kkeepers, inspect and check the output, superintend the packing,
and arrange for the sale of the crop-yes, I arranged for the sale of
this year's crop myself. So I live the practical life, and when I
say that you could make your home here and win success, I do it with
some knowledge.

I beg you take ship for the Virginian coast. Enter upon the new
life here with faith and courage. Have no fear. Heaven that has
thus far helped you will guide you to the end.

I write without my mother's permission, but my uncle knows, and
though he does not approve, he does not condemn.

Once more good-bye, my dear friend, and God be with you.

SHEILA LLYN.

P. S.--I wonder where you will read this letter. I hope it will
find you before your release. Please remember that she who wrote it
summons you from the darkness where you are to light and freedom
here.

Slowly Dyck folded up the letter, when he had read it, and put it in his
pocket. Then he turned with pale face and gaunt look to Michael Clones.

"Michael," said he, "that letter is from a lady. It comes from her new
home in Virginia."

Michael nodded.

"Aye, aye, sir, I understand you," he said. "Then she doesn't know the
truth about her father?" Dyck sighed heavily. "No, Michael, she doesn't
know the truth."

"I don't believe it would make any difference to her if she did know."

"It would make all the difference to me, Michael. She says she wishes
to help me. She tells me that money's been sent to the big firm in
Dublin-money to take me across the sea to Virginia."

Michael's face clouded.

"Yes, sir. To Virginia--and what then?"

"Michael, we haven't a penny in the world, you and I, but if I took
one farthing of that money I should hope you would kill me. I'm hungry;
we've had nothing to eat since yesterday; but if I could put my hands
upon that money here and now I wouldn't touch it. Michael, it looks as
if we shall have to take to the trade of the footpad."

CHAPTER XII. THE HOUR BEFORE THE MUTINY

In the days when Dyck Calhoun was on the verge of starvation in
London, evil naval rumours were abroad. Newspapers reported, one with
apprehension, another with tyrannous comment, mutinous troubles in the
fleet.

At first the only demand at Spithead and the Nore had been for an
increase of pay, which had not been made since the days of Charles II.
Then the sailors' wages were enough for comfortab