rney, we were hailed by
a voice which I recognised as that of Tim Flanagan, who was keeping
watch on the castle walls. On hearing my reply, he quickly descended to
the little postern-gate to admit us.

"Sure, I'm glad to see you back, Mr. Maurice, and you, Mr. Rochford,
though I've bad news to welcome you with about the misthress. She's
gone, sir, she's gone. An' the young ladies are in a sad way; so that
the captain finds it a hard matter to comfort them, an' he'll be glad to
have you to help him."

On ascending to the upper floor, we met my father, who gave a cordial
welcome to Rochford. My aunt, he told us, had died that morning, never
having recovered from the loss of her husband and son. The young ladies
bore up as well as could be expected, and he hoped that we should be
able to assist in consoling them. Notwithstanding the report that the
Indians had been driven westward, he considered it prudent to maintain a
strict watch in the castle, lest another attempt might be made by her
Indian admirer to carry off Juanita.

"I congratulate myself on having come to assist you, sir," said
Rochford. "Although, when I first came to the country, my wish was to
benefit the natives, I would treat them as my worst enemies should they
make so audacious an attempt."

"I will trust you, Mr. Rochford," said my father, smiling.

Our friend insisted on taking his turn as one of the sentries, and I
felt very sure that the castle would not be surprised during his watch.

Early in the morning after our arrival my poor aunt was interred in the
centre of the garden, as there was no grave-yard near to which she could
be carried.

My father was now very anxious to return home as soon as possible, and
he invited my two cousins, according to their father's wish, to
accompany him. Juanita was willing enough to go, but Rita showed much
disinclination to leave Florida, though, at the same time, she had no
wish to be separated from her sister. My father explained that by his
brother's will he had no choice in the matter. He must either take them
with him, or remain with them in the country. The property, however,
could only be disposed of at a great loss while the troubles with the
Indians continued. He proposed, therefore, returning in the course of
two or three years to settle their affairs. This arrangement somewhat
satisfied Rita, though she still implored me to try and persuade my
father to remain. I, as may be supposed,