready, and the greater numberof the _Champion's_ officers and crew set off towards the northern endof the island, the only point where it was at all probable that any ofthe Spaniards would be able to land. On reaching it, however, thedesperate condition of the unfortunate crew was still more clearly seen. To send them help was beyond the power of the English. No boat couldpossibly live in the sea already running round the reef on which theship had struck. 

Already a large portion of the hull had been knocked to pieces, whilethe greater number of her crew had been washed into the raging surf anddrowned. A few wretches alone clung desperately to the forepart of theship and the stump of the bowsprit. No assistance could be sent tothem. Every instant the wind increased; the seas rolled up more wildlyagainst the wreck, as if eager for their destruction. Still thecommander and most of the officers and crew stood watching, on the barepossibility of the wind again shifting and driving some of the haplessSpaniards on the beach. 

They waited in vain. The hurricane had only as yet been gatheringstrength. Suddenly it burst with terrific violence, which even theseamen on the firm ground could with difficulty face, as it drove massesof spray and sand against them, the roar of the seas almost drowning thecommander's voice as he ordered them to retire to the shelter of somerocks a short distance from the shore. On getting under their lee, asthey again looked towards where the wreck had been, scarcely a vestigeof her remained, nor was one of her hapless crew seen alive. Still, while a hope remained that some poor fellow clinging to a piece of thewreck might be thrown on the beach, a look-out was kept to render himassistance; but some hours passed by, and not a single human being ofthose who had lately formed the crew of the Spanish frigate could by anypossibility have remained alive. The commander ordered the men toreturn to the fort. The hurricane continued raging with unabatedviolence for the greater part of the flight. 

"I say, Nat, it is as well we had not started with Mr Foley, " observedGerald to his brother midshipman. "What would have become of us, Iwonder?"

"We should have been in a bad plight, I suppose, " answered Nat. "Ican't help thinking that the commander was right in not letting us go assoon as we wished. "

The stormy weather continued for some time longer. Occasionally thewind ceased, but only again to blow with almost as much violence asbefore. Mr Foley and the master both acknowledged the commander'swisdom in not allowing them to do as they had desired. The hurricaneseason must, however, come to an end, for it had apparently alreadylasted longer than usual, and the young lieutenant began to indulge inthe expectation of soon returning to Jamaica. 

CHAPTER NINETEEN. 

TWO VESSELS APPEAR OFF THE ISLAND--ONE CHASING THE OTHER--THE STERNMOSTSUPPOSED TO BE THE OUZEL GALLEY--FIRING HEARD AT NIGHT--A CALM--THEBOATS PUT OFF--A BREEZE--THE PIRATE ESCAPES--SOUND OF AN ENGAGEMENTHEARD--BELIEF THAT THE MERCHANTMAN HAS BEEN CAPTURED--A BOAT PREPAREDFOR A VOYAGE TO JAMAICA--JUST AS SHE IS STARTING, A VESSEL IS SEEN ATANCHOR INSIDE THE REEFS--THE BOATS PUSH FOR HER--THE STRANGER FIRES ATTHEM--IS BOARDED AND CAPTURED--GERALD'S DISMAY ON DISCOVERING THE "LOGOF THE RESEARCH, CAPTAIN GERALD TRACY"--DILLON FOUND ON BOARD AS LEADEROF THE PIRATES--HE OFFERS TO PILOT THE RESEARCH INTO TIGER HARBOUR--COMMANDER OLDING AND HIS WHOLE CREW EMBARK WITH GUNS, AMMUNITION, ANDSTORES--THE RESEARCH SAILS FOR THE NORTHWARD--A CANOE, WITH FIVE PEOPLEIN HER, SEEN. 

One morning Gerald and his constant companion, Nat Kiddle, had gone downjust at daybreak to bathe in a pool on the beach, into which no hungrysharks were likely to enter. It was the only place where the commanderwould allow the men to go into the water, and they naturally preferredgetting their swim before the rest of the ship's company. They weresomewhat earlier than usual, and after swimming about for some time hadlanded and were dressing, when Gerald, looking to the north-east, caughtsight of a sail just rising above the horizon. 

"Hurrah! I do believe she is standing towards the island, " heexclaimed, pointing her out to Nat. "She will see our signal andprobably heave to, to know what we want. The chances are that she is afriend. No Spanish vessel would be coming from that direction, at allevents, with the intention of attacking us. She is probably aman-of-war, or, if a merchantman, she is bound to one of the islands tothe southward. "

"But she is as likely to be a foreigner as an English vessel, " observedNat; "at all events, she must be greatly out of her course. If bound toJamaica, she would have kept through the Windward Passage, or if boundto one of the Leeward Islands, she would not have come near this. "

The sun, now just rising above the horizon, cast a bright light on thetopsails of the stranger, which must have discovered her to the look-outat the signal station, who immediately ran up the colours. 

Gerald and Nat were soon after this joined by several other officers whohad come down to bathe. Mr Foley, being among the last, had broughthis telescope. The north-east trade-wind, which began blowing duringthe night, was now carrying the stranger steadily along before it. MrFoley had lent Gerald his glass. 

"Why, sir, " he exclaimed, as he was looking through it--"`It never rainsbut it pours'--there is another craft of the same rig as the first, under all sail. It appears to me that she is chasing the headmost one. "

Crowhurst took the glass, and having glanced through it, agreed thatGerald was right. He then handed it to the master, who observed, "Thereis no doubt about it. The headmost vessel is a merchantman; by the cutof her canvas, I should say she was English. But the sternmost I can'tquite make out; she is probably a French or Spanish privateer. However, as they are coming on at a good rate, we shall know before long. In themean time I intend to take my dip. "

Gerald and Nat continued watching the strangers as they approached. They had got considerably nearer by the time the master came out of thewater. 

"They must have encountered dark and heavy weather, and got out of theircourse, or they would not have been so close in to this dangerouscoast, " he observed. "Lend me the glass again, Foley, " he added, turning to the second lieutenant. "Well, I can't make out what she is, "he continued. "Her sails have an English cut about them, too. We shallmake out her colours before long, for if she is English she is sure tohoist them when she sees ours flying from the flagstaff. "

Mr Foley and the rest of the party were as much puzzled as the master. No one felt inclined to leave the spot, even though breakfast-time wasapproaching. 

Gerald felt unusually interested; why, he could scarcely tell, exceptthat he had been the first to discover the strangers. Now he threwhimself down on the sand; then he got up and walked about, and againborrowed Mr Foley's telescope. 

The course the two vessels were steering would carry them within half amile of the outer reefs that surrounded the island. The hull of thefirst could already be distinctly seen. She appeared to be either anarmed merchantman or a privateer; but if the latter, it was not likelythat she would run from a vessel not much, if at all, superior to her insize. 

Nearer and nearer drew the leading vessel. Those on board must havebeen aware of the dangerous character of the coast. As it was, she wasstanding closer than, under ordinary circumstances, prudence would haveallowed. 

"Yes, she is English, " exclaimed Gerald, who had been taking a long lookat her through the glass. "I can see the people on her deck. They arelooking, it seems to me, for some opening in the reefs, but they canfind none on this side, and must see the surf breaking over the outerrocks. But what can the other craft be? If the first is English, I amsure she must be so, by the look of her hull and the cut of her sails, though I can't make out her flag. " His hand began to tremble as he heldthe glass to his eye--a very unusual thing for him. "Mr Foley, sir, "he exclaimed at length, "will you take a look at yonder vessel, and sayif you have ever seen her before? It seems to me that I ought to knowher. "

He handed the glass as he spoke to the lieutenant, who took a long lookthrough it. 

"I can scarcely believe it possible; yet, Tracy, she appears to meremarkably like the _Ouzel Galley_, " observed Mr Foley. 

"That is what I think she is, sir; but how she comes to be chasinganother English vessel is mere than I can make out. "

While the lieutenant was speaking a flash was seen, and a shot flew fromthe vessel they were looking at towards the one ahead. Another andanother followed from her bow-chasers, but the range was a long one, andthey fell harmlessly into the water, under the counter of the ship atwhich they were fired. 

"They were well aimed, and had they been fired from longer guns and withbetter powder, they would have hit their mark, " observed LieutenantFoley. 

"It won't be long before the chase has some of those round shot aboardher, " observed the master. "The sternmost vessel is gaining on herfast, and unless she can manage to knock away some of the spars of theother, she must be overtaken in a few hours at most. "

Gerald had again got hold of the telescope. "I cannot make it out, " heexclaimed again and again. "I have just caught sight of her flag. Itis black, with the death's head and cross-bones. There is no mistakingher character; she is a pirate, but still I never saw a craft so likethe _Ouzel Galley_. She has the same new cloth in her fore-topsailwhich she had when she last sailed from Port Royal, and a patch in thestarboard clew of her main-topgallantsail. Can anything have happenedto Owen Massey? He has not turned pirate; of that I am very certain. "

"I am afraid, then, Tracy, if that vessel is really the _Ouzel Galley_, she must have been captured by pirates, " observed Lieutenant Foley. 

"I am dreadfully afraid that such must have been the case, sir, "answered Gerald, almost ready to burst into tears. "All I hope is that, though she is wonderfully like the _Ouzel Galley_, she is not her, afterall. If she is, poor Owen, his officers and crew must have beenmurdered. Dear, dear! what will become of Norah when she hears of it?"

The two ships were now passing almost directly in front of the island;indeed, the chase had already got some way to the southward, the pirateship--for that a pirate she was there could be no doubt--continuallyfiring at her. Gerald walked up and down in a state of painful doubtand anxiety. Nat Kiddle remained with him, though getting very hungryand wishing to go back to the fort for breakfast. Mr Foley, who wasalmost as much interested as Gerald, was the only officer who remainedwith him. 

Neither of the vessels appeared to have observed the flag flying fromthe fort; at all events, they took no notice of it. Both were too faroff for the guns to reach them, or Commander Olding would not haveallowed the pirate to pass unquestioned. 

The wind, which had been blowing fresh in the morning, as the dayadvanced decreased, and by the time the two vessels were about three orfour miles to the southward of the island it fell almost to a dead calm. They were still, however, at some distance from each other, but theirguns could be heard as they exchanged shots; the headmost vessel firingher stern guns, and the other her bow-chasers, but, as far as could beseen at that distance, without inflicting much damage on the other. Nosooner did the commander perceive the state of affairs than, calling histwo lieutenants and the master, he proposed attacking the pirate withtheir three boats. 

"If you will allow me, sir, I will gladly take the command, " exclaimedMr Tarwig. 

"I intended to have gone myself, but I will yield to your wishes, "answered the commander. 

Of course, all the other officers were ready to go. The commanderselected the master and boatswain to take command of the other twoboats. Gerald and Nat Kiddle were eager to accompany them, and greatlyto their satisfaction obtained leave, Gerald to accompany the firstlieutenant, and Nat the master. By keeping among the reefs, many ofwhich rose considerably above the water, they would be able to get nearthe pirate without being perceived, and it was hoped, should the calmcontinue until nightfall, that they might take her by surprise. This, of course, was most desirable, as she might thus be captured withoutmuch bloodshed. No time was to be lost, for the wind could not bedepended on, and it might soon again breeze up, when she would quicklyget beyond their reach. 

The three boats carried altogether thirty hands, armed with firelocks, cutlasses, and pistols. The pirate's crew was in all probability muchmore numerous, but that was not likely to deter British seamen fromattacking them, either by night or day. 

Mr Tarwig led his little squadron, threading his way among the rocks tothe southward. 

Gerald naturally felt an intense interest in the expedition. He wassure that the pirate was the _Ouzel Galley_, and he hoped from some ofthe prisoners they might take to gain information about Owen Massey. 

A considerable portion of the day had been spent before the boats, rounding the island, again came in sight of the two ships. They werestill as before cannonading each other at a distance. The boats had metwith a strong current, which had considerably impeded their progress. It wanted a little more than an hour to sunset, while they were upwardof two miles from the pirate. 

"If we wait till dark we shall have a better chance of taking the pirateby surprise, as she will not expect to be attacked by the boats, "observed Mr Tarwig to Gerald; "but then, again, we run the risk oflosing her altogether, should a breeze spring up. --What do you say, master?" he shouted to Mr Billhook, who was in the boat nearest to him. "Shall we wait till darkness comes on, or pull away at once for thepirates?"

"As you ask me, I venture to say that we had better wait till dark. Ifthe pirates catch sight of us before we are alongside, they may knockone of our boats to pieces, or, for that matter, sink all of them, "answered the master. 

The boatswain, when asked, agreed with the master. Mr Tarwig thereforedecided to wait, under shelter of a high reef of black rocks, whichwould effectually conceal the boats from the pirate. 

Gerald felt greatly disappointed. He had hoped to pull on board atonce, and settle the doubts which had been agitating his mind all themorning. On looking out to the northward, he observed the hithertoglass-like sea rippled over in various directions. 

"Do you observe those cat's-paws, sir?" he asked, pointing them out toMr Tarwig. "If the strangers feel the breeze before we get on board, we shall lose the pirate, and too likely the other vessel will fall intoher hands. "

"I believe you are right, Tracy. We must give up the idea of surprisingthe pirate. --We must pull for her at once, master. You board on thestarboard bow, Mr Dobbs on the larboard, and I will get on board overthe starboard quarter. You will clear a road for yourself along thestarboard gangway, master. I will meet you there. "

Scarcely had these arrangements been made, the boats still remainingconcealed behind the rocks, when the pirate's canvas blew out to theincreasing breeze, and she began to glide rapidly away over the smoothwater. 

"I was afraid so, " exclaimed Mr Tarwig. "I am the most unlucky fellowin existence. We shall lose her, after all. "

As he spoke the pirate was seen to be running rapidly through the water, the chase at the same time getting the breeze, and, as before, keepingahead and doing her utmost to escape. On seeing this, Mr Tarwig gavethe order to the other boats to pull back. 

"I can't make it out, sir, " said Gerald, as they were returning to theisland; "I feel more certain than ever that the vessel with the blackflag is the _Ouzel Galley_. I wish that we could have got on board her, to learn what has become of my friends. "

"It is very disappointing, I allow, Tracy, " answered the firstlieutenant, "but I doubt if we should have been much the wiser. Dependon it, the pirates would not have acknowledged that their craft is the_Ouzel Galley_, and still less how they had disposed of the officers andcrew. "

"They must have murdered them all, " cried Gerald, bending down his headupon the palms of his hands. "I cannot bear to think of it, for I amsure that Owen Massey would not have yielded without a desperatestruggle. "

"Well, Tracy, we have all our trials to bear. Cheer up, cheer up, matters may not be so bad as you suppose, " said Mr Tarwig in a soothingtone. Rough as was his exterior, he was a true kind-hearted man atbottom. 

The two vessels were soon lost to sight in the darkness, which rapidlycame on. Still the guns could be heard, showing that the chase had notyet yielded, and was, as before, endeavouring to make her escape. Firstthey were fired only at intervals, as either one or the other couldbring her bow or stern-chasers to bear on her antagonist; just as theboats reached the shore the booming sounds came with far greaterrapidity, as if both were firing their broadsides. 

"The pirate has brought the chase to action, " exclaimed Mr Tarwig. "May Heaven protect the right! The merchantman has done her best toescape, and small blame to her. She will now, I doubt not, fight to thelast, and may, I hope, beat off the enemy. "

The whole party, on landing, stood listening to the sound of the guns, trying to judge how the fight was going. Broadside after broadside wasexchanged for the space of nearly half an hour; then suddenly the firingceased. 

"Can the merchantman have beaten off the pirate?" said Gerald to thefirst lieutenant. "Do you think she has, sir?"

"I much doubt it, " was the answer. "What do you say, master?"

"I believe that the pirate has taken the merchantman, " replied MrBillhook. "Those buccaneering fellows will stick to their prey likeleeches. They had made up their mind that she would prove a rich prize, and were determined to have her. "

Most of the party agreed with the master, and few felt otherwise thansad at the thought of the fate which had probably overtaken the crew ofthe merchant vessel. 

They returned to the fort. 

The commander was satisfied that Mr Tarwig had done his best to capturethe pirate. He had observed the breeze coming on, and fully expectedthat she would escape. 

The fine weather having now set in, and the stock of provisions runningshort, the commander agreed to allow his second lieutenant, withoutfurther delay, to try and make his way to Jamaica. It had become ofdouble importance that he should get there as soon as possible, boththat a man-of-war might be sent to the relief of the _Champion's_ crew, and another despatched to search for the pirate, which was likely to becommitting serious depredations on British commerce. 

Mr Foley begged that he might be allowed to start the very nextmorning. He had already obtained from the purser the provisions heexpected to require for the voyage, and had selected eight trusty menfrom among those who had volunteered to accompany him. 

Greatly to Gerald's delight, the commander gave him leave to go, MrFoley having, according to his promise, applied for him. 

The pinnace had been carefully overhauled, and such additions to herfittings as the second lieutenant thought would be necessary had beenmade. Nothing more, therefore, had now to be done than to put herstores and water on board, and that would not take long, so that shemight set off at an early hour the next morning. 

Nat Kiddle was greatly disappointed at finding that he was not to go. He again applied, through Mr Foley, for leave, but the commanderconsidered that another officer was not necessary; he was unwilling torisk the safety of more people than were absolutely required. There wasbut little danger to be apprehended from the weather; the risk was fargreater of falling into the hands of the enemy, who would, of course, ifthey were taken, prevent them from proceeding on their voyage. Shouldthis happen, matters would become serious on the island, though thecommander still hoped to be able to maintain the crew for many months tocome, with the help of such wild-fowl and fish as could be caught. 

Next morning, before daybreak, all hands were roused up, it beingarranged that the pinnace was to start directly there was light enoughfor her to see her way between the reefs. Those who were to go werefirst to breakfast, while a party who had been told off for the purposecarried the stores and water down to the pinnace. She was soon loaded;and a ruddy glow had just appeared in the eastern sky as Mr Foley andhis companions stepped on board. 

It had again become perfectly calm. Not a breath of air ruffled thesmooth surface of the ocean; scarcely a ripple broke on the beach. 

"You will have a long pull of it among the reefs, " observed the master;"but you will get a breeze, I hope, from the north-east when the sunrises. "

The mists of night had begun to clear away, when Mr Foley, lookingtowards the south-west, exclaimed, "There's a vessel at anchor. "

The pinnace was on the point of shoving off. 

"Wait till we see what she is, " said the commander, who had come down, as had all the officers and men, to bid farewell to their shipmates. 

The sun now quickly rising, shed its rays on the stranger, towards whichseveral telescopes were turned. 

"She is the very merchantman we saw yesterday, or I am much mistaken, "observed the commander. 

"No doubt about it, sir, " said Mr Tarwig. 

"Foley, you will be saved a voyage in the boat. We must board herwithout delay, or she may be getting under way, although it seemsstrange that she should not have noticed our flag, " said CommanderOlding. "Can she have beaten off the pirate?"

"It looks like it, sir, " answered the first lieutenant. "Either thepirate must have escaped or been sent to the bottom. "

"We shall soon hear all about it, I hope; and we must get her to take usoff, " said the commander. 

"As the pinnace is ready, I will pull on board at once, sir, if you willallow me, " said Mr Foley. 

The commander hesitated for a moment. "We will run no unnecessaryrisk, " he observed. "She may have beaten off the pirate, or she mayhave become her prize, and if so, it will be safer for all the boats toproceed together well armed. "

Some minutes were occupied in unloading the pinnace, that more men mightgo in her; and in the mean time the crews of the other boats hurriedback to the fort to obtain their arms. Mr Tarwig and the master takingcharge of them, as soon as all were ready they shoved off, and pulled asfast as the men could lay their backs to the oars towards the stranger. As they got from under the shelter of some of the higher reefs, whichhad at first concealed them, they must have been seen from her deck, asthe British ensign was run up at her peak. 

"Hurrah! after all, she must have beaten off the pirate!" exclaimedGerald. 

"I am not quite so sure of that, " answered Mr Foley. "If she is aprize to the pirates, they would hoist the flag to deceive us, and asthey see only three boats, they may hope to beat us off. Don't let usbe quite sure that yonder vessel is not in the hands of the pirates, " heshouted out to Mr Tarwig, whose boat was astern of the pinnace. 

"I agree with you, " was the answer. "We will be on our guard. "

The first lieutenant, as the senior officer, now took the lead, and theother two boats followed a little more than an oar's length apart. MrTarwig's boat carried an ensign, and as he approached the stranger heunshipped the flagstaff and waved it so that it might clearly be seen. The boats had now got within hail of the merchant vessel. The Britishcolours were still hoisted at her peak. 

"Who are you?" shouted a man who just then appeared on the poop of themerchant vessel. "Keep off, or we shall fire at you. "

"We are British--the officers and men lately belonging to his Majesty'ssloop of war _Champion_, " answered Mr Foley. "If you are English weare your friends, and we intend to come on board. "

"You may be, or you may be buccaneering rascals, and we don't intend totrust you; so stand off, or we shall fire and sink all your boats, "shouted the man who had before spoken. 

"I repeat that we are British, and you fire at your own risk, " answeredMr Tarwig. 

"There is no doubt that the pirates have possession of the vessel, "observed Mr Foley to Gerald. 

The first lieutenant seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion. "Pull ahead, lads!" he cried out; and the men again gave way, thepinnace dashing up on the quarter, and the other two boats on eitherside. 

As they approached the stranger opened her broadsides, and firelocks andswivels were discharged at them; but they were already so close that theshot flew over their heads, and the next instant the British seamen werescrambling up the sides of the stranger, in spite of the oppositionoffered them from pikes, firelocks, and pistols. As they threwthemselves over the bulwarks, they encountered a savage-looking crew, ofwhose character there could be no doubt; but, savage as they appeared, the cutlasses of the hardy tars quickly played havoc among them. Somewere cut down; others fled to the waist, and leaped below; and several, in desperation, threw themselves overboard. Within a minute the greaterpart of the deck was in possession of the _Champion's_ crew, a smallnumber of pirates alone standing at bay around the mainmast. 

"We ask for quarter, and if you give it we will lay down our arms andsave further bloodshed, " exclaimed one of the party, who appeared to bean officer. 

"We give you the quarter you ask, and your lives will be safe till youare brought to a fair trial, " answered Mr Tarwig, "but I will notpromise you any other terms. "

The man consulted with his companions. It was evident that all furtherresistance would be hopeless, as already the _Champion's_ people were inpossession of the forecastle and aftermost guns, and could in an instantturn them on the pirates, whom they, besides, considerably outnumbered. 

"We trust to your honour and give in, sir, " said the former speaker. 

"I repeat what I have before said--your lives shall be spared, " answeredMr Tarwig. 

On which the pirates threw their arms on the deck. They were forthwithpinioned by the victors, and those who had escaped below were brought upand treated in the same manner. 

Gerald had remarked the countenance of the man who acted as spokesmanfor the pirates, and was much struck by it. Could he be O'Harrall? Theman, though he had at first stood forward, now tried to conceal himselfamong his companions. Gerald, on getting closer to him, felt sure that, if not O'Harrall, he was the very man whom he had before mistaken forhim, who had been pressed on board the _Champion_ and afterwards madehis escape from her. This, if he was right, would account for his wishto conceal himself as much as possible from the _Champion's_ officersand people, who could scarcely fail, however, to recognise him. 

Gerald's attention and that of most of the party was, however, taken upwith other matters. The appearance of the ship showed that she had beenengaged in a hard-fought action. Her masts and rigging wereconsiderably cut about, though none of her spars appeared to be severelydamaged. Her bulwarks in two or three places were knocked in, and therewere several shot-holes in her sides, which had been hastily plugged. Splashes of blood here and there on the deck showed that several of thehapless crew had been killed or wounded while defending their ship. Thepirates had already obliterated the name on her stern. Why they haddone this it was difficult to say, except perhaps, for prudence' sake, it was their custom immediately on capturing a vessel. 

While the first lieutenant and the master were superintending theoperation of securing the prisoners, Gerald accompanied Mr Foley intothe cabin. At the first glance they saw that it had been latelyoccupied by passengers. In the side berth were hanging up two or threearticles of female gear. A book lay open on the table. 

In another cabin were a pair of men's shoes; and in a third, evidentlythat of the master of the ship, were several other articles. Geraldhurried into the latter, for his eye had fallen on a chart hangingagainst the bulkhead, the appearance of which struck him. The outsidewas marked in large letters, "Caribbean Sea. " He had himself writtenthem. With trembling hand he took it down. Yes! it was a chartbelonging to his father. He hurriedly glanced at other articles, several of which he recognised. On a locker was a log-book. He openedit; all doubt was at an end. It was headed "Log of the _Research_, Captain Gerald Tracy. " He hurried over the latter pages. There he sawthat the ship had met with a long course of bad weather when noobservations could be taken. The last entry was--"A strange sail insight standing towards us. Latitude 23 degrees north, longitude 73degrees 15 minutes west. " Leaving the berth with bloodless lips andpale cheek, he turned to the first page of the book on the table. On itwas written--"Norah Tracy. "

Mr Foley was startled by the cry of grief and alarm which escaped fromGerald. Unable to speak, Gerald could merely point at the page. MrFoley in an instant understood it all. Several articles belonging toNorah remained in the cabin. In the other were some books, and severalthings marked with the name of Dennis O'Brien. 

"Then Captain O'Brien must also have been on board, " said Mr Foley. 

"He was my father's greatest friend; but oh, Mr Foley, what can havebecome of them? Can they have all been killed by those villainouspirates?" cried Gerald. 

"I trust not, " answered Norman Foley, though his heart misgave him as hespoke. "Bad as they are, they could not have been barbarous enough toput to death a young girl and two old men like your father and CaptainO'Brien; beside which, I doubt whether the pirates would have yielded soquickly if they had been guilty of such a crime. I think we shall findthat they were taken on board the pirate vessel, which stood on fortheir stronghold, leaving the prize to follow as soon as she hadrepaired damages. "

Norman Foley, feeling sincere sympathy for Gerald, offered him all theconsolation in his power; but still, knowing the savage character of thepirates, he could not help dreading what might have been the fate ofNorah and the old captains. He guessed at once that they had come outin search of the _Ouzel Galley_, which, if she had been captured by thepirates, could not have returned home; and now they themselves hadfallen into the power of the miscreant who had taken her. Mr Foley atlength persuaded Gerald to return with him on deck, where they found theman whom Gerald had at first taken for O'Harrall, standing with his armsbound behind his back, while Mr Tarwig was questioning him as to how hecame to be on board the merchantman. Several of the _Champion's_ crewhad in the mean time, it appeared, recognised him as Michael Dillon, theman who had deserted from their ship in Port Royal harbour, just beforeshe sailed from thence. Gerald had no longer any doubt about the man, and corroborated what the seamen had said. 

"I will not deny that I am Michael Dillon, or that I deserted from yourship. I suppose that I must be prepared to meet the doom of adeserter, " he answered boldly; "but you guaranteed my life, sir, till Ihave been fairly tried; and as I conclude that you intend to keep yourword, I need not at present trouble myself about the matter. In themean time, I can give you valuable information, and render essentialservice to that young gentleman I see there, Gerald Tracy, and to thosehe cares for. If you will undertake to let me go free after I haverendered the service I speak of, I will perform it faithfully. If yourefuse to promise that my life shall be spared, my lips will be sealed, and you will find no one else to do what I can. You know me for adetermined man, and you may tear me to pieces before you get the secretout of me. "

"I do not understand you, " answered Mr Tarwig. "I must know more aboutyour offer before I make any promise. "

"I believe that I can explain what the man means, " said Mr Foley, drawing the first lieutenant aside, when he informed him of thediscovery that he and Gerald had made in the cabin, and his belief thatthe pirates had either put Captain Tracy and his daughter to death, orcarried them off on board their own ship. 

This of course made Mr Tarwig much more ready to listen to Dillon'sproposals; still, without Commander Olding's sanction, he could notpromise the man his life. He determined, therefore, to send the gigunder charge of the master, who would give an account to the commanderof what had occurred, and receive his orders. It was necessary to keepthe greater part of the _Champion's_ people on board to repair thedamages the ship had received, and to watch over the prisoners. 

"I will not be long absent, depend upon that, " said Mr Billhook, as hejumped into the boat and pulled away for the shore. 

It was a trying time for poor Gerald. He longed to ascertain from thepirate how his sister and father had been treated; but Dillon and hiscompanions kept their mouths closed, and would not reply to a singlequestion put to them. The men not engaged in watching the pirates werefully employed in more effectually stopping the shot-holes than hadbefore been done, and in knotting and splicing the rigging; thus Geraldhad but little time to talk on the the subject which engrossed histhoughts. He just got a few words with Mr Foley, who somewhat relievedhis mind by expressing his belief that Norah and his father had beenmade prisoners and carried on board the pirate. "I think there isanother reason for believing that they were not put to death; I suspectthat had they been, Dillon would not have offered to give us anyinformation, as he would have known that he could expect no mercy at ourhands. "

"I wish that the commander would come off, " said Gerald. "I have beenthinking, sir, that if he would agree to man this ship and go in searchof the pirates at once, before returning to Jamaica, we might capturethem. They will not know that we have retaken her, and we might thusapproach them without being suspected. If you will press the matter onthe commander, I hope that he will agree to the plan. "

"I feel nearly sure that he will do so, " answered Mr Foley. "The ideais a good one; he will probably think of it himself; if not, I will leadhim to it. If the plan occurs to him, so much the better, as of coursehe will be the more ready to carry it out. "

"Thank you, sir, thank you, " answered Gerald, his sanguine temperamentmaking all difficulties vanish. He could not indeed bring himself tobelieve it possible that any beings in the form of men could have hadthe cruelty to injure his dear young sister and revered father; butthen, if Owen had been killed, how sad would be Norah's lot! It wouldbreak her heart; of that he was sure. 

"Gig coming off, sir, " cried the look-out to Mr Tarwig. 

In a short time the commander stepped on board. The first lieutenantreported all that had occurred. Commander Olding at once sent forDillon. Gerald stood by, almost trembling with anxiety as to whatcourse would be taken. The pirate boldly confronted his late commander, and repeated the offer he had already made. 

"How can I trust you?" asked Commander Olding. 

"You can put a pistol to my head and shoot me, sir, if I do not fulfilmy promise, " he answered, calmly. 

"If you can enable us to recover the master of this ship, and hisdaughter, and any other of the people who were on board her, I willpromise to set you at liberty; but, if you are retaken, you must standthe consequences, " said Commander Olding. 

"That is the very proposal I was going to make, sir, " answered Dillon. "I will undertake to carry this ship alongside the _Ouzel Galley_, whichwas captured by buccaneers, and is now used by them to go pirating. Herformer master and several of his people are alive, for I saw themlately, and if you manage as I will advise you, you will recover themlikewise. I confess, sir, that I wish to save my life, and I desirealso to make what amends I can for the harm I have done. Will youbelieve me?"

"I believe you to be a great villain, but I trust you to perform yourpromise, because it will be to your interest to do so, " answered thecommander. "Should you prove treacherous, you may depend upon beinginstantly shot. "

"I have not the slightest doubt about that, sir, " said Dillon, with anattempt at a laugh. "The sooner you can get this ship ready for sea thebetter. I was left here to do so, not supposing that you had any boatson shore to come off to us; and from the number of shot-holes in herhull, it was feared that, unless we could get them securely stopped, should a strong breeze get up she would go to the bottom. "

Gerald felt greatly relieved when he heard the commander undertake tocarry out Dillon's proposal. 

After a short consultation with his lieutenants, Commander Oldingdespatched all his own boats, and two of the _Research's_ which hadescaped injury, to bring off the remainder of the officers and crew, with provisions, ammunition, and stores, and four guns to increase thearmament of the _Research_. These would make her more than a match forthe _Ouzel Galley_. He also directed that the guns left in the fortshould be spiked, as too much time would be lost in bringing them downto the beach and throwing them into deep water. 

"It will matter little, however, if the Spaniards do take possession ofthe island, as no one would wish to deprive them of it, " he observed toMr Tarwig. 

"I should think not, sir; and, for my part, I hope never to set eyes onit again, " was the answer. 

The boats made several trips, the whole day being expended in bringingoff the stores. The carpenters had in the mean time plugged all theshot-holes, while the boatswain and the men working under him rove freshbraces, fished the damaged spars, and repaired all the standing rigging, so that by the following morning the _Research_ was ready to proceed onthe expedition. 

The commander had had another interview with Michael Dillon, who sworesolemnly that neither Captain Tracy nor his daughter, nor the other oldcaptain, had received the slightest injury. He had seen them, hedeclared, taken on board the _Ouzel Galley_. The young lady's trunksand their valises had also been removed with them. 

"And what became of the rest of the officers and crew of themerchantman?" asked the commander. 

"They were mostly expended before we boarded, " answered Dillon, coolly. "They were knocked on the head by our shot; others who resisted were cutdown, and the remainder were taken on board our vessel. "

"Are they still on board her?" asked Commander Olding. 

"As to that, sir, I cannot say, " answered Dillon; "but our captain wasin good humour, and may have spared their lives, though I will own it isnot always his custom to let his prisoners live. He ordered me, withthe hands you found on board, to take charge of the prize, and to followhim as soon as I could get her into seaworthy trim. "

Gerald was satisfied that one part of Dillon's statement was correct, ason examining the cabin he could find none of his sister's trunks, norany in either his father's or Captain O'Brien's cabins, although nothingelse had apparently been removed from the ship. What the intention ofthe pirate was with regard to them, it was impossible to say. Dilloncould throw no light on the subject. Mr Foley expressed his hope thatthe pirate intended to treat them mercifully, and perhaps, he thought, would land them at some place whence they could find their way toJamaica, or to put them on board any vessel they might fall in withbound to that island. 

This idea of Mr Foley's greatly relieved Gerald's mind, and he againbegan to hope that he should have the happiness of once more seeingthem. The commander gave him permission to visit Dillon, so that hemight try to ascertain the fate of Owen Massey. 

"Though you were among those who dragged me on board the king's ship, Ibear you no ill-will, " answered Dillon. "I will therefore tell you thatI saw Owen Massey, alive and well, not ten days ago. He was then ongood terms with the pirate captain, but I cannot answer for what mayhappen when the young lady appears on the scene. She may perchanceprove to be an `apple of discord. ' The captain has an eye for beauty, and from what I have heard, Owen Massey is engaged to marry your fairsister. "

"How do you know that?" asked Gerald, surprised at the man's remark. 

"We hear all sorts of things, and such an idea was current among ourfellows, " answered Dillon in a careless tone, which somewhat excitedGerald's anger. 

"You have given your promise to try and rescue Owen Massey and any ofhis companions, as well as my father and sister, and their friendCaptain O'Brien, " he observed. 

"I have promised to do my best to help them, and I intend to keep tothat promise, " answered Dillon. 

Villain as he knew the pirate to be, Gerald was now satisfied that thelives of his father and Norah had been preserved. 

Soon after dawn the next morning a light breeze sprang up, which enabledthe _Research_ to get under way. As soon as she was clear of the reefs, Dillon was brought on deck, and desired to inform the master what courseto steer in order to reach the pirate's stronghold. Look-outs werestationed aloft and at each fore-yardarm, that any dangers ahead mightbe seen and avoided, the commander not trusting alone to Dillon'spilotage. 

"With this light wind it will take us three days at least to reach`Tiger Key;' that is the name the buccaneers have given theirstronghold, " said Dillon. "It is a place no one, even when looking forit, would be likely to find, unless he knew the landmarks well, or cameupon it by chance, and they will not thank me for leading you to it. Imust trust, sir, to your not only sparing my life, but protecting meafterwards, for if I fall into their hands they will murder me to acertainty. "

These remarks were addressed to Mr Tarwig, to whom the pirate seemedmore inclined to be communicative than to any one else. 

"What makes you so ready to deliver your late companions into ourhands?" asked the first lieutenant. "I thought that buccaneers werealways faithful to each other, although at war with the rest of theworld. "

"In the first place, sir, I wish to save my life--that would besufficient reason for what I have undertaken, " answered the pirate;"and, then, " he added, a dark scowl coming over his countenance, "I havesworn vengeance against those who have offended me. I had a quarrelwith the captain, whom, though I am his equal, I was ready to serve. Hetreated me with contempt, and refused to trust me. However, it is along story, and I will not trouble you with it now. What I say willconvince you that I intend to be faithful, and that it will not be myfault if you fail to capture the pirate and his followers. "

"And who is this buccaneering captain of whom we have heard so much oflate years?" asked Mr Tarwig. 

"He goes under different names, sir; and, although I may happen to knowhis right one, you will excuse me if I decline to tell it, " answeredDillon, the dark frown still resting on his brow as he spoke. --"Hispresent followers know him as Manuel Bermudez; but he has not a drop ofSpanish blood in his veins, I can answer for that. "

What Dillon said convinced Mr Tarwig that he could be trusted incarrying out their project. It was arranged that on approaching Tigerharbour he should appear to have the command of the ship, and that onlyas many men as had been left on board by the pirates should be seen ondeck, all of them dressed as the pirate crew had been, and that theremainder should lie down concealed under the bulwarks, or remain belowready to spring up at a moment's notice. Commander Olding intended, onentering the harbour, to run up alongside the _Ouzel Galley_ and captureher, and then to turn his guns on the people on shore should anyresistance be offered. Dillon assured him that no forts existed onshore for the defence of the harbour, the pirates trusting entirely tothe intricacy of its navigation. 

The _Research_ stood on for a couple of days more, close-hauled, frequently having to tack to avoid the rocks and reefs to the westward. Without the greatest possible care she might easily have shared the fateof the _Champion_. As she got to the northward the difficulties of thenavigation increased. Dillon, however, proved himself to be an ablepilot. He smiled as he saw the pistol which one of the warrant officersheld constantly at his head, as if he considered the precaution a veryunnecessary one. 

"Nobody desires to see the _Research_ safe inside Tiger harbour moreeagerly than I do, " he observed. "Should the ship strike on a reef, itwill not be my fault. "

"A sail on the weather-bow!" shouted the look-out from aloft. 

"What is she like?" asked Mr Foley, who had charge of the watch. 

"A small boat or canoe under sail, sir, " was the answer. 

Gerald, who was on deck, was sent by Mr Foley with a spy-glass aloft totake a look at the boat. "If she steers as she is now doing she willpass, I take it, a couple of miles from us, sir, " he cried out. 

The commander, who just then came on deck, upon hearing this, orderedthe ship to be put about to cut off the boat. At the same time thecolours were hoisted, so that should the people in the boat be English, they might know that the ship was a friend. A considerable amount ofcuriosity was excited as to what a small boat could be about in theselittle-frequented seas, and all the glasses on board were turned towardsher. As she had now altered her course and was standing towards theship, she was rapidly neared, and five people were counted on board her. 

CHAPTER TWENTY. 

THE OUZEL GALLEY OVERTAKEN BY A HURRICANE--DRIVEN TOWARDS THE COAST OFCUBA--THE MAINMAST STRUCK BY LIGHTNING--FIRE--OWEN EXTINGUISHES THEFLAMES--CLOSE IN WITH THE COAST--A STRANGER SEEN--A MUTINY ON BOARD--CHASED--THE OUZEL GALLEY BOARDED BY PIRATES--O'HARRALL RECOGNISES OWEN, AND SPARES HIS AND HIS FOLLOWERS' LIVES--THE OUZEL GALLEY CARRIED TO THEPIRATE'S STRONGHOLD--OWEN AND HIS COMPANIONS IMPRISONED IN THE STORE--OLD MAMMY KEEPS STRICT WATCH--O'HARRALL'S CHANGEABLE TEMPER--PLANS FORESCAPING--MONTHS PASS BY--FRESH GUARDS SET TO WATCH THEM--HEAR OF THELOSS OF THE EAGLE--THE PIRATES STILL IN THE OUZEL GALLEY--OWEN AND HISFOLLOWERS ESCAPE IN A CANOE--SEE THE OUZEL GALLEY--AVOID HER--GET ONBOARD THE RESEARCH. 

When Owen Massey sailed from Montego Bay, he had hoped to escape allenemies and make a rapid passage to Waterford; but those hopes weredoomed to disappointment. Scarcely had the _Ouzel Galley_ passedBellevue than signs of a coming gale from the westward were perceptible. So partial, however, are the disturbances of the atmosphere in thatregion, that Owen kept the ship under all sail in the expectation ofbeing able to run out of it before it reached him. Still he was toogood a seaman not to take the necessary precautions. All hands remainedon deck, while he continually turned his eye to windward, to be ready toshorten sail immediately it became absolutely necessary. As the daydrew on, the blue mountains of Jamaica grew less and less distinct. Should the gale overtake him, it was of the greatest importance to gaina good offing, for in mid-channel he would not have much to fear. The_Ouzel Galley_ was a stout ship, and, if well handled, might brave thefiercest hurricane. The log was hove. She was making between eight andnine knots, a speed she could not often exceed. The wind was well aftand all her sails filled. His hopes of escaping the gale continued. After some time, however, he saw that the dark bank of clouds which hadlong been visible above the horizon was rising more rapidly than atfirst. Then masses detached themselves and came rushing across the sky, breaking into numerous portions, like the riflemen of an advancing forcefeeling their way through an enemy's country. Still he carried on tothe last moment. 

"In studding-sails!" he suddenly shouted. "Let fly royal and topgallantsheets!"

The first-named sails were speedily hauled down. The crew then hurriedaloft to hand the others, which were fluttering in the wind. 

"Three reefs in the topsails!" was the next order given. 

A strong crew alone could have performed the operation as rapidly as itwas got through. The courses were next brailed up. Still the ship flewon as fast as previously before the rising gale. 

"Bedad! and it's my belafe that we're going to have old Harry Cane onboard, " observed Dan to Pompey. 

"You not far wrong dere, " answered the black. "Cappen Massey know whathim about. I'se sooner be 'board _Ouzel Galley_ when a hurricaneblowing dan on board many a king's ship, when de cappen tink he berrywise an' carry on till de masts go ober de side. "

"Troth! an' ye're right there, Pompey, my jewel! We'll be aftherrunning out of the harricane, and sorra the worse will we be. "

The confidence felt by the young master's two faithful followers wasshared by most of the crew. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ behaved admirably; she ran on before the fast-risingseas roaring up alongside. The wind whistled in her rigging, and brightflashes of lightning darted from the black clouds now gathering thicklyoverhead. 

As the night drew on the wind increased, and it was now blowing aregular hurricane; still, as long as there was plenty of sea room, nodanger was to be apprehended, unless indeed, the ship should be struckby lightning, against which no skill or seamanship could guard. No oneon board could hide from himself that such might possibly occur, as theflashes succeeded each other with still greater and greater rapidity, the lightning frequently running along the yards, now playing round themast-heads, now darting over the foaming seas in snake-like forms. Inthe intervals between the flashes, so dense was the darkness that theeye failed to see half across the deck, and had another vessel beenovertaken, the _Ouzel Galley_ might have run her down before she couldhave been perceived. The canvas had been reduced to a singleclose-reefed fore-topsail, which so tugged and strained at the mast thatevery instant it seemed as if about to be torn out of the bolt-ropes. As long as the wind blew from the westward or south-west, the ship couldrun on with safety till she had got to the eastward of Cuba, and beforethat time there was every probability of the hurricane ceasing. Heronly safe course was to keep directly before it, for if she were tobring the seas abeam, they would to a certainty sweep over her and carryeverything before them. 

Owen remained on deck, holding on to a stanchion, while two of hisstoutest hands were at the wheel. For some hours he had stood at hispost, feeling no apprehension of danger, when towards the end of themiddle watch the wind shifted suddenly to the southward, blowing witheven greater fury than before. The helm was put a-starboard, and the_Ouzel Galley_ was now running towards the dangerous coast of Cuba. There was no help for it; but Owen expected, as is often the case duringa hurricane, that ere long the wind would again shift. 

For a short time there was a comparative lull, and all on board hopedthat the gale was breaking. 

"We shall be able, I am thinking, sir, to make sail and haul off fromthe shore by morning, " observed his first mate. "It is well not to getnearer the Cuba coast than we can help. There are not a few low keysand sandbanks to bring us up; or one of the enemy's cruisers may bespying us, and it would give us a job to get away from her. "

"As to that, I am not much afraid, " answered Owen. "I shall be thankfulwhen the hurricane is over and we can stand on our course. "

The hurricane, however, was not over. Again the wind struck the shipwith tremendous force, the lightning, as before, playing round her, crackling and hissing as it touched the wildly tossing waves. Suddenlythere came a frightful crash. The splinters flew on every side, and thetall mainmast, tottering for a moment, fell over the side, breaking awaythe bulwarks--either it or the lightning which had riven it killingthree men who were standing near. In its fall it carried away themizen-mast. 

"Fire! fire! the ship is on fire!" shouted several voices. "Put it out, then, my lads, and clear away the wreck, " cried Owen, seizing an axewhich hung inside the companion-hatch, he himself setting the example, which was followed by his mates and several others. 

While one party was engaged in cutting away the shrouds and runningrigging, so as to let the blazing mass fall into the water, another washanding up buckets and throwing water over the stump of the mainmast. The wreck of the mast being got rid of, the flames on deck were soonextinguished; but a cry came from below that the heel of the mast was onfire. 

"We shall soon put that out, lads, " cried Owen, with all the calmness hecould assume; and leading the way into the hold, bucket in hand, heforced a passage through a dense mass of smoke until he reached the seatof the fire. 

There he took his post, in spite of the heat and the clouds of smokesurrounding him. As the buckets were handed to him, he hove the waterover the burning wood. Bravely he fought the flames, and at length wasable to shout to his crew that they were extinguished. Having assuredhimself of this fact, he hurried on deck. The foremast stood, carryingthe closely reefed fore-topsail. 

"It can't be helped, " he observed to his first officer. "As soon as theweather moderates, we must set up fresh backstays to the mast and tryand rig jury-masts, which will carry us back to Port Royal. "

"I shall be thankful if we can keep clear of the land and escape theenemy's cruisers we were talking about, sir, " answered the mate, who, though a steady man, had less spirit than the master. 

When daylight broke, the outlines of the lofty mountains of Cuba wereseen ahead, but still indistinct, and, to the ordinary eye, not to bedistinguished from a bank of clouds. Still the ship drove before thehurricane; but, as the sun rose, the wind began greatly to decrease, although it still blew with too much force, and the sea ran too high, toallow the ship to be brought on a wind. She had, therefore, still torun before it, unwilling as those on board were to approach thedangerous coast. The sun rose as the land became more and moredistinct, but still the sea was too high to allow of jury-masts beingset up. In the mean time the spars were got ready to do so as soon aspossible. 

As the wind decreased the sea went down, but by the time the ship couldbe brought on a wind she was within sight of the coast, and, owing tothe eccentric course she had steered, it was difficult to say exactlywhereabouts she was, although Owen calculated that she was somewhat tothe westward of Cumberland harbour. 

"We can only hope, sir, that no Spanish man-of-war or privateersman liesanywhere inside of us, and that we shall be able to get a good offingagain before we are sighted by an enemy, " observed the mate. 

"I hope so, " answered Owen. "What we now have to do is to set up ourjury-masts and make sail as soon as we can. "

All hands were engaged in this important operation. While it was goingon, Owen occasionally took an anxious glance through his telescopetowards the land. As he did so, his eye caught sight of a sail, onwhich the bright rays of the sun fell, standing out from it, and he soonsaw that she was a large ship. A friend was not to be expected fromthat quarter! He made no remark, however, as all hands were working asfast as they could. 

His mate at last saw the stranger. 

"What do you think of her?" asked Owen. 

"No good, sir, " was the answer. 

"I fear not, " said Owen. "All we can pray for is that a calm may comeon, till we can make sail on the ship, and then we may get away from herduring the night. "

"She will be up to us long before that, sir, " observed the mate, shakinghis head. 

"At all events, in the mean time we will do our best, " remarked Owen;and, without taking further notice of the stranger, he continued workingaway with his officers and men. 

At length her jury-masts were got up, with yards across, and themain-topgallantsail, and such other sails as they could carry were seton them. 

By this time the stranger had approached too near to escape the noticeof any one on deck. Of course her character was suspected. 

"You see her, " cried Owen. "Now, my lads, I hope you will stick by me;and if she proves to be an enemy, of which I have no doubt, we will tryand beat her off. "

Several of the crew answered with a hearty "Ay, ay, sir!" but otherswere silent; among them were the men who had lately come on board inKingston harbour. 

The wind was light, and the _Ouzel Galley_ made but little way throughthe water. The stranger was now seen to be a ship of her own size, ifnot larger. Owen ordered the colours to be hoisted, but none were shownin return by the stranger. Again and again he took a glance at herthrough his telescope, and at last he called his first mate. 

"Have you ever seen that ship before?" he asked. 

"I have been thinking that I have, sir, and, if I mistake not, she isthe very craft which so nearly captured us on our passage out. "

"I am afraid so, " said Owen. "The more reason we should try to beat heroff; and, please Heaven, we will do so. "

"I will stand by you, sir; and so, I hope, will most of the men, "answered the mate; "but I don't like the looks of some of the new hands, and least of all of that man Routh. "

As he spoke, he caught sight of Routh ascending to the mast-head, fromwhich he was seen to wave a flag, supposing, apparently, that he was notperceived from the deck. 

"We must seize that fellow, " cried Owen. "He did not make that signalwithout a cause. "

"Ay, ay, sir, " answered the mate. "I will soon learn his object;" and, calling Dan Connor and Pompey, he went forward to secure Routh as hedescended on deck. 

Just then Owen observed a smaller flag hoisted at the mast-head of thestranger; then Routh, instead of at once coming on deck, ran out to theend of the fore-yardarm, from whence he dropped something into thewater, apparently the very flag he had just waved. He then deliberatelyreturned to the foretop, and after stopping there for some seconds, andlooking at the stranger, he slowly descended the fore-rigging. As hedid so, he caught sight of the mate, with Dan and Pompey, waiting forhim, when, suspecting their object, he sprang up again, and shouted toseveral men who were standing forward. They were those of whom the matehad just before spoken as likely to become traitors. With threateninggestures, they at once advanced towards the mate. 

"If you interfere with Routh it will prove the worse for you, " exclaimedJohn Green, who acted as their spokesman. 

The mate's first impulse was to seize the fellow, but his courage failedhim. "You will hear what the captain has to say to this, " he answered, and began to retreat, Dan and Pompey unwillingly following him. 

Routh, on this, took the opportunity of slipping down on deck andjoining his companions. 

Owen, who had seen what had been taking place, at once went into thecabin and got his own pistols and cutlass, directing the second mate toarm the rest of the men. Still, notwithstanding the mutiny on board, hekept to his determination of fighting the ship till the last. Fortunately, the mutineers had no arms, and before they were aware of itall the true men had got their weapons. 

"Now, my lads, " cried Owen, "if you refuse to do your duty, you musttake the consequences. Go to your guns! The first man I see flinchfrom them I will shoot through the head. "

This threat seemed to produce its effect, and even Routh obeyed. 

The stranger was now rapidly overhauling the _Ouzel Galley_, which, hauled on a wind, was standing to the south-east. Owen had got his gunsready for action; the crew were at quarters. Crippled as the _OuzelGalley_ was, he could only hope to succeed by speedily knocking away theenemy's masts, or otherwise seriously damaging her; for, unable tomanoeuvre his ship except very slowly, he could not prevent his opponentfrom taking up any position which might be chosen, either ahead orastern, and raking him at leisure--or she might at once run him aboardand overwhelm him with superior numbers. Still he bravely determined tofight till the last. 

He anxiously watched the stranger to judge what she would do. She hadat first set all the canvas she could carry, but as she came towards the_Ouzel Galley_ she shortened sail, gradually also edging away toleeward, apparently for the purpose of preventing Owen from making hisescape. The enemy had as yet not fired a shot. Directly, however, thatOwen could get his guns to bear he fired them at her; not without someeffect, but that did not make her alter her course. 

"She intends to board us, sir, " cried the mate, who had been watchingthe stranger. 

"You are right, but we will give her a broadside or two first, and maybemake her alter her purpose, " answered Owen. "Fire, my lads! and run inthe guns and load again as fast as you can. "

The men stationed at the aftermost guns obeyed the order, but the shotfrom those forward, manned by the new hands, flew wide of their mark; itmight have been from their ignorance of gunnery, but, considering theirlate conduct, it was too probable that it was done on purpose. The restof the crew took good aim, and then running in their guns, reloadedthem. 

"Here she comes!" cried the mate. "She will be aboard us presently. "

As he spoke the stranger ranged up alongside, her decks covered withmen. Four of the _Ouzel Galley's_ guns alone went off, and ere theycould be again loaded the stranger was alongside, throwinggrappling-irons on board to secure her prey. 

"Cut them clear!" cried Owen. "Resist boarders!"

As he issued the order, the pirates, who stood ready in the main andfore-rigging of their ship, leaped down on the deck of the _OuzelGalley_, when, with a feeling almost of despair, Owen saw Routh andseveral of his crew join them. Still, rallying his men round him, heresolved, if possible, to drive back the pirates in spite of theirnumbers. Firing his pistols, he gallantly attacked them, cutlass inhand, seconded by his mates and several of his men, Dan and Pompeyfighting with undaunted courage. 

"On, my lads! on!" he shouted; and so sturdily did he and his companionsattack the pirates, that they drove the greater number back to their ownship. This, success encouraged his men, and once more they began tohope that they should get free. 

At this moment, a voice was heard from among the pirates cheering themon, and a fresh party leaping down on the deck of the _Ouzel Galley_bore all before them. In vain Owen and his faithful followers, Dan andPompey and others, fought with the most determined bravery; they weresoon overwhelmed by far superior numbers. Owen's foot slipping, he fellupon the deck. At that moment one of his assailants raised his cutlass, and was on the point of giving him a death blow, when the leader of thepirates interposed his own weapon. 

"Let him live!" he exclaimed. "He is one I am bound to protect; andthese fellows with him--we will spare their lives. You hear?" heshouted, turning to Dan and Pompey; "if you wish to have a longer spellof life, drop your cutlasses. The ship is ours; give in, or in anothermoment you will be among those who lie there on the deck. "

"Faix, thin, yer honour, if yer are going to spare the captin's life, Ihave no objection at all at all to live a little longer, " answered Dan--still, however, keeping his cutlass ready to defend himself. 

"And I'se too glad to 'cept your offer!" cried Pompey, who also wiselystood on his guard. 

"Let no one touch them, or the boy there, " said the pirate, pointing toTim Maloney, who, though he had done his part, had now got behind Danand Pompey. 

A dizziness had come over Owen's eyes as he fell, but now looking up, hecaught sight of the pirate gazing at him. Their eyes met. 

"Owen Massey, " said the pirate, taking his hand; "I know you andremember my promise. " He pointed to the ring which Owen wore upon hisfinger. 

"O'Harrall!" exclaimed Owen. "Is it possible that you are the leader ofsuch men?"

"It is fortunate for you that I am their leader, " answered O'Harrall, helping Owen to rise. "Were I not, you would have shared the fate ofyour crew. I will protect you and the three survivors, although it willbe no easy matter to do so. "

"I accept your offer, and trust that you will keep your word regardingmy men, " answered Owen. 

More he could not say, for his feelings overpowered him, as lookinground he saw his two mates stretched dead on the deck, and the rest ofthe men who had remained faithful to him weltering in their blood notfar off. Though bruised from his fall, he was not otherwise hurt, norwere either Dan, Pompey, or Tim wounded. 

"The safest place for you and these three men is your own cabin, " saidO'Harrall. "Go in there with them, and I will place a sentry at thedoor. I cannot trust my own people, and still less the fellows whoturned traitors to you. "

Owen, fully agreeing that O'Harrall was right, followed his advice. Ashe was going below, he saw Routh approaching O'Harrall. After gazing ateach other for a moment, they shook hands. Owen, on seeing the twotogether, no longer wondered that he should have mistaken one for theother, so great was the likeness. 

"They must be brothers, and the man who calls himself Routh is theyounger, of whom my mother has spoken to me, " he thought. 

Thankful to have escaped with his life, more for his mother's andNorah's sake than his own, Owen Massey, sad and almost broken-hearted atthe loss of the ship, threw himself into a chair in his cabin, Dan, Pompey, and Tim standing round him. 

"Cheer up, Cappen Massey; tings when dey come to de wust begin to mend, dey say, " observed Pompey, anxious to console his beloved master. "Asde pirate sabe our lives, he set us free p'raps, and den we go back toJamacee and you get oder ship. "

"Bad luck to the pirates for taking us, though!" exclaimed Dan. "It'smy belafe we should have bate them off, if it hadn't been for that thafeof the world, Routh, and the other villains. By the powers! if I everget the chance, I'll make him repint his treachery; but as you haveescaped, captin dear, the rest matthers but little to my mind incomparison. "

Owen thanked his followers for their kind expressions towards him, buthe severely felt the loss of his mates and the rest of the crew, besidesthat of his ship, while he could not look forward with much hope to thefuture. He was very doubtful, also, how O'Harrall might treat him. Heknew too well the savage and lawless character of the man, who, thoughhe had saved his life, might at any moment, in a fit of passion, turnupon him and his other prisoners; and although he might withhold hishand from killing him, would without compunction put the others todeath. For the present, however, their lives were probably safe; andOwen resolved to follow the pirate's advice and remain in the cabinuntil summoned to leave it. He could judge by the sounds on deck thatthe pirate crew were engaged in repairing the damages the _Ouzel Galley_had received. After this he heard the order given to make sail, and hefound by a small compass in the cabin that the ship was standing to theeastward. 

After some time O'Harrall himself entered the cabin. "I was compelledto take your ship, Massey, " he said, "and now I have got her I amequally obliged to keep her; but I repeat to you that your life and thelives of the two Irishmen are safe, provided you remain below. Theblack runs no risk from my people, and he may go on deck and makehimself useful. He will act as your steward, and bring you your mealswhile you remain on board. I intend to take command of the _OuzelGalley_, so that I shall be able to look after you till you are put onshore. "

Owen was not inclined, it may be supposed, for conversation; whileO'Harrall had matters to attend to on deck. He therefore, having sentPompey there, soon left the cabin. After some time the black returnedwith a substantial meal, which he had prepared by O'Harrall's orders. 

Night came on, and the ship still continued her course. Owen's onlyhope was that she might be sighted by some man-of-war and recaptured. This hope, however, was but slight. The pirates were likely to be wary, and they would take care to keep away from any strange sail. The windwas light, and the _Ouzel Galley_ made but slow progress. Owenrecollected that the pirate ship was in company. O'Harrall, when hecame occasionally into the cabin, showed no inclination to give him anyinformation. 

Another and another day went by, and Owen began to lose all hope ofbeing retaken; still, as long as the ship was at sea, there was aprobability of this occurring. 

"Suppose we are chased--won't the pirates be after cutting all ourthroats, sure?" suggested Tim, who was more out of spirits than eitherOwen or Dan. 

Owen could not help thinking that such might be the case; yet if the_Ouzel Galley_ were to be recaptured, notwithstanding the injuryO'Harrall had done him, he determined to plead for his life. Not thathe could perceive a single good quality in the man, except his undauntedbravery, and he himself felt grateful to him for saving his his life, though it was done in return for his twice having saved O'Harrall's. 

On the morning of the fourth day the wind freshened, and the ship madebetter progress. Towards evening, Owen and his fellow-prisoners coulddistinctly hear the roar of breakers. Occasionally the loud voice ofO'Harrall, issuing his orders, reached their ears. The ship rose andfell several times as if passing over a bar, then Owen felt that she wasgliding on through perfectly calm water. He heard the orders forshortening sail; still she continued her course for some distance, tillthe anchor was dropped and all movement ceased. He could have no doubtthat she had entered a harbour, the rendezvous of the pirates, wherethey would consider themselves safe from attack, and that his chances ofescape were now likely to be small indeed. The _Ouzel Galley_ had beensome time at anchor when O'Harrall entered the cabin. 

"I have made arrangements for you and the two Irishmen to live onshore, " he said; "the black can attend on you, and you must make thebest of the circumstances in which you are placed. As to your escaping, that is out of the question, so I will not go through the ceremony oftaking your word that you will not make the attempt. As to the future, I can say nothing. If I can prudently at any time set you at liberty, Iwill do so, although when that may be is more than I can at present say. You are at liberty to take with you your clothing, and any books youmay require for your amusement. I have obtained that favour for you. According to our laws, every article on board the ship is publicproperty, and must be divided accordingly. I will accompany you onshore as soon as it is dark. In the mean time, you can employ yourselfin putting your things together, and taking farewell of the old ship. Ilittle supposed when I was before on board that I should one day findmyself her commander. "

O'Harrall spoke the last sentence in a somewhat ironical tone, and, without further remark, left the cabin. It was already dark, and Danhad lighted the lamp which hung from the deck above when O'Harrallreturned. 

"I will take you and your followers on shore now, Captain Massey, " hesaid. "Ask no questions, and take no notice of anything you see. WhileI am with you, you are safe; obey my directions and you will continueso, but I cannot answer for the conduct of the people hereabouts if youventure anywhere by yourself. Your men will carry your chest and theirown bags. "

Pompey had entered with O'Harrall, to assist Dan and Tim; taking upOwen's chest, they followed him and the pirate on deck. Not a man wasto be seen on board; the ship appeared to be deserted. A boat wasalongside, with two people in her. The Irishmen and Pompey lowered downthe chest. 

"Come, Massey, bid farewell to the old craft, " said O'Harrall, in thesame tone in which he had before spoken; and he went down the side ofthe ship into the boat. 

Owen and his three companions descended after him. 

"Shove off, " said the pirate in Spanish; and the crew, obeying, began topull towards the low shore, which could dimly be distinguished throughthe obscurity. A few trees rose above it, and here and there atintervals twinkling lights could be perceived, as if proceeding from thehuts of the inhabitants. 

Owen, as he glanced round, saw at once that the ship lay in the centreof a lagoon of some size, the shores of which were in most parts low;but to the southward, the direction of which he knew by the starsshining brightly from out of the unclouded sky, the ground rose to aconsiderable height, with what appeared to be cliffs directly above thewater. Near the _Ouzel Galley_ lay another large ship, and he guessedthat she was the one which had captured her, but he wisely forebore toask questions. 

"You see the sort of place you are in, " said O'Harrall. "It is not onefrom which you could easily escape, however much you might desire it;but let me advise you not to make the attempt. You would to a certaintybe retaken, and I could not save you from the fate to which you would bedoomed. I have already shown that I desire to serve you. I could nothelp capturing the _Ouzel Galley_, for the signal made by one of yourcrew showed my people that she was a prize worth taking; although I knewher at once, and guessed that you must be in command, I could not helpmyself. "

Owen made no reply to these remarks. Bad as a man may be, he generallyendeavours to offer some excuse to those he respects. But littlefurther conversation passed till the boat reached the beach. O'Harrallthen gave some orders to the men in her, who, as soon as he and hiscompanions had landed, pulled away. The black and the two seamen then, shouldering the chests, followed O'Harrall and Owen, the formerconducting them directly inland, passing some groves of cocoa-nut andother trees, and avoiding any of the huts which were scattered abouthere and there. After they had walked nearly a quarter of a mile, alargish building, which might have been a barn or store, met their gaze, a light gleaming from one end of it. 

"Open the door, Mammy; here are your guests, " said O'Harrall, andimmediately an old black woman appeared, with a lamp in her hand, whichshe held up to enable her to scrutinise her visitors. 

"All right, massa cappen, " she said. "Glad to see the gen'lemen. I'setake good care ob dem, neber fear. "

"Go in, Captain Massey, " said the pirate. "Mammy will be your hostesswhile you remain with us. "

Owen and the rest entered the hut. He saw that the room in which theyfound themselves occupied only a part of the ground-floor of thebuilding, being divided off from the larger portion by a woodenpartition or bulkhead. On looking round he saw a ladder, which ledthrough a trap-door to the floor above. 

"Your lodging is to be up there, " said O'Harrall, pointing to it. "Itmay remind you of a place in which you once gave me shelter. I have notforgotten that. I wish that I could afford you better accommodation;however, it is sufficiently large and airy, and you will, I hope, findit as comfortable as you desire. Mammy will supply you with food, whichyour black fellow can cook, with her assistance. The only charge I haveto give you is not to leave the house until you hear from me. A tacklehangs from the beam overhead. Let your men get your chest and theirbags up at once; so that, should any one come to pay Mammy a visit, itwill not be suspected that you are here. You see, I took precautionsfor your safety, and they were not unnecessary. Some of the gentry whoinhabit this island would not scruple to stick a knife into you, if theythought that you were prying into their proceedings. "

"I will follow your directions, " answered Owen, telling Dan to go up theladder and lower the tackle. 

They at once hoisted the chest and bags to the floor above. A secondlamp, which the old woman supplied, showed them a large room whichextended the whole length of the building. At one end was a cabintable, with some chairs and a cot; at the other several bunks andseamen's chests. There were numerous bales and boxes placed against thewalls, on which also hung a variety of arms: firelocks, blunderbusses, and pistols, cutlasses and sabres, apparently the spoils of variouscaptured vessels. 

"You see that I am not afraid of trusting you with weapons, " saidO'Harrall who had followed his prisoners into the place, and he pointedto the arms. "If by chance you are attacked you are welcome to defendyourselves, but I do not expect that that will happen. This building ismy property; no one will come here, if you keep yourselves quiet. Ihave directed Mammy to get some supper for you, and the black will bringit up shortly. Now, good night. I have matters to attend to on boardthe _Eagle_, and it may be some days before I again visit you. "

"I have to thank you for the care you take of us, " answered Owen. Hecould not bring himself to offer his hand to the pirate, nor did thelatter apparently expect him to do so. 

Without further remark O'Harrall descended the ladder, and, afterexchanging a few words with the old negress, took his departure. 

Owen paced up and down the room, meditating on the strange position inwhich he was placed; while Dan and Tim sat on two chests at the furtherend, feeling very disconsolate. Pompey, meantime, could be heard below, chattering away to the old woman while he assisted her in preparingsupper. In a short time he appeared, with a tray on his head, up theladder. 

"Cheer up, cappen, " he said. "She not so bad ole woman, me tink, andp'raps tings go better dan we suppose. At all events, she make berrygood fricassee. " And he pointed to the dish of fowl prepared as he haddescribed, which looked very tempting. 

Notwithstanding their misfortune, Owen and his companions managed todiscuss the viands placed before them with tolerable appetites, the twoseamen and Pompey especially doing their part. At length Owen threwhimself into his cot, and endeavoured to forget his sorrows in sleep. His followers, having secured the trap-door, imitated his example. 

The next day passed without a visit from O'Harrall. Pompey alone wentbelow to obtain food, Owen thinking it prudent to follow the pirate'sadvice. He spent the time walking up and down the room, occasionallytrying to calm his mind by reading; so that he found the hours pass awaymore rapidly than did Dan or Tim, who were ignorant of the art. Itoccurred to him at last that he might amuse them as well as himself, andas several of his books were of an interesting character, he read aloudto them, greatly to their delight. 

"Faix, captin, I niver knew there was sich beautiful things in books, "exclaimed Dan, who had not in his life been read to before; "and I'lljist make bould to axe you to tache Tim and meself, and you'll find usapt scholars, if you don't think us too simple to learn. "

"With all my heart, " answered Owen; and thenceforth he devoted severalhours during the day to the instruction of Dan and the lad, who, givingtheir minds to the task, rapidly learnt to read. 

One day passed very much like another. A month went by withoutO'Harrall's making his appearance, so that Owen concluded that he hadagain sailed. Pompey could obtain no information. Mammy, he said, hadmade him promise not to go outside the door, and had threatened him withfearful punishment if he ventured to do so. There were windows to theroom, but they were high up and strongly barred. Dan and Tim climbed upto them, but a grove of trees intervened between the house and theharbour, so that nothing could be seen of the vessels, while on theother side was a wide extent of sandy country, with the blue ocean inthe distance. 

Owen was naturally getting very weary of his captivity. What thepirate's object was in keeping him a prisoner, it was difficult tounderstand. He could scarcely intend to keep him a captive for life;but when would he give him his liberty was the question. Owendetermined to ask him as soon as he returned. He naturally oftenthought over some plan for making his escape, but, unacquainted as hewas with the surrounding country, and without means of gaining anyknowledge of it, it was impossible to decide what to do. Dan and Timoften talked over the subject with Pompey, who, however, declared thatthey were so narrowly watched by the old woman that it would beimpossible to succeed. 

"Mammy always sleep wid one eye open and ear wide-awake, " he observed. "Suppose we get out and she not raise a hullabaloo, where we go to?Wait a bit, and den we see what we do. "

Pompey, in truth, was no more able than the rest of the party to deviseany feasible plan for getting away. 

Imprisonment is galling to all men, but it was especially so to Owen, who had hoped to make a successful voyage, and to marry his belovedNorah at the end of it. He had no means of communicating with her, andshe, naturally supposing him to be lost, would be plunged in grief. Hefelt that he could better bear his hard fate if he could but let herknow that he was alive. He might some day regain his liberty. He hadno doubts about her constancy; he was sure that she would be faithful tohim; and although her friends might try to induce her to marry, he feltconfident that she would not do that. 

At length, one evening when Pompey was sitting with his shipmates in theloft, voices were heard below. 

"Hi, dat de pirate cappen, " he exclaimed; and Owen prepared himself foran interview with O'Harrall. 

Before long the pirate came up the ladder. A dark scowl was on hisbrow. Owen rose to receive him. O'Harrall advanced and threw himselfinto a chair, scarcely glancing at the men as he passed them. 

"I am glad to see you, Captain O'Harrall, for I hope that you will allowme and my companions to quit this place, and we shall be ready to enterinto any arrangement you may dictate not to betray its position, " saidOwen. 

"I am not in the habit of placing myself in the power of others when Ican help it, " answered O'Harrall. "Your word may be as good as yourbond, but both may be broken. I tell you plainly I intend to keep youprisoners as long as I remain in these seas. Circumstances may induceme to return to Europe, and if so, I may either carry you with me orland you at some island, from whence you may find your way to Jamaica. When that may be I cannot say. In the mean time, you must make up yourmind to be content with your lot. "

"You might land me, when you next sail from this, at some such place asyou speak of without any detriment to yourself, " said Owen; and, bethinking him that he would appeal to the pirate's better feelings, headded, "You have deprived me of my vessel and ruined my prospects ofadvancement. I was engaged to marry a young lady who is sincerelyattached to me, and for her sake I plead for my liberty, that I may beable to return to her, or at all events inform her that I am stillalive. "

"Who is she?" asked O'Harrall, "although I need scarcely put thequestion. "

"Captain Tracy's daughter--you have often seen her, " answered Owen. 

"I thought so, " exclaimed O'Harrall. "You have counted too much on mygenerosity. I have not only seen her, as you say, but admire her morethan any woman I have met, and should I ever wed I intend to make her mywife. Is it likely, then, that I should allow you to return home andforestall me?"

Owen's heart sank: he could not reply. 

"You have but ill pleaded your cause, " continued O'Harrall in the coldsarcastic tone in which he often spoke. "You saved my life, and I havepreserved yours; more you cannot expect from me. Those men therebehaved well to me on board the _Ouzel Galley_, and I therefore couldnot allow them to be killed. My sense of justice does not go furtherthan that. You and they must make up your minds to remain where you arefor an indefinite period. I came to see how you had acted, and if youbehave as wisely as you have hitherto done you need not fear beingsubjected to any further restraint. I will, by-the-by, send you somebooks for your amusement. You will see by this that I do not wish totreat you with greater severity than is necessary. Now, good evening. "

O'Harrall rose as he spoke, and without further remark descended theladder, drawing the trap after him. 

A parcel of books was delivered through Mammy the next day; theyconsisted chiefly of voyages and travels, and proved a great boon to theprisoners. O'Harrall, however, did not again appear until some weeksafter this. He was, when he then came, evidently in a bad humour, hismanner being even threatening towards his prisoners. He spoke as if heregretted having spared their lives, exhibiting by the expressions heused his abandoned disposition. Owen knew that his only safe course wasnot to answer him. He felt that it would be hopeless to attempt toarouse any better or more generous feelings. He, however, was more thanever resolved to try and escape. 

Dan proposed, could they ascertain that the pirates had sailed on anyexpedition, to secure the old woman, make their way down to the harbourduring some dark night, and attempt to gain the open sea. Once clear ofthe island, they might hope to get picked up by some ship, and undertheir circumstances they might trust even to an enemy, or they mightsucceed in reaching Jamaica. They must wait, however, until thehurricane season was over, and they might then, even in a canoe, navigate these calm seas without much danger. 

Owen thought the plan feasible, although it might prove difficult anddangerous. It could scarcely be hoped that the pirates would leave theharbour unguarded. It might be a hard matter to find a canoe suitablefor their object, and they must also obtain a supply of provisions andwater. Mammy's watchful eye would effectually present them from doingthis, and herein lay their first and chief difficulty. 

O'Harrall had now been for some time absent. It struck Owen thatperhaps the account he had given of the savage character of theinhabitants was to prevent then from leaving the house, and he resolvedto try how Mammy would behave should they attempt to go out. 

Pompey undertook to try and persuade her to allow them to take someexercise, as their health was suffering from their long confinement. Hegot her, therefore, one day into conversation, when she appeared to bein a better humour than usual, and after some time he made a signal toTim, who was on the watch, to come down. Owen and Dan followed. Then, telling her that they would go out and take a short walk, they left thehouse without further ceremony, notwithstanding her expostulations. 

"Nebber mind, Mammy, " said Pompey; "dey come back. Me help you cookdinner meantime. "

Owen took a path in the first instance away from the harbour, but as hisgreat object was to obtain a view of it, he doubled back on the otherside, and then hurried towards it. Just as they had caught sight of thewater through the trees, they came upon a hut, near which they wereabout to pass, when Owen heard the voice of a man, as if in pain, proceeding from it. Prompted by a kind feeling and a wish to relievethe sufferer, he entered. On a rude bunk lay a white man, apparentlyill of fever. He appeared greatly astonished at seeing Owen and hiscompanions. 

"Who are you?" he asked. "I thought the ship had sailed. "

"I would inquire who you are?" said Owen. 

"Well, sir, I am an unfortunate fellow, who wishes that he was anywherebut where he is. I see that you are not one of the _Eagle's_ crew, andso I don't mind telling you. I joined her to save my life, and now thatI am ill I am allowed to die like a dog by myself, with no one to lookafter me. I was left on shore sick, and since I grew worse I have beenunable to get any food, and I am too weak to walk. "

Owen promised to try and induce Mammy to supply the poor fellow withnourishment. He would at once have hurried back, but he was anxious, having got thus far, to obtain a view of the harbour. Accordingly, telling the man he would send him relief as soon as possible, he, withDan and Tim, left the hut, and made their way on, keeping themselvesconcealed as much as possible among the trees and bushes till they camein full view of the harbour. 

It was a wide lagoon, which narrowed towards the southern end, where aperpendicular cliff of some extent rose directly out of the water, itssummit covered with trees. Both Owen and Dan were of opinion that thisformed one end of the channel leading to the sea. No boats or canoescould be discovered on the beach. Further along it to the northwardwere seen a number of huts and buildings of larger size, probablystorehouses. People were moving about among them, but it was impossibleat the distance they were to know if they were blacks or whites. In thecentre of the harbour lay the _Ouzel Galley_, much in the condition inwhich she had been when captured, and there were several smaller vesselsat anchor, completely dismantled. 

So far the inspection of the harbour had been satisfactory; there wasnothing that Owen could see to prevent the possibility of theirescaping. The party hastened back to the house. Mammy scolded them forbeing so long absent. "If cappen here, you no do it, " she observed; bywhich remark they guessed that, though she held O'Harrall in awe, shehad herself no ill-feeling towards them. On Owen's telling her of thesick man, she consented to let Pompey take him some food, and undertookto visit him herself, provided they would promise not to leave the houseduring her absence. This they readily agreed to do. 

Some days afterwards, when Owen again managed to get as far as the hut, he found the man greatly recovered. John Hempson (as he said was hisname) professed himself very grateful, and declared his intention ofescaping from the pirates on the first opportunity. "I suppose thatthey will take me to sea the next time they go, " he observed, "and if Ithen have the chance, I will leave them. They are likely to be backsoon, and, indeed, I wonder they have not come in before this. "

"Well, then, " said Owen, "if you ever return to the old country, youmust promise to find out Captain Tracy, living near Waterford, and tellhim that I am alive, and hope some day to get back. Depend on it, thecaptain will reward you for your trouble. "

"How will he believe me?" asked Hempson. 

"I will write a letter for you to deliver, " said Owen. He, however, recollected that he possessed no writing materials, and he might notagain have the opportunity of communicating with Hempson. That momentit occurred to him that he had a small book in his pocket. It containedbut a portion of a blank leaf. He tore it out, and with the end of astick he wrote the letters "O. M. "

"When my friends see this, they will know that you are speaking thetruth, " he said, giving the man the paper. 

Just then Dan, who had gone on ahead, came hurrying back with theinformation that a ship was entering the lagoon, and Owen thought itprudent at once to return to the house. Mammy, on hearing this, toldher captives that they must not again venture forth, and they, ofcourse, saw the prudence of obeying her. 

O'Harrall, who had returned in the ship, paid them but one visit, whenhe evidently wished to find a cause for quarrelling with Owen. Owenwisely kept his temper, though Dan looked as if he would like to try thestrength of his shillelagh on the pirate's head. Whether or notO'Harrall suspected that his prisoners contemplated trying to make theirescape, it was difficult to say; but they found that a hut was put upclose to their abode, and that it was occupied by two Spaniards, ill-looking fellows, who seemed to have nothing to do but to sit at thedoor and smoke all day. They did not, however, prevent Mammy going out, accompanied by Pompey, to obtain provisions; and the latter brought themword that the ship had again sailed. Pompey also found out that Hempsonhad gone on board the ship, and Owen hoped that he would carry out hisintention of escaping. Slight as was the chance that he would conveyany information to Captain Tracy, it yet raised Owen's spirits. 

"We, must wait, howeber, to get 'way till we can manage dese rascalSpaniards, " said Pompey. "Dey keep de eye too wide open to let us gojust now. "

Days and weeks and months went by, and nothing occurred to vary themonotony of their existence. The Spaniards kept too strict a watch toenable them to make any excursions out of the house, and Mammy herselfseemed as cautious as she had been on their first arrival. Had it notbeen for the interest Owen felt in teaching his two countrymen to read, his own spirits would have broken down. Pompey also begged to go toschool and join their class, but he had great trouble in learning hisletters, although after he knew them he got on as rapidly as either ofhis companions. 

Thus several months more passed by. Twice the _Eagle_ came in, andagain sailed without their receiving a visit from O'Harrall. Owen wasbecoming more and more sick at heart. It may seem strange that he andhis three companions should have been kept in such thraldom by an oldwoman and two Spaniards, but could these ever-watchful guardians havebeen overpowered, and even a canoe secured, it would have been madnessto have put to sea without provisions and water, with the chance ofbeing pursued or picked up by the pirate ship. He waited, therefore, for an opportunity, which, however, he at times thought might neverarrive. 

Pompey had at length one day gone out with Mammy, when on his return hebrought the news that the _Eagle_ had been lost, and that the captain, with a portion only of the men, had returned in a small vessel they hadcaptured. Owen naturally feared that O'Harrall, after his misfortune, would be in a worse temper than before, and was thankful that he did notmake his appearance. Pompey accounted for it by informing them that heand all hands were on board the _Ouzel Galley_, busily employed infitting her out. 

It was now again the hurricane season, and some time would probablyelapse before the pirates would venture to put to sea. For the samereason Owen considered that it would not be prudent to try and maketheir escape. Their chance, however, of getting off undiscovered wasless than it had been before, for so great was the demand for hands toman the _Ouzel Galley_ that the two Spaniards were called away fromtheir post, and no others were sent to take their places. One evening, about this time, Pompey made his appearance in a great state ofagitation. 

"What do you tink, Cappen Massey?" he exclaimed. "I talk berry often toMammy, and not 'spect anyting, but dis berry morning I'se tell her dat, when I was one piccaninny, I'se carried away from Africa wid my mudder;when I'se come to Jamaica, one massa buy her and anoder buy me, and fromdat day I neber set eyes on her. We talkee for some time, and den shecry out, `You Pompey, my son, ' and she trew her arms round my neck andburst into tears. Den I kiss her and tell her dat she right, and welaugh and cry togeder for two 'ole hours. "

Owen, upon further questioning Pompey, was convinced that he was notmistaken. It greatly raised his spirits, and he had now hopes thatMammy would connive at their escape, even if she would not venture toassist at it. Pompey was very sanguine about the matter. "She so happyto find me dat she do anyting I ask, " he said positively. "Neber fear, cappen, we get away soon. "

It was, of course, necessary to wait till the _Ouzel Galley_, now fittedout as a piratical ship, should sail. With varied feelings Owen saw herone morning gliding out of the harbour. He, accompanied by Pompey, hadgone as near to her as he could venture. He had but little to fear ofbeing discovered, as the whole population of the place were watching thedeparting ship. It was certainly trying to see his own vessel sailingaway in the hands of the miscreants who had captured her, on anexpedition which boded ill for any merchant vessels she could overtake. She was rigged exactly as before. 

Owen would not have delayed making the attempt to escape, but the nightswere moonlight, and they would run a great risk of being discovered. After this bad weather came on, and a further delay occurred. Pompeyhad undertaken to look out for a suitable craft. It was necessary touse caution in the search lest their intention might be suspected. Hehad made several trips along the shore, and had discovered places whereboats and canoes were hauled up, but some were too large and heavy, andothers too small. At last he said that he had found one of a propersize to hold five persons, and provisions and water sufficient to lastthem for a week or ten days. "Five persons!" exclaimed Owen. 

"Yes, cappen. Mudder says she go too. If she stop, dat fellow cut hertroat. "

Although Owen would rather have dispensed with the company of the oldwoman, yet, in common humanity, he felt bound to take her if she wishedto go. It showed, also, that she had confidence in their success, andwould contrive to obtain the necessary provisions. About this she hadbeen engaged for some time, getting some in one place and some inanother, so that no suspicions might be raised as to her object. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ had sailed a fortnight or more, when Pompey announcedthat all was ready. Mammy packed up all the provisions in bundles, andhad obtained two small casks of water, besides a number of gourds filledwith the precious liquid. Pompey and Dan started as soon as it wasdark, carrying loads, which they intended to hide near where the canoewas drawn up. 

"We carry all de tings dere first, " he said, "and den you, cappen, andmudder, and Tim, come along, and we shove off widout delay. "

The last trip was made at about an hour before midnight, when Pompey andDan returned, and Owen, with the old woman and Tim, accompanied themdown to the beach. The night was very dark; no human being wasstirring. As silently as possible the canoe was launched, when thestores were quickly put on board. 

"Now, mudder, we put you 'longside cappen, " whispered Pompey. "Whateberhappen, don't cry out. "

And taking the old woman up in his arms, he waded with her till heplumped her down in the stern of the canoe. She knew no more of thenavigation than they did, so she could not be of further use to theadventurers, and they thus had to depend on their own judgment. 

Owen took the after paddle. Pompey placing himself in the bows, Dan andTim gave way, and the canoe noiselessly glided down towards the supposedentrance to the harbour. They hoped that any look-outs who might, underordinary circumstances, have been stationed on the other side of thechannel, would be withdrawn to man the _Ouzel Galley_. They thereforetrusted that they could escape without being questioned. Still theexpedition was one to try the best strung nerves. Owen feared that, should they be hailed, Mammy might forget her son's injunction. He wasnot aware of the determined character of the old woman. 

They soon got into the narrow channel, in the centre of which Owensteered the canoe. It was necessary to proceed slowly, as from thedarkness the shore on either side was in some places scarcely visible. The channel was long and intricate, but Owen, of course, knew that theremust be considerable depth of water to allow large ships to get up it. They had just got to the end of the cliff, when a light was seen. Whether it proceeded from a hut or from a man with a lantern, it wasimpossible to say. 

"Cease paddling, " whispered Owen; and the canoe glided on with theimpulse already given to it. 

The light remained stationary. 

"Give way, " he again whispered. The men plied paddles as before. Theyhad got some way further down, when they were startled by hearing a manshout, "Who goes there?"

They all remained perfectly silent and motionless. Just then the noiseof the surf on the shore reached their ears, and they knew that theymust be close to the entrance. 

The man did not repeat his question for nearly a minute. As soon as heagain began to speak, Owen told Dan and Tim to paddle away. He andPompey did so likewise, and the canoe glided forward at a far more rapidrate than before. A shot was heard, but the bullet came nowhere nearthem. It was evident they could not be seen by the guard. The channelnow widened out considerably, and they could distinguish the open seabeyond; they made towards it. There was but little or no surf on thebar, and they crossed without shipping a drop of water. 

Owen had made up his mind to steer to the southward till they shouldsight Cuba. He felt sure that the pirate island was one of those whichexist close to the Bahama Bank. Owen steered by the stars. His crewplied their paddles all night, the wind being too light to make it worthwhile to set the sail, and they hoped to be far out of sight of theisland by daybreak. They were not without fear, however, that theymight be pursued. The man who had fired at them would suppose that theywere fugitives. 

"Ill luck to the spalpeens who may be sent in chase after us!" observedDan, showing what he was thinking about. 

"Me no tink dat any boat come off after us, " said Pompey, "'cos eberyman who can pull an oar is on board _Ouzel Galley_, so we safe as todat. "

The black's remark was cheering to Owen, who had hitherto thought itvery probable that they would be pursued. Mammy, who as yet had notuttered a word, corroborated her son's statement. 

When morning broke the island could scarcely be seen astern, nor was anyland in sight ahead. The sea was perfectly calm; the sky overheadundimmed by a cloud. Owen looked round; no sail was visible in anydirection. All they could do was to paddle on, in the hope that afavourable breeze would spring up to carry them on their course, whentwo at a time might get some sleep. The weather looked perfectlysettled, and, though the canoe was somewhat deeply laden, Owen feltconfident that she would be able to go through any sea which was likelyto get up. His chief anxiety arose from the possibility there was offalling in with the _Ouzel Galley_. Should they do so, they couldscarcely expect any mercy from the pirates. He, of course, intended todo his best to keep clear of her. This he trusted that he might easilydo, as the canoe, being low in the water, was not likely to be attractthe attention of those on board the ship, while she could be seen intime to be avoided. 

A breeze came at last; the sail was hoisted, and the canoe ran merrilybefore it. Dan begged that he might take the steering paddle, and thatthe captain would lie down and get some rest, which Owen was glad toobtain, as he intended to steer during the night. The sun was settingwhen he awoke, and after some supper was served out he resumed thesteering paddle, and told Dan and Pompey, who had hitherto been keepingwatch, to turn in. Notwithstanding the sleep he had obtained, towardsmorning he began to feel very drowsy; still his eye was fixed on thestar by which he was directing the course of the canoe. 

Tim had been stationed forward to keep a look-out, and Owen had hailedhim every now and then to ascertain that he was awake. He had not doneso, however, for some time, and was on the point of crying out, when Timexclaimed, "By the powers, captin, there's a big ship ahead!"

"Lower the sail!" exclaimed Owen. "Dan and Pompey, out with yourpaddles. "

They started up at hearing their names called, and obeyed the order. 

"Paddle for your lives, lads!" cried Owen, keeping the canoe to theeastward. 

Tim was not mistaken. The wide-spread canvas of a large ship was seentowering upwards not half a mile away; in a few minutes more she wouldhave been close to the canoe. Owen and his companions watched heranxiously; there could be little doubt that she was the _Ouzel Galley_. Although she was clearly seen, they might hope to escape observation. They continued, however, paddling away at right angles to her coursetill they were well abreast of her, when Owen once more put the canoe'shead to the southward; but not, however, till she was out of sight didhe venture again to hoist the sail. The danger he had chiefly fearedwas past. It would take her probably a day or two before she couldreach the harbour and discover their flight, and they might hope thus tokeep well ahead of any boat sent in pursuit of them. 

Two days more they stood on. One passed by very like the other. Thewind remained steady, the sea smooth. 

On the fourth day, some time after sunrise, a sail was seen ahead. Hadnot they all felt sure that the ship they had passed was the _OuzelGalley_, they would have avoided her. Although prepared, if necessary, to perform the whole voyage to Jamaica, Owen judged that it would be farsafer to get on board the first ship they could fall in with. Heresolved, therefore, to approach her, and should she prove to beEnglish, to run alongside. He little doubted that, even should she beFrench or Spanish, on their giving an account of their escape from thepirates, they would be treated with humanity. He accordingly steeredtowards her. 

"Hurrah!" cried Dan. "She's a frind, she's a frind--for, there, up goesthe English flag. "

His quick eye had seen the character of the bunting as it ascended in aball to the peak, even before it blew out to the breeze. 

As the canoe approached, the ship hove to, and in a few minutes theparty of fugitives were alongside. Owen was quickly on deck, when thefirst person he encountered was Gerald Tracy. Exclamations of surpriseburst from their lips, and Owen was soon shaking hands with Norman Foleyand the rest of the _Champion's_ officers. His companions had followedhim, Pompey shoving up old Mammy with his shoulder, while Dan hauledaway at her from above. Numerous questions were put to Owen as to wherehe had come from, and he had to answer them before he could ask othersin return. 

At first he had experienced a feeling of intense satisfaction uponfinding himself on board a friendly ship, but his grief may be imaginedwhen he now heard that Captain Tracy and his daughter had fallen intothe power of O'Harrall and his savage crew. Instead of rejoicing at hisescape, he regretted having left the island, lest they might retaliateon their hapless prisoners. He trembled at the thought of what might beNorah's fate. Gerald, of course, shared his feelings; and, indeed, every one sympathised with them both. 

As soon as the canoe was hoisted up the sails were filled, and the_Research_ again stood on her course towards the pirate's island. 

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE. 

VOYAGE OF THE RESEARCH COMMENCED--NORAH'S ANXIETIES--A CALM--TROPICALSEA--A GALE SPRINGS UP--THE SHIP RUNS BEFORE IT--AGAIN STANDS TO THEWESTWARD--A DANGEROUS POSITION--AMONG ISLANDS AND REEFS--A SUSPICIOUSSAIL--CHASED--THE OUZEL GALLEY--THE PIRATE'S FLAG--THE PIRATE BEGINSFIRING--NORAH PLACED IN THE HOLD--A FORT SEEN ON THE ISLAND--NO BOATSCOME OFF--THE ISLAND PASSED--THE PIRATES FORE-TOPSAIL YARD SHOT AWAY--THE SECOND MATE AND SEVERAL MEN OF THE RESEARCH KILLED OR WOUNDED--ACALM--DAMAGES REPAIRED--A BREEZE SPRINGS UP--THE PIRATE OVERTAKES THERESEARCH--RUNS HER ON BOARD--FEARFUL SLAUGHTER OF HER CREW--CAPTURED--THE TWO OLD CAPTAINS UNHURT--NORAH'S INTERVIEW WITH THE PIRATE--TAKEN ONBOARD THE OUZEL GALLEY--COURTEOUSLY TREATED--A SAIL IN SIGHT--CHASED BYA FRIGATE--THE OUZEL GALLEY ESCAPES AMONG THE REEFS--A CALM--THEFRIGATE'S BOATS APPROACH TO ATTACK HER--A BREEZE SPRINGS UP--SHEESCAPES. 

The two old captains were well aware of the numerous perils they mightpossibly have to encounter when they sailed on their voyage in the_Research_, but for the sake of Norah they took care to make light ofthem whenever their prospects of success were discussed in her presence. Norah very naturally would ask questions, and to those questions theywere compelled to try and find answers. In what part of the numberlessgroups of those western islands were they to search for Owen and Gerald?One subject absorbed all their thoughts--on that alone could theyconverse. Even when Captain O'Brien, as he frequently did, tried tointroduce any other, it before long was sure to merge into that one. Norah day after day would unroll the chart of the West Indies, and poreover it for hours, till she knew the form and position and size of everyisland and key, and reef and sandbank, delineated thereon. The ship hadalready reached the tropics when a heavy gale sprang up from thewestward, before which she was compelled to run for three days. Shethen had a long beat back, and the weather being unusually thick, noobservations could be taken to determine her position. Day after daythe two captains and the first mate came on deck at noon with theirquadrants, but not a break in the clouds appeared through which theycould get a glimpse of the sun. 

They calculated at last that they could not be far off the most westernof the Bahamas, and, as they hoped, near the entrance of the WindwardPassage. At sunset the clouds dispersed, the wind shifted to thenorthward, the stars shone brightly forth from the clear sky, and it washoped that the next day they might be able to determine their position. As no land had yet been seen, they stood on for the greater part of thenight; but towards morning, Captain Tracy; afraid of running further, hove the ship to, to wait for daylight. 

Even before the first streaks of dawn appeared above the easternhorizon, the two mates, followed by Captain O'Brien, went aloft, eagerto catch the expected sight of land. What was their surprise todiscover it not only to the westward, where they had looked for it, butaway to the south-east and over the starboard quarter. The ship had runin during the night among a group of islands, but what islands they wereit was difficult to determine. Norah had dressed and appeared from hercabin as her father and Captain O'Brien came below to consult the chart. 

"Here is our position, if I mistake not, " said Captain Tracy, placinghis finger on the chart. "We are further to the south'ard than I hadsupposed. An ugly place to have got to, but it might have been worse;the ship would have chanced to run foul of a reef had we stood on. But, Heaven be praised, we've escaped that disaster, and we'll now try tothread our way into the Windward Passage. "

While the course to be pursued was still under debate, a cry from aloftwas heard of--"A sail to the nor'ard!"

The captains hurried on deck, followed by Norah. "What is she like?"asked Captain Tracy. 

"A large ship under all sail, standing this way, sir, " answered thesecond mate. 

In a short time it became evident that the _Research_ was seen by thestranger, for the latter set every stitch of canvas she could carry, andsteered directly after her. 

A small island appeared ahead. At first it was proposed to pass to thewestward of it, but the look-out from the mast-head discovering severaldark rocks rising above the surface, and extending to a considerabledistance in that direction, the ship's course was altered so that shewould run along the eastern side of the island, as close in as prudencewould allow. It was hoped that, to the southward of the island, achannel might be found which would lead her clear of the rocks andshoals by which she was surrounded. 

Norah, who had continued on deck, had seldom withdrawn her eyes from thestranger, which appeared to her to be much nearer than when first seen. "What do you think, Captain O'Brien--is not that vessel fast gaining onus?" she asked. 

"That may be, my dear Miss Norah, but it need not make us fear that shewill come up with us, " answered the old captain, who could not deny thefact. "She hitherto has had the advantage of a stronger breeze than hasfilled our sails, but we may shortly get more wind and slip away fromher. If she does come up with us, we may find that she is perfectlyhonest, and that we had no cause to try and keep out of her way; sodon't be alarmed, my dear, but go below and have some breakfast--it ison the table by this time--and your father or I will join you presently. One of us must remain on deck to look out for any reefs which may runoff that island yonder. "

Captain Tracy giving Norah the same advice, she unwillingly went below, and took her seat at the breakfast-table to await their appearance. Shewaited and waited, but neither of the captains nor the first mate camebelow. They were all, indeed, too busily engaged in watching theprogress of the stranger and discussing her character to think ofbreakfast. She had been bringing up a much stronger breeze than hadhitherto filled the sails of the _Research_, to which she had now gotalmost within gunshot. Captain Tracy had for some time been intentlyexamining her through his telescope. 

"Tell me if you have ever seen that craft before, " he said, handing itto Captain O'Brien. "My eyes may deceive me, and it may be mere fancy, but I cannot help thinking that she is a ship I ought to know well. "

"By my faith, I ought to know her too, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien. "Ifthat vessel isn't the _Ouzel Galley_, she has been built to look likeher. Perhaps, after all, our friend Owen may have run her on one of theunfrequented keys to the nor'ard, and, having only lately got her afloatand refitted, is now on his way to Jamaica. He is therefore naturallyanxious to speak an English ship, to hear news from home. "

"That vessel may be the _Ouzel Galley_, but Owen Massey would neverhoist such a piece of bunting as that, " cried Captain Tracy, who, havingagain taken the telescope, was looking towards the stranger, which hadjust then run up to her fore topgallant mast-head a black flag with thewell-known pirate's device of a death's head and cross-bones. Theobject was evidently to intimidate the crew of the chase. 

Directly afterwards the stranger yawed and fired her foremost gun. Theshot came flying across the water, but, after several times striking thesurface, sank short of the _Research_. There was no longer any doubt ofthe character of the stranger. 

"Lads, " cried Captain Tracy, "you see that flag! Death or worse thandeath will be our lot if we don't beat off the piccarooning villains whohave hoisted it. They think to frighten us; but stand to your guns likemen, and we'll beat her off. " The crew cheered, and promised to dotheir duty. 

Norah had not heard the sound of the gun fired by the pirate, but themen's hearty cheers reaching the cabin, she hurried on deck to learnwhat caused them. Just as she appeared, the pirate, again yawing, firedthree shot in rapid succession, one of which glanced along the side ofthe _Research_. Captain Tracy had just ordered two guns to be broughtaft, and the crew were engaged in the operation, when, seeing Norah, hebegged Captain O'Brien to take her below and to place her where shecould be out of the way of harm. She had seen enough, however, to showher the state of affairs; her fears were realised. 

"Come away, my dear, " said the old captain, taking her hand. "Boundshot are ugly playthings for young ladies, and the sooner we get youstowed safely away the more ready we shall be to carry on the game withyonder gentleman. We'll beat him, so don't be alarmed when you hear ourguns firing. Perhaps we shall knock some of his spars away, and weshall then take the liberty of leaving him to repair damages at hisleisure. "

Captain O'Brien thus talked on, endeavouring to keep up Sarah's spirits, as he conducted her to a secure place in the hold, which, with the helpof the cook and steward, he set about arranging for her. It remindedher of the place to which she and Gerald had been sent on board the_Ouzel Galley_, when her father and Owen, with their handful of men, hadso bravely fought the famous Captain Thurot and his numerous crew. Therecollection of that event encouraged her to hope that the well-manned_Research_ would beat off a vessel much larger than herself, howeverdesperately the pirate's ruffianly crew might fight. She sat with herhands clasped, endeavouring to retain her composure. She would havebeen thankful for any occupation, but she could do nothing but sit stilland wait for the result of the impending fight--yes, she could pray; andearnestly she did so, that her beloved father and his friends might beprotected from the shot of the foe. 

When Captain O'Brien returned on deck, he found that the two guns hadbeen pointed through the stern-ports. The match was applied, and bothwere fired by the first mate in quick succession; but no visible effectwas produced on the enemy's spars. 

"Run them in, my lads, and load again, " cried Captain Tracy. "Let mesee what I can do; if we can wing the pirate, we shall be saved furthertrouble. " Running his eye along one of the guns, he fired; CaptainO'Brien at the same time discharging the other. Looking through histelescope, Captain Tracy uttered an exclamation of impatience as hecould discover no damage caused by the shot on the pirate's rigging. The broad spread of white canvas remained extended as before to theyards. "We must try again and again till we succeed, " he exclaimed;"maybe we shall have better luck next time. " While the guns were beingrun in and loaded, he turned his telescope towards the island, which wasnow broad on the starboard beam. "Why, as I live, there is a Britishensign flying above what looks very like a fort in the centre of theisland!" he exclaimed. "If there is anchorage under it, we can run inand set the pirate at defiance. He does not appear to have discoveredthe fort, or he would not venture so near it. "

Captain O'Brien took the glass, and minutely examined the coast. "I seeno opening between the reefs through which we could get up anywhere nearthe fort, " he observed. "Were we to attempt to run in, we should veryprobably get the ship on the rocks, and be far worse off than we arelikely to be if we stand on and trust to our guns to beat off thepiccaroon. Though the sea is so smooth here, the surf is breakingheavily on the reefs and shore. If you'll take my advice, you'll notmake the attempt. There must be Englishmen on the island, though howthey came there is more than I can say, but I am very sure that, onseeing a British ship chased by a pirate, they would come off to ourassistance if they could launch their boats through the surf. "

Captain Tracy acknowledged that his friend was right. To stand incloser to the reefs in order to look for an opening through them wouldbe, should one not be found, to allow the pirate to come up and attackthem with rocks close aboard. 

The two ships ran on for some distance, the pirate gaining but slightly, if at all, on the chase. All the time a rapid fire was kept up from thetwo guns run through the stern-ports of the _Research_, the piratealmost as frequently discharging her bow-chasers. Her shot as she drewclose began to tell with deadly effect. The second mate was the firstto fall; two of the crew were soon afterwards desperately wounded, andanother was killed; still the spars and rigging had hitherto escapedmuch damage. Matters were becoming very serious, when the shot from agun trained by Captain O'Brien brought down the pirate's fore-topsailyard; the studding-sail booms being carried away at the same time, thestudding-sails were seen flapping wildly in the wind. 

"I am thankful that my old eyes are still of some use, " he said, as hesaw the effect he had produced. The British crew cheered right lustily. 

The wind, which had been falling, breezed up a little, and the_Research_ glided on out of reach of the pirate's guns. Not a momentwas lost in repairing the slight damages her rigging had received. Itwas seen, however, that the pirates were similarly employed. 

"The yard was only shot away in the slings, without damaging the mast, Ifear, " observed Captain O'Brien. "It will take the rascals some time, however, before they can sway it aloft, and ere then, if this breezeholds, we shall have run the pirate well out of sight. "

But the breeze did not hold. As the day advanced the wind fell, and thetwo vessels lay becalmed just within long range of each other's guns. Both continued firing as before. 

Poor Norah, as she sat all alone in the dark hold, was not forgotten. Sometimes Captain O'Brien and sometimes her father hurried below to saya few cheering words, assuring her that they hoped before long to getclear of the pirate. 

The calm continued, allowing time to repair damages, and to commit thepoor fellows who had been killed to the deep. A breeze was eagerlylooked-for by all on board the _Research_. Should it come from theeastward, she would probably get it as soon as the pirate and retain herpresent advantage, but if from the northward, the enemy might creep upto her before she could move. Preparations were made for everyemergency. The crew stood ready to brace the yards, from which thesails hung down against the masts, as might be required; the guns wereloaded, and run out; pikes, cutlasses, muskets, and pistols were placedready, in convenient positions to be grasped, should the pirate succeedin getting alongside. 

The day wore on, and evening was approaching. The old captains werelooking out astern. 

"Do you see yonder dark line of water?" asked Captain O'Brien, graspinghis friend's arm. "The pirate, after all, will get the wind before wedo. "

"It cannot be helped. We must do our best, and trust in Providence, "answered Captain Tracy. "Our men will prove staunch, and though thevillains outnumber them, and their metal is heavier than ours, we maystill beat them off. "

In less than a minute the sails of the pirate were seen to blowout, andshe began slowly to glide through the water. Those of the _Research_gave a few loud flaps against the masts, and then hung down again, thenswelled slightly to the breeze; but before she had gathered way, thepirate had gained considerably on her. 

"We must try to stop her progress, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien. "A golddoubloon to the man who first knocks away a spar; and if I succeedmyself, I'll keep it in my pocket. "

The old captain fired one of the stern guns as he spoke, but the shotdid no harm to their pursuer. The first mate and the most experiencedgunners among the crew tried their hands with no better success. Thespeed of the _Research_ was increasing, but the pirate, having now got asteady breeze, came on faster than she was going through the water. 

"If we can maintain our present distance, we may still escape the enemyduring the night, " observed Captain Tracy. 

The sun was setting on the starboard hand, casting a ruddy glow on thesails of the two ships. 

"Would that we could knock away a few of her spars, though, " saidCaptain O'Brien; "it would make the matter more certain. "

"It is to be hoped that she'll not knock away some of ours, " remarkedthe first mate, as he observed the pirate yawing. 

By doing so she brought her starboard broadside to bear on the_Research_, and every gun from it was fired at once. Although no one ondeck was hurt, it wrought sad havoc in the rigging: braces and shroudswere shot away, the main-topsail yard was cut almost in two, theforeyard was severely damaged, and two or three of the lighter sparswere knocked away. The old captains gazed up at the injuries which hadthus suddenly been produced. To repair them seemed almost hopeless. 

"I feared it would be so, " muttered the first mate. "These fellows havesome good gunners among them, as we shall find too soon to our cost. "

Still neither of the sturdy old captains were inclined to despair. Hands were sent aloft to fish the foreyard, and to knot and splice themost important parts of the running rigging. The main-topgallantsailwas let fly, the main-topsail brailed up so as to take the strain offthe yard. The two stern guns were in the mean time kept activelyemployed. 

The pirate gained more and more on the chase. 

"We shall have to fight it out, yardarm to yardarm, if the pirates sochoose, or maybe they think fit to board us, " muttered the first mate. "They have the game in their own hands, and if we cannot manage to beatthem back, they'll be masters of the _Research_ before long. "

He spoke too low for the rest of the crew to hear him, but his wordsreached Captain O'Brien's ears. 

"Cheer up, Mr Rymer; never say die while there's a chance of life, " heobserved. "Though we may not like the look of things, it's better notto let the men know what we think, or our good captain either. He mustbe sorely troubled with the thoughts of the fearful position in whichhis young daughter will be placed, should the pirates overcome us. "

"Overcome us!" exclaimed the mate. "I'd sooner blow the ship up withall hands, if it comes to that. "

"No, no, my friend; don't attempt so mad and wicked a deed, " said theold captain. "In doing that, we should be imitating the rascallybuccaneers themselves. We are bound to leave our lives in God's hands, and He'll order things as He sees best. All we have to do is to fightto the last, and to try and save the ship from the pirate's hands. "

"I hope we may succeed, sir, " said the mate, his spirits animated by theold captain's remarks. "I, for one, will do nothing desperate, and I'lltell the gunner and boatswain what you say. "

The pirate continued creeping up on her expected prey, firing her gunsas they could be brought to bear; while the crew of the _Research_, firmto their promise, returned shot for shot, some aiming at theirantagonist's rigging, others at the hull--though two more of theirnumber were killed, and three or four wounded. The latter, however, having stanched the blood flowing from their limbs, returned to theirguns, and continued fighting them with all the energy of despair. 

They could not fail to see that they were suffering more than theiropponent. The pirate ship was already on the starboard quarter of the_Research_, and in a short time would be on her beam, and thus preventher from rounding the southern end of the reef, which it was calculatedshe had already reached. 

The gloom of night had settled down on the world of waters, but it waslighted up by the rapid flashes of the guns. 

"If we could but knock away her foremast, we should still have time toluff round ahead of her, " cried Captain Tracy. "Aim at that, my lads;if you do it, you will save the ship. "

Twice the starboard broadside was fired, but the pirate's masts andspars still appeared to be uninjured. 

The crew of the _Research_ were about again to fire her guns, when thepirate, putting up her helm, ran her alongside. 

"Boarders, be prepared to repel boarders!" shouted Captain O'Brien, sticking a brace of pistols in his belt, and seizing a cutlass and pike. "We must drive them back, my lads, if they attempt to get on our deck. "

The mate and other officers followed his example, and the crew armedthemselves with the weapons to which they were most accustomed. Thenext instant the pirates were seen swarming in their own rigging, led byone of their officers--a bearded, dark man, who was encouraging them byhis shouts and gestures. The first mate sprang forward to encounterhim, and the next moment was brought to the deck by a blow from hiscutlass. In vain the two old captains endeavoured to prevent theruffians from setting foot on the deck of the _Research_; on they came, far outnumbering her crew. 

The pirate captain had cut down the gunner and boatswain, and the restof the diminished crew found themselves opposed to four times their ownnumber. They well knew beforehand that it would be useless to ask forquarter, and to the few who cried out for it, none was given. Theremainder, though fighting desperately, were quickly overpowered. Thetwo old captains had wonderfully escaped being wounded; standingshoulder to shoulder, they were driven back to the companion-hatch, whenthe pirate captain made his way close in front of them. 

"Yield, old men!" he shouted. 

"Not while we have cutlasses in our hands, " answered Captain O'Brien, warding off a blow made at his friend, who was wielding his own weaponwith all the vigour of youth. 

Just then the pirate captain exclaimed, "Yield, Captain Tracy, yield!all further resistance is useless. Your present ship is ours, as isyour former craft. If you will drop your weapons, I will save your lifeand that of your companion. It is mad of you to hold out longer. "

"He speaks the truth, " said Captain O'Brien. "Tracy, we have lost theday. For the sake of your child, listen to his offers. He can but killus at last, and we may if we live be able to protect her. "

"Say what you like, and I'll agree to it, " answered Captain Tracy. 

"We will give in if we have your word that we and all the survivors onboard will be protected from further injury or insult. We have a ladypassenger, and I plead especially on her account. Will you promise thatshe is in no way injured or molested?" said Captain O'Brien. 

"If you will take the word of a man who fights under yonder dark flag, you have it, " answered the pirate. 

"We yield, then, " said Captain O'Brien, dropping his sword. 

Captain Tracy did the same, though both felt very uncertain whether thenext instant they might not be slaughtered by the savage miscreants, whohad now entire possession of the deck of the _Research_. 

"Go below, my friend, before the pirates find their way there. TellNorah what has happened, and urge her to prepare for what may occur, "whispered Captain Tracy. "I will try, meantime, to engage the attentionof the pirate. "

The latter made no remark when he saw the old captain disappearing downthe hatchway. 

"We have met before, Captain Tracy, " he said. "I owe my life to thegood services rendered me on board your ship, and I should be loth tohave your death on my conscience. I have enough on it already. I knowyour friend, too; he is one of the few people to whom I have cause to begrateful. "

"If you are the man I take you for, " said Captain Tracy, intentlyregarding the pirate, "you owed a heavier debt to the master of the shipwhich I now find in your possession. You know how I regarded him, andyou will relieve my mind if you can tell me where he is to be found. "

"You will probably meet in a few days, " answered the pirate. "He iswell in health, though I considered it necessary to keep him a prisoner. You and Captain O'Brien will now have the opportunity of solacing himin his confinement. "

"I thank you for the information, " answered Captain Tracy. "We shall beready to share his lot, whatever that may be. "

The pirates, though they had obtained possession of the deck, hadhitherto not made their way below; for they were all fully engaged, somein the barbarous work of putting the wounded out of their misery andheaving the dead overboard, and others in clearing the two ships. Thewind had suddenly increased, and, as they had a dangerous reef aboard, it was necessary as quickly as possible to get them under command. Captain O'Brien had thus time to make his way into the hold and to breakthe intelligence of what had occurred to Norah. She, poor girl, hadbeen intently listening to divine by the sounds which reached the holdhow affairs were going. She knew too well that the engagement herfather was so anxious to avoid was taking place; and the rapid firing ofthe guns told her that the crew of the _Research_ were gallantlydefending themselves. Then came the crashing sound as the pirate ranalongside. The shrieks and cries which arose informed her of thedesperate hand-to-hand struggle that was going on. The comparativesilence which ensued when the remnant of the British crew were cut down, alarmed her even more than did the occasional shouts of the piratesengaged in clearing the ship which reached her ears. She dreaded theworst, and had sunk down on her knees praying for strength to endurewhatever trial might be in store, when, by the faint light of thelantern which hung in the hold, she saw Captain O'Brien standing beforeher. 

"Is my father safe? Oh, tell me!" she exclaimed, grasping his hand. 

"Yes; thank Heaven, he has escaped without a wound, " he answered. "Butaffairs have not gone as we should wish, " he continued, in as calm avoice as he could command. "The pirates have possession of the_Research_, but their captain, who appears to be an Englishman, hasspared our lives and promised that we shall not be molested. I havehopes that he will keep his word, and you must not be cast down. Wewill not be separated from you, whatever may occur; but it is uselessremaining longer in this dark place. We will go back into the cabin, where I will stay with you till your father comes down. "

Saying this, Captain O'Brien, taking the lantern, led Norah up from thehold through a passage, by which they reached the state cabin withoutgoing on deck. 

Norah's agitation made her scarcely able to stand, so Captain O'Brienled her to a sofa and took a seat by her. The next instant CaptainTracy entered. She sprang up, and, throwing her arms round his neck, burst into tears. While he was supporting her a step was heard, and thepirate leader appeared at the doorway. He gazed for a moment at Norah. 

"Miss Tracy, " he exclaimed, "had I known that the shot fired from myship were aimed at the one which you were on board of, I would soonerhave blown up my own craft or sent her to the bottom. I trust that youwill pardon me for the alarm and anxiety I have caused you. "

Norah gazed at the speaker with a look of terror as she clung to herfather's arm. His countenance had been too deeply impressed upon hermemory for her ever to forget it. She recognised in him the once secondmate of the _Ouzel Galley_, when he had gone under the name ofCarnegan--the man who had attempted to carry her off, and who hadafterwards audaciously presented himself, when an officer on board theFrench privateer under the command of Thurot. Now he was theacknowledged captain of a band of pirates, and she and her father werein his power. He had spared the lives of the two old captains, but ofwhat outrage might he not be guilty when he found that the love heprofessed was rejected? She endeavoured to recover herself sufficientlyto answer him, but her efforts were for some time vain. Her limbstrembled under her; her voice refused to utter the words she would havespoken. Her father could not fail to observe her agitation. 

"Retain your presence of mind, my child, " he whispered, "but don'toffend our captor. "

By a strong effort, while the pirate stood gazing at her, she recoveredherself. 

"I claim nothing beyond the mercy any helpless woman might ask for onboard a captured vessel, " she answered at length; "and if you would saveme from further suffering, I would pray that you would put my father andme, with our friend, on shore at the nearest spot at which you can landus. The vessel and cargo are yours, by right of conquest, but you cangain nothing by keeping us prisoners. "

"You are mistaken, Miss Tracy, " said the pirate; "I can gain everythingwhich for long years it has been my fond desire to obtain. Yourecognise me, I am sure, and you cannot have forgotten the deep--thedevoted love I have expressed for you. Promise me that you will nolonger despise it, and your father and his friend shall not only beprotected, but treated with every respect and attention they canrequire. "

This address increased rather than allayed Norah's alarm. 

"Oh, what shall I say to him?" she whispered to her father. "For yoursake and Captain O'Brien's, I would not, if I can help it, arouse hisanger. "

Norah was, however, saved from the difficult task of answering thepirate by the appearance of one of his officers, who came to summon himon deck, that he might give his orders for the management of the twovessels. He hurried away, and left the trio to consult as to the bestmode of treating him. He was for some time absent, the shouting of theofficers and the tramping of the men's feet overhead showing thatvarious operations were going forward on deck. 

"You spoke well and bravely, Norah, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien, afterher father had placed her on the sofa, that she might the better attemptto recover from the fearful agitation she was suffering; "keep to thattone. Don't tell him how you fear and dislike him, but don't let himsuppose that you are ready to consent to any proposals he may make. Humour him as much as you can, and above all things don't allude toOwen, or let him discover that he has a rival in the affection he asksyou to bestow on him. "

"Oh no, indeed I will not, " said Norah; "and for my father's sake andyours, I will do all I can to soften his temper and make him treat youwell. "

"I wish you to do as Captain O'Brien suggests, for your own sake ratherthan for ours, " observed her father. "We may defy him, as he can onlymurder us; but we wish to live that we may protect you. At present heappears to be in a tolerably good humour, and well he may, aftercapturing our good ship and her valuable cargo. He would rather havefound her laden with ingots and chests of dollars; but she's a richerprize to him than the _Ouzel Galley_ could have been, laden withhogsheads of sugar. "

"The _Ouzel Galley_!" exclaimed Norah. "Has she fallen into that man'shands? Oh, father! has he, then, got Owen in his power?"

"He's not likely to have taken Owen's ship without capturing Owen too;but we know that he could not have put him to death, or Owen couldn'thave sent us the message we received, " answered her father. 

"Perhaps our capture may, after all, be the means of our discoveringOwen, " observed Captain O'Brien. "You will not regret it then so much, Norah; and if we can regain our liberty, we may, by some means or other, carry him off also. It's an ill wind that blows no one good, depend onthat. "

Terribly alarmed as Norah felt, the idea suggested by Captain O'Briensomewhat cheered her. 

The two captains sat, with Norah between them, endeavouring to preventher spirits from sinking. Silence, by all means, was to be avoided, Captain O'Brien taking upon himself to be the chief spokesman. He didhis best not to allude to the battle, or the slaughter of their bravecrew. Little did Norah think that of all those she had seen thatmorning on deck, full of life and activity, not one was then inexistence. She herself felt no inclination to speak of the fight, andshe asked no questions about it. It was sufficient for her to know thatthe _Research_ had been captured, and that the great object of thevoyage--the recovery of Owen and Gerald--had come to nought. Weary andsad, she could not even venture to seek for the consolation of sleep. The lamp, which had been lighted at sundown, still hung from the beamabove their heads, shedding a subdued light over the cabin. Some timethus passed. Occasionally the two old captains exchanged a few words inlow tones, but they could not say all they thought, for they wereunwilling to alarm Norah more than was necessary. They must actaccording to the pirate's conduct. As he had spared their lives, hemight behave generously towards them and Norah, but of this they had butslight hopes. 

It flashed across Captain O'Brien's mind that he was one of theO'Harralls, whom he had saved, when a boy, from drowning, while servingon board a ship he had commanded, he having jumped overboard in a heavysea, and supported the lad till a boat came to their assistance. He hadafterwards had cause to regret having done so, when O'Harrall becamenotorious for his evil deeds. "It would have been better to let himdrown, than allow him to gather the sins on his head for which he has toanswer, " thought the old captain. "But no, I did what was right; forthe rest he alone is answerable. If he's the man I suspect, he may havebeen prompted by the recollection of the services I rendered him tospare my life, and it may induce him still to act decently towards us. "

Though these thoughts passed through Captain O'Brien's mind, he did notexpress them aloud, or tell his friend that he believed the pirate to beany other than the outlawed ruffian, O'Harrall. 

Captain Tracy was addressing a remark to him, when the cabin dooropened, and the man he had been thinking about stood before them. As heexamined the pirate's features, he was sure that he had not beenmistaken, but he thought it prudent to keep the idea to himself. 

The pirate stood for a moment gazing at Norah. 

"I have come to summon you on board my vessel, " he said. "Your oldcraft has been too much knocked about, I find, to proceed before herdamages are repaired. This can be done under the lee of the island, where we will leave her while we return into port. I wish you toprepare at once to accompany me. Anything you desire to take with youshall be brought on board, but I cannot allow you much time for yourpreparations, Miss Tracy. Your father or Captain O'Brien will assistyou in packing your trunk. "

Captain Tracy, knowing that it would be useless to remonstrate, repliedthat they should be speedily ready; and the pirate left the cabin. 

Norah, endeavouring to calm her agitation, immediately set to work topack up the things she knew that she should most require, while herfather and Captain O'Brien tumbled theirs into a couple of valises; sothat in a few minutes, when the pirate again entered the cabin, theywere prepared to obey his orders. He was accompanied by a couple of menwho, taking up their luggage, followed them on deck, to which he led theway. The darkness fortunately prevented Norah from seeing the marks ofblood which stained the planks; she could only distinguish a number ofdark forms moving about, engaged in repairing the damages the ship hadreceived. She lay hove to, with the other vessel a short distance fromher. A boat was alongside, into which the pirate desired the two oldcaptains and Norah to descend, he offering his hand to assist her. Shethanked him in as courteous a tone as she could command, and, the boatshoving off, the crew pulled away for the _Ouzel Galley_. 

"You are not a stranger to this ship, Miss Tracy, " observed the pirate, as he handed Norah on deck. "I regret that I was compelled to captureher, and to deprive her former master, my worthy friend Owen Massey, ofhis command. " He spoke in a somewhat sarcastic tone, which Norahobserved, but she wisely made no reply. "You will be safer in thecabin, where you will find yourselves at home, " he continued; "my bravefellows are somewhat lawless, and it is as well to keep out of theirsight. " The pirate, as he spoke, led the way into the cabin. As theyentered it, he requested that she would consider herself its mistress. "My black steward will attend to your wants, and will bring you whateveryou may order. I have now to see to the navigation of the ship, so thatI cannot for the present enjoy your society, " he said. 

Having led Norah to a sofa and desired his other guests, as he choose tocall them, to be seated, he hurried from the cabin. 

The light from a handsome silver lamp hung in the usual position showedthem that no change had been made in its arrangements since the _OuzelGalley_ had sailed from Waterford. 

"We might have been worse off, faith! but it's somewhat trying to findone's self on board one's own ship in the character of a prisoner, "observed Captain Tracy. "However, our captor appears inclined to behavewith as much courtesy as can be expected, and as I hope we shall notagain be interrupted, I wish, Norah, you would try to obtain some sleep. O'Brien and I will watch by you, and you will be the better able toendure what you may have to go through. "

"I cannot sleep; I don't wish to sleep, " murmured poor Norah. "I shouldonly dream of the dreadful events which have occurred. "

After some persuasion, however, she consented to try and obtain the restshe so much needed, and in spite of her assertions, her father saw thatshe had dropped off into a calm slumber. He and Captain O'Brien couldnow speak more freely than they had hitherto done. Their firmresolution was not, on any account, to be parted from her. They hadeach retained their pistols, which they had concealed in their pockets, and Captain O'Brien vowed that, should any violence be threatened, hewould shoot O'Harrall, and trust to win over the piratical crew bypromising them the most ample rewards. 

"If we kill their chief, the fellows will be awed, and we shall havetime to throw the bait in their mouths; for the chances are that many ofthem will be glad enough to escape from the perilous course they are nowcompelled to follow, and if we can gain over some, the rest will notlong hold out, " he observed. 

Captain Tracy thought his friend's plan too desperate, but he was atlength won over to consent to it should O'Harrall's behaviour rendersome such proceeding necessary. 

By a compass fixed in the forepart of the cabin, they saw that thevessel was standing to the westward, and that the wind must haveshifted, as she appeared to be directly before it. After running onthis course for some distance, they found that she was then hauled up tothe northward. From this she appeared to deviate but slightly, sometimes a point or two to the eastward, and sometimes to the westward. They thus surmised that she was threading her way between reefs withwhich the pirates must have been well acquainted. Daylight at lengthstreamed through the cabin windows, and as the sun rose above thehorizon, they saw his rays glancing across the tiny wavelets whichrippled the surface of the water, showing that a moderate breeze wasblowing, and that the ship was under the lee of an island, which impededthe progress of the undulations rolling in from the wide ocean. 

"Wherever we are going, it would be a hard matter, I suspect, without anexperienced pilot, to get out again, " observed Captain O'Brien. 

"We must trust to protection from above, and we may hope to find themeans of escape, " answered Captain Tracy. 

In spite of their intentions to keep awake, the two old captains couldnot avoid dozing off, till they were aroused by the entrance of a black, who announced himself as the steward. 

"Me Jumbo--come to lay breakfast, and cappen say you hab what you likeask for, especially someting nice for de young lady. "

"We shall be thankful for anything you are able to bring us, Jumbo, "said Captain O'Brien. "We do not wish to give you more trouble thannecessary. "

"Dat berry good, " answered the black, nodding as he went out of thecabin. 

Before long he returned with an ample repast, consisting of several WestIndian dishes and some others, the materials of which had probably beenbrought from the _Research_. The prisoners in reality cared but littlefor the food, but it was satisfactory to believe that the pirateintended to treat them with courtesy. Norah, who had taken nothing formany hours, was persuaded to eat some breakfast. 

"You will feel all the better for it, my dear, " said Captain O'Brien. "I never saw any use in starving one's self, even though one might be inthe midst of an ocean of troubles. Matters always look worse whenpeople are hungry, and perhaps now that we have had some food, we shallbe able to see things in a brighter light. I have been thinking a gooddeal about Owen Massey, and should not be at all surprised that we, after all, accomplish the object of our voyage and find him. We shallhave paid a high price, to be sure, by the loss of our good ship, buteven that you will, at all events, not think too much if we get him backsafe. "

Norah smiled faintly. She almost dreaded the effect her presence mightproduce on the treatment of Owen, should he be in the pirate's power. The terrible thought had even occurred to her mind that the pirate mightoffer her the dreadful alternative of becoming his wife or seeing Owenmurdered before her eyes. The idea, however, was too horrible to allowher to give it utterance. 

Captain O'Brien endeavoured to amuse Norah by talking on in his usualway. He succeeded but ill in his attempts. Impossible was the task todraw her thoughts from present circumstances. "I wonder if we are to bekept prisoners below all day, or whether our piratical captor will takeit into his head to invite us on deck?" he continued. "I should have noobjection to smoke my pipe and enjoy a little fresh air. When Jumbonext appears, I'll send our compliments and request the favour. "

The old captain carried out his intentions, and Jumbo returned with amessage from the pirate captain, to the effect that they were welcome tocome on deck if they chose. 

Norah would have far rather remained in the cabin, but, as she dreadedbeing left alone, she agreed to accompany her father and CaptainO'Brien. The pirate bowed as she appeared, and placed a seat for her onthe poop, inquiring simply whether she had been supplied with everythingshe required. She briefly thanked him, and turned aside her head toavoid the gaze of the ruffianly crew, as they moved towards theafter-part of the deck in the prosecution of their various duties. O'Harrall merely nodded to the two old captains, who stood by her side. The wind was baffling, and he was continually engaged in trimming sails, so that he was prevented for some time from again addressing her. 

The _Ouzel Galley_ had now got into a more open part of the sea, thoughneither of the old captains could tell exactly where they were. Againthe wind became steady, and O'Harrall was coming up, apparently to speakto Norah, when the look-out from the mast-head shouted, "A sail on thestarboard quarter!"

One of the chief officers was immediately sent aloft. On coming down, he reported the stranger to be a large ship running free. 

"Does she look like a merchantman?" inquired O'Harrall. 

"Much more like a man-of-war, judging by the cut of her canvas, " was theanswer, in a low voice. 

"Perhaps she will take no notice of us, " remarked O'Harrall. "It willbe time enough if she gives chase to make sail; but it would only bedrawing her attention towards us, if we were to do so now. "

Captain Tracy overheard these remarks, but endeavoured to look asunconcerned as possible, though, as may be supposed, he earnestly hopedthat the officer's surmise was correct, and that the stranger wouldendeavour to overhaul them. 

The pirate continued to walk the deck, every now and then turning hisglass in the direction the stranger had been seen, while the officeragain went aloft. Presently he hurriedly came down and spoke a fewwords to the pirate captain, who instantly issued orders to the crew tomake all sail. 

Royals were set, and even lighter sails above them. The studding-sailswere rigged out, and various strange-shaped sails were set between themasts and above and below the bowsprit. The studding-sails, however, were quickly taken in again, as the wind was too much abeam to enablethem to be carried. 

Captain Tracy managed, whenever the pirate's glance was turned the otherway, to take a look over the quarter, and soon had the satisfaction ofseeing the lofty sails of a large ship appearing above the horizon. Itwas pretty evident that the stranger was suspicious of the character ofthe _Ouzel Galley_, and was coming in chase of her. 

O'Harrall and his crew seemed to be of the same opinion. They turnedmany an angry glance towards the old captains and Norah, as if theyconsidered them the cause of the risk they were running of beingcaptured. Though the _Ouzel Galley_ was a fast vessel, the stranger wasevidently much faster. 

"What do you think she is, O'Brien?" asked Captain Tracy. 

"A frigate or a large sloop of war; and though it is a difficult matterto judge of her nationality, she looks more like an English ship than aforeigner, " he answered. 

"Grant Heaven it may be so, and that the pirates may see the uselessnessof fighting, should she come up with us, " said Captain Tracy. 

"They are not likely to give in without a desperate struggle, when theyknow that halters are in store for most of them if they are captured, "replied Captain O'Brien. 

O'Harrall was pacing the deck with hurried strides. He could onlydepend on the speed of his ship for escaping, and he well knew that noBritish man-of-war would engage him without doing her utmost to make himher prize. Suddenly he walked up to his prisoners, his countenanceexhibiting a more ferocious aspect than they had hitherto seen it wear. 

"You must go below, " he said in a harsh tone; "your presence has broughtus ill luck. At all events, my people think so, and I don't know howthey may behave, should they see you on deck when yonder ship gets up tous. "

"We will of course obey you, " said Captain Tracy, taking Norah's hand;and, followed by Captain O'Brien, they descended to the cabin. 

The latter would gladly have remained to watch the progress of thestranger, which he was more than ever convinced was a man-of-war. Somehours must, however pass, before she could get the _Ouzel Galley_ withinrange of her guns. Should darkness come on, the latter would still havea chance of escaping without fighting. The eagerness of the pirate toavoid a contest showed clearly enough that they were only ready to fightwhen they had the hope of booty before them. 

Jumbo appeared as the prisoners returned to the cabin, and placed arepast on the table. It was in every respect equal to the breaks fast. Even the old captains, however, could not do justice to it, as they weretoo anxious about their prospect of a speedy deliverance from captivity. They knew very well, also, that considerable danger must be run shouldthe pirate engage the man-of-war. Shot might enter the cabin, or theship might catch fire, or blow up, or be sent to the bottom; or thepirates, when they had lost all hope of escaping, might, in their rage, revengefully put them to death. 

Jumbo had removed the dinner things, and Captain O'Brien managed toproject his head far enough from the stern windows to get a sight of thestranger. 

"She may overtake us before dark, but I very much doubt it, " heobserved. "If she does not, these fellows will manage to make theirescape by running in among reefs and islands, with which they, depend onit, are well acquainted, and where the man-of-war will not venture tofollow them. "

As the time went by there appeared every probability that CaptainO'Brien's surmise would prove correct. A ruddy glow cast across theocean showed that the sun was sinking low, and presently the glow fadedaway and a grey tint alone remained. By this time the hull of thestranger appeared above the water, and Captain O'Brien declared that hewas more than ever convinced she was a British frigate. The compass inthe cabin showed, however, that the _Ouzel Galley_ was following adevious course--now hauling up round a reef, now running for a shortdistance before the wind. 

A shot came flying over the water from the frigate. Several othersfollowed, but they all fell short. She was then seen to keep awaybefore the wind to the south-west. 

"She has given up the chase, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien, "and our chanceof liberty for the present is gone. I was afraid it would be so, but itcannot be helped. "

Norah, perhaps, felt the disappointment less keenly than her companions. The thought that she was about to meet Owen was uppermost in her mind. She fancied that, once having found him, they should be able to devise aplan for their escape. Shortly after this, O'Harrall came into thecabin. "You expected the tables to be turned, and that the _OuzelGalley_ would be captured by yonder man-of-war, " he observed, as hestood with his arms folded, leaning carelessly against the bulkhead. "It is as well for you, however, that we had not to engage her, for myfellows are not men who would consent to be taken alive. Had we notescaped from her, they would to a certainty have blown up the ship, whenall hope had abandoned them. "

"Then, sir, we may congratulate you and ourselves on having avoided afight, " said Captain O'Brien. "We may wish you a better fate, and it iscertainly one we are thankful to have escaped. "

"I hope to enjoy greater happiness for many years to come than hashitherto been my lot, " said the pirate, gazing at Norah, who cast downher eyes to avoid his glance. "Circumstances have made me what I am, but I intend to abandon my present course, and to engage in some servicewhere I may gain an honourable name and retrieve the years which havepassed. I already possess sufficient wealth to satisfy my utmostdesires. My only wish is to share it with one whose affections I mayhope to gain. "

The pirate continued for some time speaking in this strain. Norah didher utmost to pretend that she did not understand him, while CaptainO'Brien stood fuming with rage at what he mentally called the audaciousimpudence of the villain. Poor Captain Tracy's heart sank, and thoughnot less indignant than his friend, he endeavoured to conceal hisfeelings. Happily O'Harrall was again summoned on deck. No sooner washe gone than Norah gave way to hysterical sobs. 

"Oh, father! father! kill me sooner than let him take me from you, " sheexclaimed. "I know too well what he means; but I would pray for deathsooner than become his wife. "

"If he really wishes to obtain an honourable name he will offer noviolence, my child, " said Captain Tracy, endeavouring to comfort her. "Heaven will find some way for you to escape. "

The cause of the pirate's being summoned on deck was soon apparent. Thewind had fallen, and the _Ouzel Galley_ lay becalmed, surrounded by thereefs amid which she had taken shelter. Though the passage occupied hersome time, she was still at no great distance from the open channel. 

"Why, as I live, there is the frigate, not more than three or four milesoff, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien, who had been looking through the cabinwindow. "Depend on it, she has kept us in sight, and when she findsthat we are still within reach, and not able to get away, she'll besending her boats in to take us during the night. I heartily hope thatshe may, and we shall run much less risk of injury than we should havedone had she attacked the _Ouzel Galley_ with her heavy guns. I believethat the pirate's threat of blowing up the ship was all bombast. Thesefellows, hardened villains as they are, are seldom in a hurry to go outof the world, if they can by any means prolong their miserableexistence. Each man fancies that he may have a chance of escaping byturning king's evidence or getting out of prison. I doubt whether evenO'Harrall himself would have the nerve to set fire to the magazine, though his capture were certain. "

The darkness was now settling down on the water, and at length shroudedthe stranger from view. 

The pirates had evidently not been idle, and the old captains surmisedthat they were engaged in tricing up boarding-nettings and making allthe usual preparations in case of being attacked during the night by theboats of the frigate, which they must of course have expected. 

The sound of a boat lowered into the water reached the cabin, and thenext minute she was seen through the stern window pulling in thedirection of the frigate, probably to row guard and to give due noticeshould the man-of-war's boats be heard approaching: Although, during thelast two nights, the inmates of the cabin had obtained but a few minutesof sleep at a time, their anxiety prevented them from closing theireyes. Even Norah, though her father urged her to try and obtain somerest, could scarcely bring herself to shut hers for a moment. Theylistened eagerly, expecting every minute to hear the pirate's boatreturn, followed by those of the man-of-war. 

Several hours passed away, when Captain O'Brien, who had been watchingat the stern window, exclaimed, "Here she comes!" and the next momentthe boat dashed up alongside. 

The ship had not been brought to an anchor, showing that the pirateentertained a hope of avoiding a fight and making his escape, should thebreeze spring up before the boats could get alongside. The night wasdark, and from the lighted cabin it was impossible to see objects at anydistance. Captain O'Brien, however, listened, expecting to hear theboats approach. Presently he rejoined Captain Tracy and Norah. 

"Here they come, " he whispered. "It would be folly to be shot by ourfriends, and as the pirates have forgotten to close the dead-lights, thebullets may be making their way into the cabin. We shall do well to liedown under shelter. Here, Norah, your own cabin will afford you thesafest place, and your father and I will sit on the deck by your side. Should the attacking party succeed, at I have no doubt they will, weshall then avoid the risk of being shot by friends or foes. "

The advice was too sensible not to be followed. Scarcely had theygained the shelter which Captain O'Brien advised, than both thebroadsides of the _Ouzel Galley_ were discharged, succeeded by a rapidfire of musketry, and a loud cheer from the crews of the boats. 

"They will be alongside in another minute, " cried Captain O'Brien. 

The fluttering of some curtains hung in front of Norah's cabin showedthat a strong breeze was blowing through the stern windows, and it soonbecame evident that the ship was moving rapidly through the water. 

The crew of the pirate cheered, and several of her guns were fired. They were replied to by musketry, but the reports came one after theother, apparently from different directions. 

"The villains will escape after all, " exclaimed Captain O'Brien, who wason the point of jumping up to take another look through the sternwindow, when his friend, holding him down, observed--

"A chance bullet may come through the port, or if your head were seen, amarine would be certain to aim at it, believing that he was firing at anenemy. "

The _Ouzel Galley_ glided rapidly over the smooth sea, the firing onboth sides ceased, and though the boats were probably still continuingthe chase, they were eventually left far astern. 

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. 

THE RESEARCH SAILS TOWARDS THE PIRATE'S ISLAND--OWEN'S CONVERSATION WITHMICHAEL O'HARRALL--THE RESEARCH ENTERS THE PIRATE'S HARBOUR--GETSALONGSIDE THE OUZEL GALLEY--BOARDS HER--DESPERATE FIGHT--O'HARRALLESCAPES--LIEUTENANT FOLEY AND OWEN, WITH A PARTY, LAND TO SEARCH FORNORAH AND HER FATHER--A JOYFUL MEETING--THE PIRATE VILLAGE SET ON FIRE--BOOTY CARRIED OFF--THE SHIPS SAIL--REACH JAMAICA--WELCOMED BY OLDFRIENDS--THE VOYAGE HOME AND ITS RESULTS--FORMATION OF "THE OUZEL GALLEYSOCIETY"--HAPPY MARRIAGES--NORMAN AND GERALD AGAIN SENT TO SEA--ENGAGEMENT WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON--DEATHS OF THUROT AND O'HARRALL--OWENRECOVERS HIS PROPERTY--CONCLUSION. 

Gerald and Norman Foley did their utmost to comfort Owen Massey, who wasalmost in despair, as he thought of the fearful danger to which Norahand her father would be subjected in the power of O'Harrall. To whatextremities might he not proceed? His rage, too, would be great onfinding that Owen and his companions had escaped from the island, and hemight vent it on the hapless prisoners in his power. 

"Should he dare to ill-treat them, swift vengeance will overtake him, "observed Norman. 

"Yes; but the fear of that will not influence the man, " exclaimed Owen, pressing his hand to his brow. "Would that I had remained on theisland! I might in some way have afforded them protection--or the kindblack woman would have done so. "

"Bad as he is, he will not surely venture to injure my young sister andfine old father, " said Gerald. 

Owen, however, who had witnessed the fierce bursts of passion to whichO'Harrall was accustomed to give way, still feared the worst. 

He, with the lieutenant and Gerald, was walking the deck, when his eyefell on Dillon, with the boatswain standing on the watch new him. 

"Why, that is one of the fellows who betrayed the _Ouzel Galley_ intothe hands of the enemy!" said Owen. 

"He is a deserter from the _Champion_, " observed Norman Foley, "and isthe man who has now undertaken to pilot us into the pirate's harbour. When did he join the _Ouzel Galley_?"

"At Kingston, with some other fellows of the same stamp, " answered Owen;"and I have good cause to regret having received them. "

"They must have been with you, then, when I boarded the _Ouzel Galley_as you went out of Port Royal, " Gerald took the opportunity ofobserving, after Norman Foley had left them. 

Owen confessed that such was the case. "If you had done your duty, youwould have discovered them, " he could not refrain from adding. 

"You are right, Owen, " said Gerald. "I now see that every neglect ofduty must produce bad consequences, but I suppose, as it was yourbusiness to conceal them from me because you wanted a crew, so it wasmine to have discovered them. However, the less we say about the matterthe better just now. "

Owen felt a strong inclination to speak to the man Routh, or Dillon, tolearn how O'Harrall had behaved towards his prisoners before they weretaken on board the _Ouzel Galley_. 

With the greatest effrontery, Dillon nodded to him as he approached. "So, Captain Massey, you managed to get away, after all, " he said, quitecoolly. "It is more than any one else has done for a long time, andseveral have lost their lives in making the attempt, so you arefortunate. "

"That is not the matter about which I wish to speak to you, " said Owen. "You were treated well while under my command, and in return I ask youto tell me how Captain O'Harrall behaved towards those he took from thisship?"

"As to that, I know very little, " answered Dillon. "We killed most ofthe people, but the two old captains and the young lady were unhurt. They did not look very happy at finding themselves prisoners, but inother respects they had nothing to complain of, and they were allowed totake their traps with them. And now, Captain Massey, let me ask you, how do you happen to know that the real name of the pirate captain isO'Harrall? He is generally called Bermudez among us. "

"I knew him long before he took to his present evil courses, " said Owen. "I then hoped better things of him, and I will now ask why you areready to betray him. "

"To save my own life, and to revenge myself for the way he has treatedme, " answered Dillon. "He chose to consider me as his inferior, when Iam his equal in every respect. Has it never occurred to you, OwenMassey, who I am? I will tell you, for I care not who knows it. I amBrian O'Harrall's younger brother Michael, whom you also once knew. Ourfamily ousted yours; and as I conclude that neither of us is very likelyto return to Ireland, and we are the last of our race, you may possiblymanage to recover the property. If Brian is killed, I may perhapsassist you, and if you will promise me a sufficient recompense I amready to do so. "

From what the pirate said, Owen had no doubt that he was the person herepresented himself to be; still he hesitated about entering into anyengagement with a villain of his stamp. 

"I must consider the subject, " he answered; "much must depend upon thesuccess of our undertaking. Should Captain Tracy and his daughter berescued by your means from your brother's hands, whatever your motive, Ishall be more deeply indebted to you than I should feel were you toassist in restoring the property of which your family deprived myfather. Indeed, I cannot understand how you can be instrumental indoing that. In the mean time I can make no promise with regard to thematter. "

The subject the man Dillon, or rather Michael O'Harrall, had mentionedhad one beneficial effect in somewhat turning Owen's thoughts, althoughonly occasionally, from the contemplation of Norah's and her father'sposition. 

Two more anxious days were passed, when, towards evening, land was seenahead, mostly lying low, with a slight elevation in the centre. Thewind was favourable, and Dillon undertook to carry the ship into harbourbefore nightfall, declaring that he could pilot her towards the latterpart of the way as well in the dark as during the daylight. 

It is impossible to describe Owen's feelings. In a short time Norahmight be safe, or he should hear that she had suffered a fate he darenot contemplate. 

Every preparation was made for surprising the pirates and recovering theprisoners. A dozen men were dressed to look as much as possible likethe pirates who had been on board when the _Research_ was captured; theblack flag was hoisted at her peak. The rest of the men and theofficers concealed themselves, some below, and others under thebulwarks. Dillon was ordered to take his post as if in command. Aparty of men, well armed, were selected and placed under the orders ofNorman Foley, who, accompanied by Gerald, with Owen, Dan, and Pompey asguides, were to shove off from the ship as soon as the pirates haddiscovered their object, and to endeavour to find out where theprisoners were confined. 

Everything went well. The wind continued favourable, the bar wascrossed, and the _Research_ glided up through the channel leading intothe lagoon. The sun had set, and darkness was rapidly coming on; Owenand Gerald were lying down, anxiously looking out from one of the bowports. There floated the _Ouzel Galley_, right ahead, in the centre ofthe lagoon. The _Research_ was steered towards her, so that it might besupposed by the pirates that the new arrival was about to bring up. Instead of letting go her anchor, however, the _Research_ was to runalongside the _Ouzel Galley_, which the British crew was immediately toboard. As the boats on the larboard side of the _Research_ could not beseen by the pirates, they were lowered into the water, and LieutenantFoley and his party were directed to leap into them the momentconcealment was no longer necessary. 

The _Research_ approached the _Ouzel Galley_. "What are you about, youlubbers?" shouted a voice from the latter ship. "Starboard your helm, or you will be running foul of us. "

It was O'Harrall who spoke. Owen recognised his voice. 

"There is something wrong, " cried another man. 

"Treachery! treachery!" exclaimed several of the pirates, and two gunsfrom the _Ouzel Galley_ were fired at the approaching ship. They werewell aimed. One of the shots struck the bulwarks, the splinters fromwhich wounded several persons; the other flew more aft, and thetraitorous pirate, Michael O'Harrall, was seen to fall. Not a groanescaped him. The officers and crew sprang to their feet, those who werebelow leaping on deck. 

Though the wind had fallen almost to a calm, the ship had way enough onher to bring her up alongside the _Ouzel Galley_. Grappling-irons werethrown on board. At the same time two more shots were fired by thepirates, and although, surprised as they had been, they were seenrapidly mustering on deck, still there was evident confusion among them. The British seamen, led by their officers, pistol and cutlass in hand, were the next instant leaping down on the deck of the _Ouzel Galley. For_ a few seconds the pirates fought desperately; but, bold as most ofthem were, they saw that their chance of success was gone. Then, withfierce oaths and cries of terror and rage, they retreated to theopposite side of the ship, and those who could threw themselvesoverboard with the intention of trying to swim to the shore. 

One of the last to make his escape was O'Harrall. He had beenhard-pressed by Lieutenant Tarwig, who shouted to him to yield; but, springing on a gun and aiming a desperate cut at the lieutenant's head(fortunately the cut was parried, or it would have finished the gallantofficer), the pirate leaped over the bulwarks, and disappeared beneaththe dark waters. Mr Tarwig jumped up on the gun, and eagerly lookedover the side to ascertain what had become of his late antagonist. Hecould make out through the gloom several persons swimming away from theship, but whether or not one of them was O'Harrall, it was impossible tosay. 

Not a pirate now remained alive on the deck of the _Ouzel Galley_. Adozen or more had been cut down, and so effectually had the Britishseamen wielded their cutlasses that every one of them had been killedoutright. The marines had followed the boarders, and now began firingaway at the pirates in the water; but, the darkness concealing theswimmers, no effective aim could be taken. As the boats on thestarboard side could not be lowered while the two ships were closetogether, and those on the other had gone away under Lieutenant Foley, the pirates could not be pursued, or probably several would have beencaptured. 

Commander Olding, knowing the treachery of which the pirates werecapable, at once ordered a search to be made below, in case they mighthave tried to blow up the ship; he himself hurrying into the cabin, where he thought it possible that the prisoners might still be confined. He soon ascertained that they were not there, but he discovered a doorleading to the main hold. Obtaining a light, he, followed by the masterand Crowhurst, made his way to the part of the hold which had beforeserved as a refuge to Norah and her friend Ellen. 

In the mean time, Norman Foley's party, with Owen, had pulled for thewestern side of the lagoon. As soon as the boats reached the beach, thewhole of the party leaped on shore, with the exception of a few handsleft to guard the boats. 

"This way, " cried Owen, dashing forward in the direction of the buildingwhich had so long been his prison. His fear was that O'Harrall mighthave reached the shore, and would carry off Norah. Of one thing he feltnearly sure, that O'Harrall would have imprisoned her and her fatherthere as the most secure place in which he could leave them; still eventhat was doubtful, and he might have a long search before they could bediscovered. 

Norman and Gerald did their best to keep the men together, and to followclose at his heels. At any moment they might be attacked by thepirates. They could not tell how many of the outlaws were collected onthe island; it was probable, they thought, that there were the crews ofother vessels besides O'Harrall's followers. Firing could be heard fromthe side of the harbour, and they concluded therefore that fighting wastaking place in that direction. 

It had not occurred to Owen that the prisoners might have been kept onboard the _Ouzel Galley_, and that after all he might be disappointed bynot finding Norah. Dan and Pompey sprang forward to his side, andassisted him in keeping to the right path, with which they were farbetter acquainted than he was. They had got close to the building, whena voice shouted in Spanish, "Who goes there?" The flash and report of amusket followed; the bullet whistled over their heads. 

"Bedad, it's thim Spanish rascals who had charge of us, " cried Dan. "Faix, but it's all right, for the captin is sure to be there. Give acheer, lads, and they will know we are coming. "

The seaman, without stopping to receive the order from their officers, uttered a true British cheer, which had the effect of making the Spanishguard take to their heels; and the next instant Owen, bursting open theouter door, was mounting the ladder which led to the loft, followed byGerald, Dan, and Pompey, the others pressing after them. Quicklyreaching the top, Owen found his hand grasped by that of Captain Tracy. The next moment Norah was in his arms, while the old captain was almostovercome with joy and astonishment at seeing his son. For some secondstheir feelings prevented them from uttering a word, when CaptainO'Brien, coming forward, exclaimed--

"I am delighted to see you, lad, for we had well-nigh given you up aslost. How have you managed to make your way here? Tell us all aboutit. From hearing the firing we guessed that the pirates must have beenattacked. "

Before Gerald could reply, Dan and Pompey had come up the ladder. MrFoley quickly made his appearance, and gave a more succinct account ofthe events which had occurred than the rest of the party would probablyhave been able to do. 

While the lieutenant was recounting what had happened, Gerald had timeto tell Norah how thankful he was to find her again. She could evennow, however, with but difficulty utter a word. On being brought to theloft, she had discovered that it had been occupied by Owen, and, notknowing that he had escaped, her fears for his safety had beenunspeakable, although her father and Captain O'Brien had endeavoured topersuade her that he must have got away during O'Harrall's absence. O'Harrall himself refused to afford any information on the subject, apparently feeling satisfaction at the agony the poor girl wassuffering. He had paid his prisoners two visits, but had not, as far asthey could judge, made up his mind how he should dispose of them--although, from some hints he had let drop that very evening, they wereapprehending the worst. 

Norman Foley, who was ignorant of the number of persons on the island, fearing that his party might be attacked, thought it prudent at once toreturn to the boats and get on board the _Research_. Norah and the twocaptains were perfectly willing to accompany him; and the seamenshouldering their trunks, the party at once set off, guided by Dan andPompey--Owen very naturally preferring to escort Norah instead of takingthe lead. Her father and Captain O'Brien walked on either side of them, with cutlasses in their hands and pistols in their belts, the onlyarticles belonging to the pirates which they had carried off. A sharplook-out was kept on either hand, lest any of the pirates lying inambush might spring out and attempt to recover the prisoners. They, ofcourse, supposed that the Spaniards, who had made their escape, wouldgive the alarm. 

Owen breathed more freely when they at length reached the boats. As helooked along the shore, he observed that all the lights in the huts hadbeen extinguished, the inhabitants, expecting to be attacked by theEnglish, having probably fled. The men in charge of the boats reportedthat none had approached them, nor had they seen any persons swimming toshore. 

The party quickly embarked, and were received with loud cheers, as theygot alongside the _Research_, when it was known that the old captain andhis daughter had been recovered. 

With feelings of intense satisfaction and thankfulness, Owen once againtrod the deck of the _Ouzel Galley_, which, though a lawful prize to the_Champion's_ crew, Commander Olding assured him should be delivered upto him. The cargo with which he had sailed from Montego Bay had longsince been removed, but a large amount of, treasure was found on boardwhich, from its character, it was known must have been pillaged fromsome Spanish ship. It would therefore now become the property ofCommander Olding and his ship's company. 

Lieutenant Foley, with thirty men, was sent on board the _Ouzel Galley_, and every preparation was made for her defence should the piratesventure to attack her during the night. No attempt of the sort, however, was made, nor indeed was a single boat seen moving across thecalm waters of the lagoon, nor could any of the inhabitants be discernedon shore. The morning found the two ships floating peaceably in thecentre of the lagoon; and except a few huts scattered here and therealong the beach, and the dismasted vessels further up the harbour, nosign existed of its being the pirates' stronghold. It owed its securityentirely to its remote position and the intricacy of the channel leadingto it. Before quitting it, the commander considered it his duty tosearch the vessels and to destroy the pirates' dwellings. Perhaps, too, he had hopes of discovering some of their booty. 

An expedition was therefore sent on shore, under the command of thefirst lieutenant. The vessels, having been examined, were found to beempty; none of the huts contained any articles of value. All met withhaving been burnt to the ground, the party proceeded inland, until theyreached the large building which had so long served as the prison ofOwen and his companions. A secret door was discovered, opening from theouter room in which old Mammy had lived. On bursting it open an innerroom was found, nearly full of booty of various descriptions. Among itwere bales of rich silks, muslins, and cloths, cases of cutlery andcasks of wine, boxes of preserves, gold and silver ornaments, caskets ofjewels, and numerous other articles. Those of most value, which couldeasily be carried off, were at once shouldered by the men, who forthwithreturned with them to the boat. On their arrival on board, anotherparty was despatched to bring off the greater part of the remainder, when the store was set on fire and the rest consumed. 

By this time a breeze had sprung up, and as it was important to takeadvantage of it, sail was made, and the _Research_ leading, under thepilotage of the master and Owen, assisted by Dan and Pompey, the twovessels began to thread their way along the channel. The lead was ofcourse kept going; and as they neared the more intricate part, the windbeing light, a boat was sent ahead to sound. Thus, all dangers beingavoided, they at length, just before sunset, got clear out to sea. Fairbreezes now wafted them rapidly along. Owen had remained on board the_Research_ that he might enjoy the society of Norah, who would notwillingly have again been parted from him. 

The weather continued fine, and after a run of ten days the two shipsentered Port Royal harbour, and stood on until they dropped theiranchors before Kingston. They were immediately boarded by numerouspersons from the shore. Among the first who reached the _Ouzel Galley_was Mr Ferris. He was greatly astonished, at finding Norman Foley incommand, and still more so at hearing what had befallen her. 

"Your reappearance, my dear fellow, will restore life and animation tomy poor girl. Although she would not believe you were lost, we hadgiven you up, for it was generally supposed that the _Champion_ had gonedown in a hurricane, or been sunk by an enemy, or driven on shorewithout any one escaping to give an account of the catastrophe. We onlyarrived here a few days ago, and have been waiting for a vessel toreturn home, with several other persons. One of them is Miss Pemberton, Ellen's great friend. Poor girl! she had a severe trial, and she andEllen have sympathised with each other. You saw her at Bellevue withthat fine soldier, Major Malcolm. They were engaged to marry, havingbeen smitten at first sight, but he and young Belt, who so gallantlydefended Bellevue, were sent in pursuit of the rebel blacks. They hadfollowed the rascals into their mountain fastnesses, and, regardless ofthe danger to which they exposed themselves, pushed on ahead of theirown men into a defile, where they were both shot down by a party ofnegroes lying in ambush. For some time we thought Fanny would never getover it; but she has been advised change of scene and air, so we aretaking her with us to Ireland. Archie Sandys, that brave young fellowwhom you had on board the _Champion_, also forms one of the party. Hehas lately come into a good property, so he has given up his situationout here. And now, what are you going to do?"

Norman Foley, eager at once to see Ellen, replied that he must firstdeliver up the _Ouzel Galley_ to the prize agents, and as soon as thatduty had been performed he would accompany Mr Ferris on shore. 

"By-the-by, I was forgetting she was no longer my ship, though Iconclude that after the regular forms have been gone through, she willbe restored to us at a nominal value, " observed Mr Ferris. 

"The commander has already made an arrangement with her former master, Captain Massey, on the subject, " answered the lieutenant. 

From the _Ouzel Galley_ Mr Ferris proceeded on board the _Research_ tocongratulate his friends on their escape, when he invited them all tohis house in Kingston, where those who were able to do so at onceaccompanied him. 

Commander Olding and his officers had, of course, to report themselvesto the admiral, and to give an account of the loss of the _Champion_. They had to undergo the usual court-martial, and were, as was expected, honourably acquitted. 

In the mean time the _Ouzel Galley_, having been restored to her formerowners, was quickly fitted for sea, while the _Research_ was purchasedinto the navy, and the command given to Lieutenant Tarwig. 

Commander Olding and several of his officers had made up their minds toreturn home by the first opportunity, but most of the rest, as well as aportion of the _Champion's_ crew, joined the _Research_. Of thecaptured booty, a handsome share was made over to Owen Massey, inconsideration of his having been instrumental in securing it. 

A fleet of merchantmen being ready to sail, the _Thetis_ frigate, onboard which Commander Olding had taken a passage, was appointed toconvoy them, accompanied by the _Research_. Lieutenant Foley and Geraldvery naturally preferred going home in the _Ouzel Galley_, The weatherwas fine, and there was every prospect of a prosperous voyage. 

Much of the time which Ellen might otherwise have spent in comfortingher friend Fanny was, as may be supposed, passed in the society ofNorman Foley. Norah, also, had less time to bestow on her than mighthave been the case if Owen Massey had not been on board. To ArchieSandys, therefore, fell the duty of offering such consolation as he wasable, to bestow on the young lady. Consequences which might notaltogether have been unexpected ensued. Before the voyage was overFanny had greatly recovered her spirits, and had consented, when herfriend Ellen Ferris married, to become Archie's bride. This was themost important event of the voyage. 

On a fine bright morning the _Ouzel Galley_ sailed into the Bay ofDublin, with flags flying at her mast-heads and mizen-peak. She wasquickly recognised as she ran up the Liffey, and Mr Ferris's partnersand the underwriters who had insured her were soon collected on board towelcome her long-lost master and their other friends. A dinner wasshortly afterwards given to all who had returned in her, when, tocommemorate the event, and to show their satisfaction at the result ofthe arbitration to which they had agreed, it was determined to form asociety, the members of which should be called the captain, officers, and crew of the "Ouzel Galley, " the president taking the title ofcaptain, and the other office-bearers that of officers; and it waswisely resolved, instead of going to law, to submit in future anydisputes which might arise connected with underwriting to theirarbitration. As a mark of respect to Captain Tracy, he was elected thefirst captain, Owen Massey being appointed his lieutenant. 

Before many weeks had elapsed the three proposed marriages took place, Archie Sandys departing with his bride for Scotland, while Norman Foleyand Owen Massey made a tour through the south of Ireland before going toWaterford, where they had agreed to remain for some time, to be nearMrs Massey and Captain Tracy. Owen would, however, have again to go tosea, but neither he nor Norah liked to talk of the subject, and wiselyforebore thinking about it. 

Norman was expecting to enjoy some months on shore, when he and Geraldreceived orders to join the _Aeolus_, 32-gun frigate, which was at thattime cruising off the Irish coast. On getting on board they foundseveral of their old shipmates. They had been at sea for some time whenthe _Aeolus_ was joined by the _Pallas_ and _Brilliant_ frigates, soonafter which a gale coming on compelled the squadron to put into Kinsaleharbour. Here they were lying repairing some slight damages they hadreceived, when a courier arrived in hot haste with the information thata French squadron of three frigates, under the command of CaptainThurot, had attacked the town of Carrickfergus and plundered the place, and had had the audacity to demand contributions from Belfast, which hethreatened to treat in the same way. Captain Elliott, who commanded the_Aeolus_, and was senior captain, immediately put to sea with the otherfrigates in search of the Frenchmen. He soon gained information thatthey had left Carrickfergus, and were apparently intending to return toFrance. As far as force was concerned his ships carried the same numberof guns as the Frenchmen, but the latter had many more men on board. He, however, felt confident of victory. 

The three frigates were standing towards the Isle of Man, when, early inthe morning, the French squadron was seen approaching from thenorthward. Thurot could not possibly escape without an action had hewished it. He commanded the _Marshal Belleisle_, of forty-four guns, and had with him the _Blonde_ and _Terpsichore_. Nor was he a man toyield as long as a hope of victory remained: his character was wellknown to all on board the British ships. 

Norman Foley and Gerald had taken part in not a few actions, but theyfelt that this was likely to prove, though short, as severe as any inwhich they had fought. 

The crews were piped to breakfast as usual. It was quickly got over, and then every man went to his gun and stood ready for the fight. Atnine o'clock the first shot was fired, and the _Aeolus_, ranging upalongside the brave Thurot's ship, hotly engaged her. The battle lastedfor upwards of an hour, the English firing with a rapidity which toldfearfully on their enemies. 

The _Blonde_ and _Terpsichore_ at length struck their colours, butThurot held out to the last. The _Aeolus_, discharging anotherbroadside, ran her aboard, when grappling-irons were secured and theboarders called away, led by Norman Foley and Gerald Tracy. Her deckalready presented the appearance of a perfect shambles, so many of hercrew lay dead and dying in all directions. A determined band still heldout, headed by an officer who, by his shouts and gestures, encouragedhis men to fight till the last. Gerald at first supposed that he mustbe Thurot, but a second look convinced him that he was a much taller anddarker man. Just as the British crew sprang on board a rifle bulletstruck him on the chest, and, throwing up his sword-arm, he fellbackward on the deck, when the rest of the crew, retreating, shouted outthat they yielded. One of the men aft immediately hauled down theFrench flag. 

Among the slain was Thurot, who had been struck down just before theship got alongside. 

Gerald then approached the officer he had seen killed. A glanceconvinced him that he was no other than O'Harrall. This was confirmedby Tim Maloney, who had joined the _Aeolus_ with him, and corroboratedby some of the French prisoners, who stated that he had only a shorttime before come on board the ship, having lately arrived from the WestIndies. 

"This will not be unsatisfactory news to Owen Massey, " observed Geraldto Norman Foley. "It is my belief that he is the last of theO'Harralls, and Owen will have a good chance of recovering the propertyof which they so unjustly deprived his family. "

The prizes were towed into Ramsay Bay, in the Isle of Man, for the braveThurot's ship had not struck until her hold was half full of water, andshe was in an almost sinking state. 

The French commodore was buried with the honours due to a gallant foe, and many who had formerly known him mourned his fate. 

The _Aeolus_ being paid off, Lieutenant Foley obtained his commander'srank. When the war was over his young wife would not allow him again togo to sea. 

Gerald stuck to the service and became an admiral. 

Owen Massey, having regained his paternal property, remained on shore, although he joined the representative crew of "The Ouzel Galley, " ofwhich for many years he held the honourable post of captain. 

THE END.