ting the Edna drive right before the wind, which would
take us in exactly the direction we wished to pursue, but with rather
startling celerity; and that was what he did.

"She flew over the water like a wild winged bird, and into the harbor
with immense velocity. Safely enough, though, till we were there, almost
at the wharf, when we struck against another vessel anchored near, and
actually cut her in two, spilling the crew into the water."

"Don't look so horrified, mother dear," said Harold, as Herbert paused
for breath; "no one was drowned, no one even hurt."

"Barring the wetting and the fright, as the Irish say," added Edward.

"But the latter was a real hurt," said Harold; "for the cry they sent up
as they made the sudden, involuntary plunge from their berths, where
they were probably asleep at the moment of collision, into the cold,
deep water of the harbor, was something terrible to hear."

"Enough to curdle one's blood," added Herbert.

"And you are quite sure all were picked up?" asked Elsie, her sweet face
full of pity for the unfortunate sufferers.

"Yes, mother, quite sure," answered Edward; "the captain of the craft
said, in my hearing, that no one was missing."

"And the captain of the other will probably have pretty heavy damages to
pay," remarked Mr. Dinsmore.

"I presume so," said Edward; "but even that would be far better than
the loss of his vessel, with all the lives of those on board."

"Money could not pay for those last," Elsie said, low and tremulously,
as she looked at her three tall sons through a mist of unshed tears;
"and I will gladly help the Edna's captain to meet the damages incurred
in his efforts to save them."

"Just like you, mother," Edward said, giving her a look of proud, fond
affection.

"I entirely approve, and shall be ready to contribute my share," said
her father. "But it is very late, or rather early--long past
midnight--and we should be getting to bed. But let us first unite in a
prayer of thanksgiving to our God for all His mercies, especially
this--that our dear boys are restored to us unharmed."

They knelt, and led by him, all hearts united in a fervent outpouring of
gratitude and praise to the Giver of all good.

CHAPTER XIII.

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."--1 SAMUEL 7:12.

It was a lovely Sabbath afternoon, still and bright; Elsie sat alone on
the veranda, enjoying the beauty of the sea and the delicious breeze
coming from it. She had