ven, as father says, Who will take care of us; let us trust
Him."

Time passed on. Paul Trefusis, instead of getting better, became worse
and worse. His once strong, stout frame was now reduced to a mere
skeleton. Still Nelly and Michael buoyed themselves up with the hope
that he would recover. Dame Lanreath knew too well that his days on
earth were drawing to an end.

Michael had become the mainstay of the family. Whenever a boat could
get outside, the "Wild Duck" was sure to be seen making her way towards
the best fishing-ground.

Paul, before he started each day, inquired which way the wind was, and
what sea there was on, and advised him where to go. "Michael," said
Paul, as the boy came one morning to wish him good-bye, "fare thee well,
lad; don't forget the advice I have given thee, and look after little
Nelly and her grandmother, and may God bless and prosper thee;" and
taking Michael's hand, Paul pressed it gently. He had no strength for a
firm grasp now.

Michael was struck by his manner. Had it not been necessary to catch
some fish he would not have left the cottage.

Putting the boat's sail and other gear on board, he pulled down the
harbour. He had to pull some little way out to sea. The wind was
setting on shore. He did not mind that, for he should sail back the
faster. The weather did not look as promising as he could have wished:
dark clouds were gathering to the north-west and passing rapidly over
the sky. As he knew, should the wind stand, he could easily regain the
harbour, he went rather more to the southward than he otherwise would
have done, to a good spot, where he had often had a successful fishing.
He had brought his dinner with him, as he intended to fish all day. His
lines were scarcely overboard before he got a bite, and he was soon
catching fish as fast as he could haul his lines on board. This put him
in good spirits.

"Granny will have her creel full to sell to-morrow," he thought. "Maybe
I shall get back in time for her to set off to-day."

So eagerly occupied was he that he did not observe the change of the
weather. The wind had veered round more to the northward. It was every
instant blowing stronger and stronger, although, from its coming off the
land, there was not much sea on.

At last he had caught a good supply of fish. By waiting he might have
obtained many more, but he should then be too late for that day's
market. Lifting his anchor, therefore, he got