nvoy,
or we should have beaten him off without much difficulty."

"That is more than poor Wilkins, of the _Greyhound_, was able to do,"
remarked Captain Brown. "I was in company with him at sunset, when
everything was well on board, and we were standing the same course--but
next morning he was nowhere in sight, and my first mate, who had the
middle watch, told me he saw two vessels astern instead of one. As no
guns were heard, it's my belief that the _Greyhound_ was taken by
surprise and carried before the crew had time to fire a shot in their
defence."

"Depend on it, we'll keep too sharp a look-out to be surprised," said
Owen, "though I am obliged to you for the warning."

As the party was becoming a somewhat uproarious one, Owen, who both from
principle and habit was a sober man, stole off and returned on board his
ship. The mate reported all well, and that none of the crew had even
asked leave to go on shore. When Dan, however, made his appearance in
the cabin, he looked while he moved about as if he had something to
communicate.

"What's the matter? Out with it, Dan," said Owen.

"Your honour, I don't want to be a talebearer," answered Dan, "but Routh
and Green and the rest of their gang have been talking together the
whole of the watch, and that means mischief."

"The more necessity for keeping a bright look-out on them," observed the
captain, "and I have no doubt that the honest men in the ship will keep
them down, whatever tricks they may play."

With a certain amount of uncomfortable feeling Owen turned in, keeping,
as he always did, his pistol and sword by the side of his bed. The next
day he was too busy taking in cargo to think of the matter; and now,
being ready for sea, the _Ouzel Galley_ stood out of the harbour.

According to arrangement with Mr Twigg, the _Ouzel Galley_ kept along
the coast till she came off Bellevue. As she appeared, a flag from the
flagstaff on shore flew out to the breeze. Owen hoisted his colours and
fired his guns, and the merchantman, looking as trim as a ship of war,
sailed on her course.

"No fear about that young fellow making the voyage if any man can do
it," observed Mr Twigg to Mr Ferris.

"He has been brought up under a good captain--a better we have not in
our service," replied Mr Ferris.

Ellen watched the departing ship which was carrying her epistle to
Norah. The weather was beautiful, though the heat was somewhat more
oppressive than usual; a lig