scene, the countenance of Lady Nora exhibited many changes;
now a deadly pallor overspread her face, then again the rich blood
rushed back from her heart. Still she kneeled by Captain Denham's side.
His strength gradually returned, and supported in the arms of the old
fishwife, he sat up. His face was turned away from Nora, and his eyes
rested on the features of the former. He took her hand between his.

"Mother," he whispered, "I have been cruelly deceived. The only letter
I received from my native land told me that you were dead, and from
henceforth I felt the tie which had bound me to it was severed. Once I
returned to it, and my fondest wish was to visit again the cottage where
I was born, made sacred to me because it had been your dwelling. I was
prevented from carrying out my intention, and from that day to this I
have never had the opportunity of returning, but the life you have saved
shall be henceforth devoted to watching over you, I have gained fame in
my profession, and I prize it, but it is nothing compared to the joy of
being restored to you. Oh, mother, I have loved you as a son should his
parent who has loved him as you have done me."

"Dermot, my boy, dear Dermot, I never doubted your love. I have always
said that you were true and faithful, and now you have proved it; but,
my son, I shall not long require your care. My days are numbered; but I
knew that you would come back, and I was not deceived. My prayers were
heard in spite of all the threats and curses of Father O'Rourke. Now I
have pressed you to my heart once more, and when I have seen you strong
and hearty, I shall be content to place my head under the green turf and
sleep in peace."

During this scene Lady Sophy and the lawyer had retired to the further
end of the hut. Mr Finlayson had, in the meantime, suggested to Shane,
that he might assist the seaman, who was earnestly inquiring for his
captain.

"It is all right," he exclaimed, when told that Captain Denham was doing
well. "Heaven be praised that he is saved, when so many fine fellows
have lost their lives. We were sadly short-handed on board the frigate,
or I do not believe this would have happened; but the gale was cruelly
against us. Are we the only ones who have escaped from the wreck?"

"I hope not," answered Shane. "I saw a raft drifting towards the bay
with several people on her, and many more may have been washed on shore
on planks and spars."

"Then we shoul