and to pull a drowning man, whether a lord or an ordinary
seaman, out of the water when we can."

CHAPTER TWO.

The next morning Ned went off to summon the doctor from the neighbouring
town, for their guest still remained in an apparently dangerous state.
Several days passed before he was able to rise. He was evidently, from
his conversation and manners, a man of education; but he did not speak
of himself, except to mention that his name was Farrance, and that he
was on a voyage from the Mediterranean in the "Champion" brig, when she
had been cast away; and he again also expressed his gratitude to Miss
Sarah Pack for the kindness he was receiving, and to the lieutenant and
his companions for preserving his life. He made minute inquiries as to
the occurrence, he only remembering that he was clinging to a portion of
the wreck after she had struck, when he felt himself washed into the
foaming breakers. He appeared to be interested in Ned, whom he drew
into conversation, inquiring particularly what profession he intended to
follow.

"I wish to enter the navy, as my father and uncle did," answered Ned;
"but my uncle says that he has no interest, and that I should have
little chance of promotion. Indeed, his means are so limited that I
cannot ask him to provide the necessary funds, so I conclude I shall
have to go into the merchant service."

"Well, well, you are right in desiring not to be an expense to your
uncle. Every man should endeavour, as far as he can, to depend upon his
own exertions; however, you have still some time to think about the
matter, and you will, I hope, succeed in whatever profession you
follow," remarked the stranger.

There was another inmate of the house who appeared to interest him even
more than Edward. A little girl of some ten or twelve years of age--a
fair-haired, blue-eyed damsel, with a sweet, gentle expression of
countenance, yet full of life and spirits. Edward had told him that she
was not his sister, although he loved her as much as if she were. The
first evening he came into the sitting-room the lieutenant heard him ask
her name.

"I am called Mary," she answered; "Uncle John gave me my name when he
first found me."

She shortly afterwards left the room. The stranger watched her as she
went out with a look of much surprise.

"You may be curious to know the meaning of her remark," observed Miss
Sarah. "My brother will tell you how she came into our possession; very