he vain notion entertained by a former commander
of a well-known Jamaica trader, the _Ouzel Galley_, that that vessel was
still in existence. "Indeed," it continued, "go certain it is that she
must be lost, that the masters and pilots of the vessels trading in
those seas have ceased to make inquiries about her."

"I hold to my opinion, notwithstanding," exclaimed the captain; "if
others refuse to help in looking for the good ship, I'll go myself.
There's an old proverb that the man who wants a thing goes for it
himself, and I'll not believe that either Owen or Gerald are lost till
I've had a thorough hunt for them. I've cash enough of my own to fit
out a stout vessel, and to arm and man her too. I intended it for you,
Norah, and Gerald, but there'll be sufficient left for what you may
want, my poor child, even if it comes to the worst; and you must stay at
home and take care of Widow Massey--you've need to comfort each other."

"No, father, if you go I will go; and go I hope you will," said Norah.
"Would that you had ten times as much fortune to fit out as many vessels
to search round the shores of the whole Atlantic. And, father, you'll
take me with you? I must go; I should die with anxiety were I to remain
behind. In the voyage I took with you I learnt all about a sea life. I
know the various dangers I may have to go through, but I don't fear
them; I am ready to endure whatever perils you may be exposed to, and
I'll not flinch from them."

Thus Norah argued with her father.

"But Mrs Massey--what will she do without you?" he asked.

"She would not detain me. Am not I going to assist in the search for
her son, as well as in that for Gerald?" answered Norah. "Were I Owen
Massey's younger brother, she would not hesitate to send me; she will
not do so now. She has too long lived a life of solitude to object to
being left for a few short months, especially when she can hope that
Owen may be found."

Norah had gained her point. The old captain was really thankful to have
her society, and so often had he braved the dangers of the sea that he
no longer feared them for his daughter. Firm as the captain was in his
opinion, few others agreed with him; and when it was known that he was
looking out for a ship, most of his acquaintance pitied him, and
whispered that the loss of his son had turned his head. Still, nothing
any one could say changed his resolution; indeed, there was something
grand in his very obsti