which he did, and was
without hesitation accepted. The next day the old marquis died, and was
buried, with due ceremony, within the walls of the old Roman Catholic
chapel in which Hilda's unfortunate marriage took place.

Lord Claymore was so much interested in Hilda that he did not
immediately take his departure from Whalsey.

Pedro Alvarez had at once written to France, enclosing a letter to
Hernan, telling him of the wonderful change in his fortunes. It was
evident, however, that he was more likely to be discovered if some one
could go over to look for him. Father Mendez volunteered to go.

Lord Claymore and Rolf supplied the father with ample funds, and he
forthwith started on his journey.

It was thought prudent to keep the worthy Tacon a prisoner, in case he
might be required as a witness, should other claimants arise to oppose
Hernan; but as he was well fed and amply supplied with whisky, he did
not complain of his fate.

At length the "Scorpion" was ready for sea. The sails were loosed, and
all was in readiness to weigh. Ronald was still on shore, and had
accompanied Edda to the summit of the eastern tower, the upper room in
which she had appropriated to herself. As they stood together on the
summit, his glance, as he looked seaward, fell on a sail just rising
above the horizon. He watched her narrowly, and pronounced that she was
drawing nearer.

"Edda, farewell, dearest!" he exclaimed. "I must hasten on board, and
sail in chase of yonder vessel. I received notice this morning from
Lerwick that several merchantmen have been chased by a sloop-of-war, and
some expected have not made their appearance, which it is supposed she
may have captured. I must not delay a moment. Who knows but what I may
bring her back in triumph!"

He hastened down to his boat, and as fast the crew could bend their
backs to the oars, pulled on board the corvette. The anchor was
tripped, and under all sail she stood away in chase of the stranger.

Edda remained on the top of the tower watching the receding ship. She
was soon joined by Donna Julia. Poor girl! her lover too had gone away,
and she was equally anxious with Edda.

They were not long in private, for they were soon joined by Lord
Claymore and Rolf Morton; Pedro Alvarez and other inmates of the castle
followed.

The stranger, a corvette, was standing in towards Whalsey close hauled
on the starboard tack, and when the "Scorpion" rounded the island and
sho