k, in tranquillising the fury of madmen. Such were,
undoubtedly, these unfortunate occupants of the island.

"Listen, then," continued Mr Merton. I had never before heard him say
so much at a time. "You see yonder ship: she is bound on a far-distant
trip, and on her way she called here on the chance of finding any one in
distress who might need aid. Should no one require it, she will at once
take her departure. Can you tell me if any people are residing on your
island who may wish to leave it? At all events, you yourselves may have
letters to send home. If you will at once get them ready, I will gladly
be the bearer."

The two unfortunate maniacs looked at each other with a bewildered look.
The idea of writing home, and not going themselves, seemed to strike
them forcibly.

"Home!" cried one, in a deep, hollow voice. "Home! where is that?"

"Old England, I conclude," answered our mate. "You have many friends
there who would be glad to see you--father, mother, sisters, wife and
children; or perhaps one who has long, long been expecting you, and
mourned for you, and wondered and wondered, till the heart grew sick,
that you did not come--yet even now faithful, and believing against
hope, fondly expects your return."

Mr Merton had been skilfully watching the effect of his remarks. They
were most successful. He had touched a chord which had long ceased to
vibrate. Again the two madmen looked inquiringly into each other's
faces.

"Is it possible?" said one, touching his forehead. "Has all this been
an hallucination?"

"Norton, I do not longer doubt it," answered the other. "We have
conjured up many wild fancies, but the sight of that ship and the sound
of a countryman's voice have dispelled them. We are ready to go with
you, friend."

The person who had last spoken seemed at the first to be less mad than
his companion.

"I am glad of your decision, gentlemen, and the sooner we get on board
the better. But tell me, did you come here alone? Have you no
companions?"

"Companions! Yes, we had. We frightened them away. They fled from
us."

"Where are they now?" asked the mate.

"On the other side of the island," answered the least mad of the
strangers. "They dare not approach us. Perhaps you may find them.
They will gladly go away. While you search for them we will prepare for
our departure."

"Very well, gentlemen, we will return for you," answered Mr Merton, in
his usual calm tone. It