s were turned, but at a noble-looking
ship hove-to in the offing, not a mile away, and flying a signal from
her peak.

Our men had sighted her an hour ago, and rigged up an oar with a rag at
the end, which the ship had observed. And what all eyes were now intent
on was her pinnace, as she covered the distance between us.

It was always my luck to be rescued when I had least heart for life, and
I confess if I had seen the boat capsize that moment I should have been
well enough pleased.

But she had no notion of capsizing. Long before she came up we could
see that she was manned by smart English blue-jackets, and belonged to a
line-of-battle ship in the king's navy--one of the very ships, no doubt,
that Captain Keogh had been so anxious to avoid in Galway Bay.

Half-an-hour later we were on the shining deck of his majesty's ship
_Diana_, thirty-eight guns, standing out, with all sails set, for the
wide Atlantic. My comrades were too thankful to find themselves alive,
with food to eat and dry clothes to put on, to concern themselves as to
the ship's destination. But I, who yearned to know and share the fate
of those I loved, groaned as I saw the coast-line drop astern, and
realised that, after all, I was as far from home as ever.

As soon as we were revived and fed--and I am bound to confess we were
humanely treated in that respect--a ship's officer came forward and
questioned us.

I, as brother to the lieutenant, was put forward to answer; and I told
him all, not omitting our contraband cargo, or the manner of my own
joining the _Kestrel_.

"Well, lads," said the officer, "you've paid for your bit of fun. If
the _Diana_ had had her full complement of men, you might have been
whistling in the breakers still. Now you belong to his Majesty, and
your names are entered on the books of his ship. It's more than you
deserve, but that can't be helped. Report yourselves to the boatswain."

"Begging your pardon," said I, "I have business in Ireland that presses,
and--"

"Hold your tongue, sir," said the officer, turning on his heel.

The land was now out of sight; the ship's course was due west; every
sail was full. The boatswain's whistle was calling to quarters. Tim,
and Miss Kit, and Fanad, and Kilgorman were part of an ended life.
There was nothing for it but to grin and bear it.

So I reported myself, and wrote my name on the books, and became a
servant for life of his Majesty.

------------------------