lady. What mother could listen to such a narrative without the
hope arising that her son might be among those who had escaped? Colonel
Chandos, though less sanguine than his wife, was willing to make every
effort necessary to ascertain the truth.

With the aid of the friends of other officers of the _Falcon_, a fine
brig, the _Hope_, was chartered and quickly fitted out, Captain Flamank
taking the command of her, with Peter as one of his mates. A picked
crew having been easily obtained, she sailed on her long voyage.

Jessie knew that she must pass many anxious months before the brig could
return; but would not He Who had restored her father to her have
preserved also her still fondly loved Ralph? She had many kind friends
to comfort and encourage her; and the warm sympathy of Mrs Chandos
assisted greatly to keep up her spirits.

We might follow the _Hope_ on her course. We can picture the delight of
the exiles as they saw a brig, with English colours flying, heave-to off
the bay, and her boat approach the shore. We can imagine their
surprise, as they warmly grasped his hand on landing, when Captain
Flamank announced himself as the former occupant of the hut, and, after
the first greetings were over, led them to the spot which they had
supposed was a grave, and with their assistance unearthed the
long-hidden treasure.

We need scarcely speak of the eager questions Ralph put to the captain
about Jessie, or say that before night the exiles with the treasure were
on board the brig, and that she was on her homeward voyage.

Seven months had passed since the _Hope_ had sailed, and Jessie had
begun anxiously to count the days and hours as they went slowly by.
That her Ralph would return she felt sure. Often she went to a spot
whence she could gaze down the Sound, in expectation of seeing the brig
with her white canvas spread gliding up it; but as often was she
disappointed. Many a vessel left the harbour with a favouring breeze
which kept the homeward bound at a distance. She had one day been asked
to visit Mrs Chandos, with whom she was seated, when voices were heard
in the hall, and soon afterwards the colonel entered the room.

"Prepare yourselves for a joyful event," he said, looking at his wife
and Jessie. "Some young naval officers have just arrived, and if you
will accompany me, Miss Flamank, I will lead you to the dining-room,
where you will find one of them whom you know."

As they left the room a s