of them also cultivated
patches of ground on the sides of the valley which opened out at the
further end of the gorge, but, except potatoes, their fields afforded
but precarious crops.

Paul and Michael had performed most of their destined task: the net had
been spread along the rocks to dry, and two or three rents, caused by
the fisherman's foes, some huge conger or cod-fish, had been repaired.
A portion of their fish had been sold to Abel Mawgan, and the remainder
had been salted for their own use, when Paul, who had been going about
his work with less than his usual spirit, complained of pains in his
back and limbs. Leaving Michael to clean out the boat and moor her, and
to bring up the oars and other gear, he went into the cottage to lie
down and rest.

Little perhaps did the strong and hardy fisherman suppose, as he threw
himself on his bunk in the little chamber where he and Michael slept,
that he should never again rise, and that his last trip on the salt sea
had been taken--that for the last time he had hauled his nets, that his
life's work was done. Yet he might have had some presentiment of what
was going to happen as he sailed homewards that morning, when he
resolved to tell Michael about his parents, and gave him the account of
his father's death which has been described.

The young fisher boy went on board the "Wild Duck," and was busily
employed in cleaning her out, thinking over what he had heard in the
morning. Whilst thus engaged, he saw a small boat coming down from the
head of the harbour towards him, pulled by a lad somewhat older than
himself.

"There is Eban Cowan, the miller's son. I suppose he is coming here. I
wonder what he wants?" he thought. "The `Polly' was out last night, and
got a good haul, so it cannot be for fish."

Michael was right in supposing that Eban Cowan was coming to their
landing-place. The lad in the punt pulled up alongside the "Wild Duck."

"How fares it with you, Michael?" he said, putting out his hand. "You
did well this morning, I suspect, like most of us. Did Abel Mawgan buy
all your `catch'? He took the whole of ours."

"No, granny and Nelly started off to Helston with their creels full, as
they can get a much better price than Mawgan will give," answered
Michael.

"I am sorry that Nelly is away, for I have brought her some shells I
promised her a month ago. But as I have nothing to do, I will bide with
you till she comes back."

"She and granny