d
of its claws, crouching over the ocean, a sad memento of its former
power. Had it remained until gunpowder was in general use, it would
probably have been entirely overthrown.

Papa described to us Warkworth Castle, which stands further south, above
the banks of the Coquet river, on a high wood-covered hill. The greater
portion of the ruins remain; indeed, the woodwork alone has disappeared,
and the masonry is in so good a state of preservation, that the late
Duke of Northumberland proposed to restore it, and make it his
residence, instead of Alnwick Castle. Near it a hermit dwelt in a
cavern: he became a hermit in consequence of having killed the brother
of his betrothed, whom he mistook for a rival, after his return from the
Crusades.

We sighted Coquet Island, with its square white lighthouse, from which a
light burst forth as we approached. Near it were the castellated
dwellings of the keepers, painted different colours. In its
neighbourhood are dangerous rocks, and over each a red ray is shown, to
warn vessels which might otherwise run upon them. We were now almost
constantly in sight of some light, which enabled us to know our exact
position. Dick and I turned in while Coquet Island light still shone
brightly.

We expected the next morning to be off Hartlepool, at the mouth of the
Tees; but when day broke we found ourselves in sight of a picturesque
castle standing on a point of land, with a broad river flowing below it,
and a town at its foot. When we asked Truck what it was, he answered:

"That's Tynemouth, at the mouth of the Tyne; and the captain says he
intends to run in there to have a look at the place. It's as well worth
seeing as any place we have been to. Beyond it you see North Shields,
and South Shields on the southern bank; and higher up is Newcastle,
where coals come from, as you've heard tell of."

We laughed at Truck's description. "If they don't come from Newcastle,
I don't know where else they come from," remarked Dick.

"A good many other places, young gentleman. There's no small quantity
shipped from Sunderland and Swansea; and also from some of the Scotch
ports. If we go up to Newcastle, we shall see the curious way they are
put on board the colliers."

"But why haven't we got further?" I asked, "Because we have had light
winds, and the tides have been against us most of the night," answered
Truck.

As not only the tide, but the wind also was against us, papa, on comi