rah remained with Ellen, who had just taken farewell of her
intended husband. Owen, having joined the captain and Norah, went down
to the quay to see Gerald off.

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

"The time may come when you may think differently. But good-bye, my
lad; 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 large
house overlooking the river, where he could see a white handkerchief
waving to him. Two or three more years might pass before he could again
press the hand lately clasped in his, and it was a hard matter for him
just then to keep up his spirits. Soon after the boat returned on
board, the anchor was hove up, and the _Champion_, under all sail, stood
to the south-west.

In the evening Mr Ferris desired to see Owen. "My partners and I have
given you charge of the _Ouzel Galley_, Captain Massey, and we trust
that you will be as devoted to our interests as your predecessor has
been," he said, giving Owen for the first time the title of captain.
"Having undergone a thorough refit, we hope that she will require no
fresh repairs for some time to come. We intend to insure her among our
friends in Dublin, and they, knowing her good qualities and your careful
character, would be ready to underwrite her at a moderate premium
considering 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 pair
of 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 men
who will run their noses into danger; and true courage and seamanship
will 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 your
cargo on board, and we will then send you further directions from
Dublin."

Owen took leave of his employer and returned home. The next day Mr
Ferris, 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 ca