elly, and
he will find his way in as well as any one, so don't you be unhappy
about him," was the answer.

Still Reuben looked a little anxious, and putting on his hat, buttoning
up his coat, and taking his glass under his arm, he accompanied Nelly to
the point. He took a steady survey round.

"Michael's boat is nowhere near under sail," he observed. "There seems
to me a boat, however, away to the southward, but, with the wind and
tide as at present, she cannot be coming here. I wish I could make out
more to cheer you, Nelly. You must tell your father that; and he knows
if we can lend Michael a hand we will. How is he to-day?"

"He is very bad, Uncle Lanaherne," said Nelly, with a sigh; "I fear
sometimes that he will never go fishing again."

"I am afraid not, Nelly," observed the rough fisherman, putting his hand
on her head; "but you know you and your brother will always find a
friend in Reuben Lanaherne. An honest man's children will never want,
and if there ever was an honest man, your poor father is one. I will
keep a look-out for Michael, but do not be cast down, Nelly; we shall
see him before long."

The fisherman spoke in a cheery tone, but still he could not help
feeling more anxiety than he expressed for Michael.

Every moment the wind was increasing, and the heavy seas which came
rolling in showed that a gale had been blowing for some time outside.

Nelly hastened back to tell her father what Uncle Lanaherne had said.

When she got to his bedside she found that a great change had taken
place during her absence. Her father turned his dim eye towards her as
she entered, but had scarcely strength to speak, or beckon her with his
hands. She bent over him.

"Nelly dear, where is Michael?" he asked, "I want to bless him, he must
come quickly, for I have not long to stay."

"He has not come on shore yet, father, but Uncle Lanaherne is looking
out for him," said Nelly.

"I wanted to see him again," whispered Paul. "It will be too late if he
does not come now; so tell him, Nelly, that I do bless him, and I bless
you, Nelly, bless you, bless you;" and his voice became fainter.

Nelly, seeing a change come over her father's features, cried out for
her granny. Dame Lanreath hastened into the room. The old woman saw at
a glance what had happened. Paul Trefusis was dead.

Closing his eyes, she took her grandchild by the hand, and led her out
of the room.

Some time passed, however, before Nell