the hands of several of them, while
Norah was endeavouring to protect him from their rage which he had
excited.

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

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

"You may depend on my doing so," answered the French officer; then
addressing Gerald, he said, "Come here, my lad--you are a brave boy, I
see, and thinking my people were about to insult your sister, you fought
for her. The fellow you wounded deserved his punishment. Return on
deck and go on board your own ship," he continued, addressing his crew
in French. The men quickly obeyed him. "And now, young lady, let me
escort you to your cabin," he added; "you need be under no further
anxiety, as no one will venture to intrude on you."

Carnegan had before this reached the hold. He was about to assist Norah
in 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 reached
the 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 bandages
from the cabin. Oh, father, come and help me!"

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

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

"Come, my friend," said the French officer to Carnegan; "as you are not
from the West Indies, we shall have no fear of your giving us the fever.