re, under the command of the
first lieutenant. The vessels, having been examined, were found to be
empty; none of the huts contained any articles of value. All met with
having been burnt to the ground, the party proceeded inland, until they
reached the large building which had so long served as the prison of
Owen and his companions. A secret door was discovered, opening from the
outer room in which old Mammy had lived. On bursting it open an inner
room was found, nearly full of booty of various descriptions. Among it
were bales of rich silks, muslins, and cloths, cases of cutlery and
casks of wine, boxes of preserves, gold and silver ornaments, caskets of
jewels, and numerous other articles. Those of most value, which could
easily be carried off, were at once shouldered by the men, who forthwith
returned with them to the boat. On their arrival on board, another
party was despatched to bring off the greater part of the remainder,
when the store was set on fire and the rest consumed.

By this time a breeze had sprung up, and as it was important to take
advantage of it, sail was made, and the _Research_ leading, under the
pilotage of the master and Owen, assisted by Dan and Pompey, the two
vessels began to thread their way along the channel. The lead was of
course kept going; and as they neared the more intricate part, the wind
being light, a boat was sent ahead to sound. Thus, all dangers being
avoided, they at length, just before sunset, got clear out to sea. Fair
breezes now wafted them rapidly along. Owen had remained on board the
_Research_ that he might enjoy the society of Norah, who would not
willingly have again been parted from him.

The weather continued fine, and after a run of ten days the two ships
entered Port Royal harbour, and stood on until they dropped their
anchors before Kingston. They were immediately boarded by numerous
persons from the shore. Among the first who reached the _Ouzel Galley_
was Mr Ferris. He was greatly astonished, at finding Norman Foley in
command, and still more so at hearing what had befallen her.

"Your reappearance, my dear fellow, will restore life and animation to
my poor girl. Although she would not believe you were lost, we had
given you up, for it was generally supposed that the _Champion_ had gone
down in a hurricane, or been sunk by an enemy, or driven on shore
without any one escaping to give an account of the catastrophe. We only
arrived here a few day