ll their trial was concluded, proceeded on to Plymouth, where the
young midshipman was to be provided with the remainder of his outfit.
The _Cynthia_ was employed for some months as one of the Channel fleet,
and during that time had to pay several visits to the coast of Ireland.
Captain Falkner did not fail to look into Kilfinnan Bay, and accompanied
by Fitz Barry, to pay a visit to the castle. Great was his satisfaction
at finding that the family were still there, as he had thus the
opportunity of enjoying the society of Lady Sophy. Alas, they little
thought how long would be the separation they must after this endure.
Barry happened to inquire of his sister what had become of the young
fisher-boy who was so nearly hung instead of himself, and he was told
that he had disappeared from the place, and that no one knew what had
become of him. Such indeed was the case. Not long after the attack of
the rebels on the castle, one evening when the widow expected Dermot to
return, he did not make his appearance. In vain she waited the livelong
night; no Dermot came back to her. She watched and watched, now she
went to the cottage door and stopped to listen; now she hastened down to
the boat, that, however, was still moored in its accustomed place. She
took her way up to the downs. In vain she called on Dermot; no answer
came to her calls. She returned home to mourn and to wonder what had
become of her boy. He would not have left his mother without telling
her. He loved her too well, she was sure of that, and yet who could
have carried him away? Had the rebels done so? That seemed but too
likely, for they were too often wont to wreak their vengeance on the
heads even of those who could do them no further harm. The morning came
and found her still sitting at the open door, waiting for the return of
her boy. The sun rose over the rugged hills and shed his rays down into
the glen, tinging the points of the rocks on either side, and casting a
bright glow over the ocean; still Dermot did not appear. She determined
to go forth and search for him, but whither should she go? He might
have gone to the castle, but they surely would not have detained him
beyond the night, and he must soon then come back. She waited all day,
but when the night came on he had not appeared. Weary and sad she sat
down on the bench by the fireside, and there at length fell asleep. She
awoke by being conscious that some one was present, and looki