at she could
recollect. Nothing the dame could think of relieved him.

The howling of the wind, the roaring of the waves as they dashed against
the rock-bound coast, the pattering of the rain, and ever and anon the
loud claps of thunder which echoed among the cliffs, made Nelly's heart
sink within her. Often it seemed as if the very roof of the cottage
would be blown off. Still she was thankful that her father and Michael
were inside instead of buffeting the foaming waves out at sea.

If careful tending could have done Paul good he would soon have got
well. The old dame seemed to require no sleep, and she would scarcely
let either of her grandchildren take her place even for a few minutes.
Though she generally went marketing, rather than leave her charge she
sent Michael and Nelly to buy bread and other necessaries at the nearest
village, which was, however, at some distance.

The rain had ceased, but the wind blew strong over the wild moor.

"I am afraid father is going to be very ill," observed Michael. "He
seemed to think something was going to happen to him when he told me
what I did not know before about myself. Have you heard anything about
it, Nelly?"

"What is it?" asked Nelly; "till you tell me I cannot say."

"You've always thought that I was your brother, Nelly, haven't you?"

"As to that, I have always loved you as a brother, and whether one or
no, that should not make you unhappy. Has father said anything to you
about it?"

"Yes. He said that I was not your brother; and he has told me all about
my father and mother: how my father was drowned, and my mother died of a
broken heart. I could well-nigh have cried when I heard the tale."

Nelly looked up into Michael's face.

"It's no news to me," she said. "Granny told me of it some time ago,
but I begged her not to let you find it out lest it should make you
unhappy, and you should fancy we were not going to love you as much as
we have always done. But, Michael, don't go and fancy that; though you
are not my brother, I will love you as much as ever, as long as you
live: for, except father and granny, I have no friend but you in the
world."

"I will be your brother and your true friend as long as I live, Nelly,"
responded Michael; "still I would rather have thought myself to be your
brother, that I might have a better right to work for you, and fight for
you too, if needs be."

"You will do that, I know, Michael," said Nelly, "whatever m