u'll observe, Peter," said O'Brien, after I had read the letter,
"that, as I supposed, your uncle meant mischief when he went over to
Ireland. Whether the children are both girls or both boys, or your
uncle's is a boy, and the other is a girl, there's no knowledge at
present. If an exchange was required, it's made, that's certain; but I
will write again to Father McGrath, and insist upon his finding out the
truth, if possible. Have you any letter from your father?"

"None, I am sorry to say. I wish I had, for he would not have failed to
speak on the subject."

"Well, never mind, it's no use dreaming over the matter; we must do our
best when we get to England ourselves, and in the meantime trust to
Father McGrath. I'll go and write to him while my mind's full of it."
O'Brien wrote his letter, and the subject was not started again.

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

CAPTAIN KEARNEY'S ILLNESS--HE MAKES HIS WILL AND DEVISES SUNDRY
"CHATEAUX EN ESPAGNE," FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE CONCERNED--THE LEGACY
DUTY IN THIS INSTANCE NOT RUINOUS--HE SIGNS, SEALS, AND DIES.

The captain, as was his custom, went on shore, and took up his quarters
at a friend's house; that is to say, the house of an acquaintance, or
any polite gentleman who would ask him to take a dinner and a bed. This
was quite sufficient for Captain Kearney, who would fill his
portmanteau, and take up his quarters without thinking of leaving them
until the ship sailed, or some more advantageous invitation was given.
This conduct in England would have very much trespassed upon our ideas
of hospitality; but in our foreign settlements and colonies, where the
society is confined and novelty is desirable, a person who could amuse
like Captain Kearney was generally welcome, let him stay as long as he
pleased. All sailors agree in asserting that Halifax is one of the most
delightful ports in which a ship can anchor. Everybody is hospitable,
cheerful, and willing to amuse and be amused. It is, therefore, a very
bad place to send a ship to if you wish her to refit in a hurry, unless
indeed the admiral is there to watch over your daily progress, and a
sharp commissioner to expedite your motions in the dock-yard. The
admiral was there when we arrived, and we should not have lain there
long, had not the health of Captain Kearney, by the time that we were
ready for sea, been so seriously affected, that the doctor was of
opinion that he could not sail. Another frigate was sen