eings standing on her decks, numbers, alas! sinking never to
rise again. The boats dashed forward into the midst of the vortex
caused by her sudden descent. It seemed for a moment that they also
would be drawn down by it. On every side were human beings, some
already dead it seemed, others crying out for assistance, while some,
refusing to express their fears, were striking out boldly for life
towards the boats. There were but few, alas! of the brave marines; it
seemed as if they must have grasped their muskets to the last, and gone
down with those heavy weights in their hands. Eagerly the boats pulled
backwards and forwards among their fellow-creatures still floating in
the water; as rapidly as they could they pulled them on board, till at
length all who appeared alive were rescued. But it was too certain that
a very large number both of officers and crew had gone down in the
sinking ship.

Such has been the fate of many a gallant crew in every part of the
world. The survivors were carried on board the frigate, and treated
with every kindness which the officers and crew were able to bestow.
The gallant captain of the line-of-battle ship, two of his lieutenants,
and several inferior officers, with nearly half of the marines, were
lost. The frigate having once more hoisted her boats on board, made
sail for Port Royal.

The Earl of Kilfinnan, on discovering the name of the frigate by which
he had been rescued, inquired at once for his son. His cheek turned
pale when he did not see him with the midshipmen of the ship. The truth
was told him that he had been wounded.

"But he is doing well, my lord," said the surgeon to whom he was
speaking; "before long I hope he will be able to return to his duty."

Lady Sophy could with difficulty conceal her feelings when she heard
that Captain Falkner commanded the ship to which she had been conveyed,
while it would be impossible to describe the satisfaction which she
experienced. Nora insisted at once on going down and seeing poor Barry,
who was still unable to leave his cot. At first he would scarcely
believe who it was who stood before him, and for some time he fancied
himself in a dream, and asked whether he had not got an increase of
fever.

"O no, dear Barry," answered Nora, "in a short time you will be well,
and it will be a good excuse for you to come and live on shore with us.
I hear the place we are going to is very beautiful, high up on the side
of a mounta