nd," said Flora, though
she was grieved to the heart for the death of the noble dog.

"You are right--you are just right; I was mad; and you must not think
hard of a poor broken-hearted old man. My sorrow is 'most greater than I
can bear. It will not be for long; I feel I'm goin' the way of all the
earth, an' it matters little when we cast anchor in that port, whether
our voyage wor short or long--rough or smooth, when the righteous Judge
overhauls our vessel, an' lays bare the secrets of all hearts. I trust
He'll have mercy on old Davy Jarvis, and forgive him for the death of
his brave dog."

The fisherman took the eels from his basket, and grasping Flora's hand
in his hard horny palm, said, "May the Lord grant you prosperity! an'
bless you an' your husband an' the little 'un, an' bring you safe to the
far land to which you are journeying! May it prove to you a haven of
rest! God bless you! good bye!"

Flora looked after the drooping figure of the fisherman as he slowly
descended the cliff, and she thought how intense must have been his
agony in that dark hour of utter bereavement, which had tempted him to
sacrifice his dog on the mere supposition that he had neglected to save
the life of his son.

"God comfort you! poor Jarvis," she said, "and guide you in peace
through the shadows of the dark valley that stretches its long night
before you. The grief which has brought your grey locks in sorrow to the
grave was enough to have broken a sterner heart."

CHAPTER XI.

FLORA IN SEARCH OF A SERVANT HEARS A REAL GHOST STORY.

Lyndsay had charged Flora, during his absence, to inquire for a female
servant, to accompany them to Canada, and take care of the baby during
the voyage. Flora was very reluctant to obey this command, though she
knew that it was entirely on her account that the request was made. Her
health was still very bad, and her kind husband was anxious to spare her
any additional fatigue and trouble. She much doubted, however, whether
another added to their party would not rather increase than diminish her
anxiety, and she begged hard to be allowed to do without. To this
proposition Lyndsay would not listen for a moment.

"The thing is impossible, Flora," said he, very impetuously, "you cannot
do without; you are not able to nurse the child. I must insist upon your
hiring a woman immediately."

Flora sighed. "There will be plenty of women in the steerage of any
emigrant vessel, who for the sake