en wrecks by
means of diving. He succeeded in fishing up a small amount from the
wreck of a Spanish galleon off the coast of Hispaniola, which, however,
did not pay expenses. Being a man of indomitable perseverance as well
as enthusiasm, Phipps continued his experiments with varying success,
and on one occasion--if not more--succeeded in reducing himself to
poverty. But the blacksmith's son was made of tough material--as though
he had been carefully fashioned on his father's anvil. He was a man of
strong faith, and this, in material as well as spiritual affairs, can
remove mountains. He was invincibly convinced of the practicability of
his schemes. As is usual in such men, he had the power to impart his
faith to others. He had moved Charles the Second to assist him in his
first efforts, which had failed, but was unable to similarly influence
the cautious--not to say close-fisted--James the Second. The Duke of
Albemarle, however, proved more tractable. Through his aid and
influence, and with funds obtained from the public, Phipps was enabled
in 1687 once more to try his fortune. He set sail in a 200-ton vessel,
and after many fruitless efforts succeeded in raising from a depth of
between six and seven fathoms, (considered but a small depth now-a-days)
property to the value of about 300,000 pounds. Of this sum the usurious
Earl obtained as his share 90,000 pounds while Phipps received 20,000
pounds. Although James the Second had refused to aid in the expedition,
he had the wisdom to recognise the good service done to mankind in the
saving of so much valuable property at so great personal risk. He
knighted Phipps, who thus became the founder of the house of Mulgrave--
now represented by the Marquis of Normanby.

When Miss Pritty had concluded the letter, Joe Baldwin turned to Rooney
Machowl:--

"What think you, lad," he said, "would you venture down to twenty
fathom?"

"To twenty thousand fathom, if you'll consint to watch the pumps and
howld the life-line," replied the daring son of Erin.

"Will you let me go, Susan?" said Baldwin, turning to his wife.

"How could I hinder you, Joe?" answered Mrs Baldwin, with a face
reddened by suppressed emotion at the bare idea.

"And will you go with me, Susan?"

"I'd sooner go to the--" she stopped, unable to decide as to what part
of earth she would not sooner go to than China, but not being versed in
geography she finished by asserting that she'd sooner go to t