of rocks ran
out a considerable distance into the ocean, forming a natural breakwater
to the bay. Here and there to the north were several deep indentations,
in which fishing-boats and several coasting craft might find shelter.
In some of these little bays fishermen had formed their habitations,
mostly out of the wrecks of stout ships which had been cast on their
rocky shores. In some of the coves or bays several huts had been
congregated together, but a short distance north of the promontory which
has been spoken of stood a single hut. It was strongly built of ships'
timbers and roofed with stout planks, kept down by heavy stones, so
that, though the furious blasts which swept across the Atlantic blew
against it, it had hitherto withstood the rough shocks to which it had
been exposed.

The day was lovely; not a cloud dimmed the blue heavens, while the sun
setting over the distant ocean shed a glow of light across the waters,
rippled by a gentle westerly breeze. Several boats were approaching the
shore. In one of them sat a lad. No other person was to be seen on
board. The dark nets were piled up in the centre of the boat, at the
bottom of which a number of fish, still giving signs of life, showed
that he had been successful in his calling. Every now and then he
looked up at the tanned sail to see that it drew properly, and then
would cast his eye towards the shore to watch the point to which he was
steering. He could scarcely have numbered twelve summers, though his
figure was tall and slight. His trousers were rolled up above the
knees, showing his well-turned legs and feet. His shirtsleeves were
treated in the same manner, while the collar, thrown back, exhibited his
broad and well-formed chest. His eyes were large and dark, and the hue
of his skin gave indication that Spanish blood was flowing in his veins;
while his dark locks escaping from beneath his fisherman's red cap, gave
a still more southern look to his well-chiselled features. His
practical knowledge and activity seemed to have made up for his want of
strength, for few boys of his age would have ventured forth to sea in a
fishing-boat of that size by themselves. Another and a larger boat had
been for some time steering a course to approach him.

"Ah! Dermot, me darlin'; and all alone too?" said a man from the boat
which now overtook him.

"Yes! my mother was ill and unable to go off, so I went by myself; an'
see, Uncle Shane, I have had