or
whatever we might encounter; and when the soldier is not afraid, half
the battle is won."

"That is true. But how could you bring yourself to go, Grace, in spite
of our mother's prayers and entreaties?"

"Well, my passion to save those drowning creatures swallowed up every
other thought. If it had not been so, I could not have disregarded
mother's tears as I did. I am not at all surprised that she felt as
she expressed herself. It was only natural and right that she should
do so. And really, when I think of all that she must have endured when
she saw us tossing about on the waves, and knew that perhaps she would
never see her beloved husband and wayward daughter again, the wonder is
that she was not less composed than she was, and that she had trust and
calmness enough to go down to the beach, and help us launch the boat.
But, oh, Robert, if you could have seen the joy and thankfulness with
which the poor creatures welcomed us--as if we had been angels--you
would understand that to do such a thing was worth all the trouble and
risk."

"Oh yes; I am sure I should feel the same," said Robert.

"Certainly you would, for you know what it is; you were one of those
who were so anxious to rescue poor Logan, don't you remember? And you
therefore know the joy that comes from performing a kind and brave
action."

"Yes, Grace, I remember very well. It is four years ago this Christmas
since we brought him from the very jaws of death to the lighthouse.
Poor fellow! I felt wonderfully interested in him. I wonder what has
become of him, and if he is any more fortunate now than he used to be.
Father, has he ever written to you?"

"No, he has not," replied Mr. Darling, "and I cannot think how it is
that he has not. But many things may have prevented him. Perhaps he
has gone abroad, or has been ill, or something of that sort. He
promised to write to me as soon as he had got a berth, and I do not
think he has forgotten his promise. Ho was quite overpowered with
gratitude when I parted from him, and magnified the kindness we had
shown him so much that it is very unlikely that he would have omitted
to write, unless something had really prevented him."

"Grace," said Elizabeth, "I am not yet satisfied with that which you
have told us about your visit to Alnwick. I want to know much more,
and, indeed, I think you should tell us every item about it, from first
to last."

"I am quite willing," said Grace, smilingly.