wn way, I hope to overcome
his objections. The ship also will form one of a large fleet of
merchantmen under convoy of two or three men-of-war, and as the _Ouzel
Galley_ sails well, even should the convoy be attacked by the enemy, we
shall 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 you
to bear me company; and I dare say that the young captain would wish the
same, did he know of the proposed plan. Pray tell him of it when he
comes into Waterford, and I have an idea that he will join his
persuasions 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 West
Indies; but, much as she would have liked to accompany her friend, she
felt that it would be impossible to leave her father.

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

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

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

"As prosperous as I could desire," answered Owen. "We have had two or
three narrow escapes from the enemy's cruisers, but the _Ouzel Galley_
is in good trim, and never sailed better. I heard in Waterford that I
am 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 I
must be on board again early to-morrow."

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

She was the first to tell Owen of the intention of Mr Ferris to go ou