n, and the third an Irishman; and
though they're mighty good friends, they are always wrangling about
their respective countries, each one declaring his own to be superior to
the others in every respect. Barney O'Rourke hailed me at once as a
countryman, 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 we
became sworn friends. There now, Norah, I think you know a good deal
about 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 my
shipmates."

Norah sighed as she thought how soon her young brother, who had never
before been parted from her, would be away, with the chance of not
coming back for three or four years, for the _Champion_ had only lately
been commissioned, and might before long be sent to a foreign station.
At length Captain Olding, the _Champion_ being ready for sea, ordered
Gerald on board to perform, duty as a midshipman. He intended, however,
to return in the course of two or three weeks, expecting by that time
that his second lieutenant would be sufficiently recovered to resume his
duties. Norah accompanied her father and Owen down the river to wish
Gerald good-bye, and to see the ship sail. She felt rather sad as the
boat shoved off, when the anchor was apeak and the white canvas let
fall, and the ship began to glide majestically away through the calm
waters of the harbour--for, besides that she grieved to part with her
young brother, the thought occurred to her that the _Ouzel Galley_ would
be 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 enough
to go about, removed with her to their own cottage, situated a short
distance from Waterford, and within a mile of Mrs Massey's abode. It
was a pretty spot. The cottage, with its porch covered with clematis
and eglantine, stood in a good garden in which the captain delighted to
work during his leisure hours. From the windows could be seen the
broad, shining river and the shipping in the distance on one side, and
from the other the mountainous regions to the westward. Altogether, no
young lady could have desired a