ss experience, and Graeme was little better. Many
things must be got, and money could not be spent lavishly, and there was
no time to lose.

But, with the aid of Mrs Smith and other kind friends, their
preparations were got through at last. Purchases were made, mending and
making of garments were accomplished, and the labour of packing was got
through, to their entire satisfaction.

The minister said good-bye to each of his people separately, either in
the kirk, or in his own home or theirs; but he shrunk from last words,
and from the sight of all the sorrowful faces that were sure to gather
to see them go; so he went away at night, and stayed with a friend, a
few miles on their way. But it was the fairest of summer mornings--the
mist just lifting from the hills--and the sweet air filled with the
laverock's song, when Janet and the bairns looked their last upon their
home.

CHAPTER FIVE.

They found themselves on board the "Steadfast" at last. The day of
sailing was bright and beautiful, a perfect day for the sea, or the land
either; but the wind rose in the night and the rain came on, and a very
dreary morning broke on them as the last glimpse of land was fading in
the distance.

"Oh! how dismal!" murmured Graeme, as in utter discomfort she seated
herself on the damp deck, with her little sister in her arms. All the
rest, excepting her father, and not excepting Janet, were down with
sea-sickness, and even Norman and Harry had lost heart under its
depressing influence. Another hour in the close cabin, and Graeme felt
she must yield too--and then what would become of Rose? So into a mist
that was almost rain she came, as the day was breaking, and sat down
with her little sister upon the deck. For a minute she closed her eyes
on the dreariness around, and leaned her head on a hencoop at her side.
Rose had been fretful and uneasy all night, but now well pleased with
the new sights around her, she sat still on her sister's lap. Soon the
cheerful voice of the Captain, startled Graeme.

"Touch and go with you I see, Miss Elliott. I am afraid you will have
to give in like the rest."

Graeme looked up with a smile that was sickly enough.

"Not if I can help it," said she.

"Well, you are a brave lass to think of helping it with a face like
that. Come and take a quick walk up and down the deck with me. It will
do you good. Set down the bairn," for Graeme was rising with Rose in
her arms. "No harm wi