ld me the particulars of this strange history, I shall
not despair of success," said Ellen. "The want of money must, at all
events, not be a hindrance; there are, I am sure, those who would be
ready 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 upon
her and Owen's _tete-a-tete_. However, the length of the shadows
stretching across the lawn at last warned her that the evening was
approaching, and she remembered that it would be disagreeable, if not
dangerous, 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 the
window and saw that the sun was on the point of setting, she expressed
her readiness to return home without delay. Ellen, wishing Mr Massey
good-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 pay
her parting adieux in the way she might think proper. Had Owen not been
absolutely forbidden, in spite of his weakness he would have accompanied
them--though Ellen laughed at the idea of there being any cause for
apprehending danger during the short walk into the town.

CHAPTER FIVE.

ARRIVAL OF A JERSEY PRIVATEER--AN INVITATION SENT TO THE OFFICERS--NORAH
AND ELLEN MEET A STRANGER ON THEIR WALK HOME--ATTEMPT TO CARRY OFF
NORAH--SHE IS RESCUED--FRUITLESS SEARCH FOR THE RUFFIANS--ARRIVAL OF THE
CAPTAIN AND LIEUTENANTS OF THE PRIVATEER--THE MERCHANT'S HOUSE AND
GROUNDS--A BANQUET--CAPTAIN DUPIN REQUESTS THE PLEASURE OF A VISIT FROM
HIS WATERFORD FRIENDS--A DANCE ON BOARD THE PRIVATEER--AN UNPLEASANT
SURPRISE.

Just after the young ladies had set off on their walk to visit Mrs
Massey, a Dungarvon hooker arrived at the quay, and her skipper brought
the intelligence that a sloop of war had anchored that morning in the
mouth of the harbour. She carried eighteen guns, for he had counted
nine on a side; having boarded her to dispose of some of his fish, he
was sure that he could not be mistaken. When he was more than half-way
up the river, he added, the wind being light, a gig had passed him; but
though he looked everywhere, he had not again seen her. He believed
that 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 could
not be certain.

Mr Ferris had invited a part