. Give a
cheer, lads, and they will know we are coming."

The seaman, without stopping to receive the order from their officers,
uttered a true British cheer, which had the effect of making the Spanish
guard take to their heels; and the next instant Owen, bursting open the
outer door, was mounting the ladder which led to the loft, followed by
Gerald, Dan, and Pompey, the others pressing after them. Quickly
reaching the top, Owen found his hand grasped by that of Captain Tracy.
The next moment Norah was in his arms, while the old captain was almost
overcome with joy and astonishment at seeing his son. For some seconds
their feelings prevented them from uttering a word, when Captain
O'Brien, coming forward, exclaimed--

"I am delighted to see you, lad, for we had well-nigh given you up as
lost. How have you managed to make your way here? Tell us all about
it. From hearing the firing we guessed that the pirates must have been
attacked."

Before Gerald could reply, Dan and Pompey had come up the ladder. Mr
Foley quickly made his appearance, and gave a more succinct account of
the events which had occurred than the rest of the party would probably
have been able to do.

While the lieutenant was recounting what had happened, Gerald had time
to tell Norah how thankful he was to find her again. She could even
now, however, with but difficulty utter a word. On being brought to the
loft, she had discovered that it had been occupied by Owen, and, not
knowing that he had escaped, her fears for his safety had been
unspeakable, although her father and Captain O'Brien had endeavoured to
persuade her that he must have got away during O'Harrall's absence.
O'Harrall himself refused to afford any information on the subject,
apparently feeling satisfaction at the agony the poor girl was
suffering. He had paid his prisoners two visits, but had not, as far as
they could judge, made up his mind how he should dispose of them--
although, from some hints he had let drop that very evening, they were
apprehending the worst.

Norman Foley, who was ignorant of the number of persons on the island,
fearing that his party might be attacked, thought it prudent at once to
return to the boats and get on board the _Research_. Norah and the two
captains were perfectly willing to accompany him; and the seamen
shouldering their trunks, the party at once set off, guided by Dan and
Pompey--Owen very naturally preferring to escort Norah instead