them handy enough, I
hope," observed Mr Gray.

After putting a few questions, Captain Finlay told us to come aboard the
next day but one with our bags, by which time the cargo would be
discharged. We set off home greatly pleased, though puzzled to know how
we should obtain a decent kit. With Nancy's help, I might be pretty
well off, but poor Jim had scarcely a rag to his back besides the
clothes he stood in. In the evening, however, a note came from Mr Gray
with an order on an outfitter to give us each a complete kit suited to a
cold climate. We were not slow to avail ourselves of it. The next day
Dr Rolt considered Mary sufficiently well to be removed, and Mr Gray
sent a closed carriage to convey her to his house. The doctor told me
to be ready to accompany her, and kindly came himself. It was the first
time I had ever been in a coach, and the rolling and pitching made me
feel very queer. The young ladies received us as if we had been one of
themselves, and Mary was carried up into a pretty, neat room, with white
dimity curtains to the bed, and the fresh air blowing in at the open
window.

"I'll leave her to you, now, Miss Hannah," said the doctor. "This is
all she requires, with your watchful care."

After I had had a short talk with Mary alone I took my leave, and Miss
Hannah told me to be sure to come back and see them before the _Good
Intent_ sailed. It was not likely I should forget to do that.

Jim and I now went to live on board the brig. We had plenty of work,
cleaning out the hold and getting rid of the coal-dust, and then we
scrubbed the deck, and blacked down the rigging, and painted the
bulwarks and masts, till the change in the appearance of the dingy
collier was like that of a scullery-maid when she puts on her Sunday
best. We did not mind the hard work, though it was a good deal harder
than any we had been accustomed to, but the master and the rest of the
crew set us a good example. There was little grumbling, and what
surprised me, no swearing, such as I had been accustomed to hear on the
Hard. Captain Finlay would not allow it, and the mate supported him in
checking any wrong expressions which some of the men had been in the
habit of uttering.

I got leave to run up and see Mary and to bid Nancy and Mrs Simmons
good-bye. Miss Hannah and her sisters seemed to be making a great deal
of Mary. It was evident they liked her much, and I was not surprised at
that. The widow I never exp