hichever way it is, remember that it is for the best."

The dame herself, notwithstanding what she said, felt her own heart
depressed.

A simultaneous shout arose from the men and boys who had gone to the end
of the point.

"The boat! the boat! It is her, no doubt about it," they cried out, and
then most of them hurried away to the landing-place to welcome their
friends and assist them on shore.

The dame and Nelly followed them. Some still remained at the point,
knowing that there was yet another danger to be passed at the very
entrance of the harbour, for a cross sea breaking at its mouth might
hurl the boat, in spite of the efforts of the rowers, against the rocks,
and those who had toiled so long, worn out with fatigue, would require
assistance, for, unaided, their lives might be lost.

As the boat drew near her crew raised a shout in return to the greeting,
of their friends. Perfect silence followed as the "Rescue" neared the
dangerous point. In an instant it was passed, though a sea breaking
over her deluged the crew.

"Are they all saved?" shouted several voices.

"Some, but not all; but our boys are here: tell my dame," shouted Reuben
as the boat glided by.

Nelly heard the answer. With trembling knees she stood on the
landing-place supported by Dame Lanreath, while the light of several
lanterns fell on the boat and the figures of those in her as she came
alongside.

Eager hands were ready to help the well-nigh exhausted crew on shore.
Nelly tried to distinguish the countenances of the men--the light
falling on her pale face as she stooped over.

"He is here, Nelly; Michael is safe," cried Uncle Reuben, and Simon,
with two or three others, speedily assisted Michael on shore.

Nelly, regardless of those around, threw her arms round his neck, and
kissed his lips and cheeks, while the dame with others helped him to
move away from the quay.

"I shall soon be strong again, Nelly," he whispered. "God be praised
for His mercies to us. My sorest thought was, as I felt myself in the
breakers, that you and granny would be left without me to help you."

At the moment that Nelly's arms were about her betrothed, a man in the
boat, refusing the aid of others, sprang on shore. As he passed, Dame
Lanreath caught a glimpse of the haggard features of Eban Cowan. He
rushed on without stopping to receive the greetings of any of those
gathered on the quay, and was quickly lost to sight as he made his way
up