n
them. Ryan was the most hurt, for when with the rope round his waist
he had rushed into the sea, the waves had almost immediately dashed him
back against the rocks. He was brought, indeed, very nearly lifeless on
to the beach.

The brave fellow was therefore confined to bed for several days, to his
great disgust. However, as soon as he was given permission to sing as
much as he liked, he bore his trouble patiently, and the farm echoed
all day with his jovial voice. But from this adventure he imbibed a more
lively sentiment of fear with regard to brownies and other goblins who
amuse themselves by plaguing mankind, and he made them responsible
for the catastrophe of the Motala. It would have been vain to try and
convince him that the Fire-Maidens did not exist, and that the flame,
so suddenly appearing among the ruins, was but a natural phenomenon. No
reasoning could make him believe it. His companions were, if possible,
more obstinate than he in their credulity. According to them, one of the
Fire-Maidens had maliciously attracted the MOTALA to the coast. As to
wishing to punish her, as well try to bring the tempest to justice! The
magistrates might order what arrests they pleased, but a flame cannot
be imprisoned, an impalpable being can't be handcuffed. It must be
acknowledged that the researches which were ultimately made gave ground,
at least in appearance, to this superstitious way of explaining the
facts.

The inquiry was made with great care. Officials came to Dundonald
Castle, and they proceeded to conduct a most vigorous search. The
magistrate wished first to ascertain if the ground bore any footprints,
which could be attributed to other than goblins' feet. It was impossible
to find the least trace, whether old or new. Moreover, the earth, still
damp from the rain of the day before, would have preserved the least
vestige.

The result of all this was, that the magistrates only got for their
trouble a new legend added to so many others--a legend which would be
perpetuated by the remembrance of the catastrophe of the MOTALA, and
indisputably confirm the truth of the apparition of the Fire-Maidens.

A hearty fellow like Jack Ryan, with so strong a constitution, could not
be long confined to his bed. A few sprains and bruises were not quite
enough to keep him on his back longer than he liked. He had not time to
be ill.

Jack, therefore, soon got well. As soon as he was on his legs again,
before resuming his w