bowsprit and
fore-topmast were gone, as was the mizen topmast, while it seemed as if
in an instant the main-topmast would follow the other masts. All the
quarter boats seemed to have been carried away, and as the frigate drew
nearer a signal was hoisted, which, on being interpreted, was--

"Come as close as you can; we have passengers on board, and are
expecting every instant to go down."

The roughness of the sea rendered the passage of boats between the two
ships very dangerous. Still Captain Falkner determined to risk them
with the ordinary boats' crews; though, in such cases, volunteers are
often called for. He immediately answered the signal--

"We will send boats; be prepared to lower your passengers into them."

The first and second lieutenants went each to take command of a boat,
and Denham was directed to take charge of one in the place of one of the
other officers who was ill. While the boats were passing between the
two ships, two men were employed in each to bale out the water which
broke into them.

CHAPTER NINE.

We must now take a glance at the events which had occurred on the shores
of Kilfinnan Bay since young Dermot O'Neil left his mother's cottage.

The Earl had continued his course of hospitality, or extravagance, as it
should more correctly have been denominated, such as was too much the
custom among most Irish gentlemen of those days, declaring that although
his affairs at that time were in a rather embarrassed condition, he
could not afford to commence a system of economy. His table, as usual,
was amply spread, and the members of the neighbouring hunt pretty
frequently in the season collected at the castle, which during the
summer months was seldom otherwise than full of guests. Lady Nora, who
was now growing into a beautiful young woman, saw with regret the lavish
expenditure in which her father indulged, knowing very well from what
she had heard, that it was more than his income could afford; still he
always contrived to supply Barry amply with money, and Nora was allowed
every luxury she could wish for. Her tastes, however, were very simple,
though in her visits with her father to the gay Irish capital, she was
compelled, much against her will, to mix in its frivolous society, when
at the castle she was content to take her usual rides about the country,
often with no other attendant than a young lad on a rough pony to hold
her horse, should she wish to alight.

Lady Sophy st