a look at
the Western Ocean," observed Maitland. "I love to watch it at all
times, in storm or sunshine; but, as my days of romance are over, we'll
have breakfast first. Morton, you'll agree to that? Mr Lawrence,
you'll join us? The sea will not go down before you have had time to
break your fast, nor will, I trust, the Spanish ship heave in sight."

Notwithstanding, however, all the hospitable old sailor's persuasions,
Lawrence would only be persuaded to take a handful of oatcake and a
draught of milk; and then away he trotted on Neogle, followed by Surly
Grind, towards the west. Morton and their host took their time in
discussing a far more substantial breakfast, consisting of salted and
dried haddocks, pickled pork, oaten cakes, and other substantial
articles of food, sufficient to astonish a southern stomach. The
captain then lighted his pipe, inviting Rolf to join him, and they
smoked away in that deliberate manner which showed that they considered
it a far pleasanter pastime than battling with the fierce gale outside.
Captain Maitland at length shook the ashes out of his pipe, and was
considering whether he should light another, when Lawrence Brindister's
voice was heard from below the window, shouting--

"The spirits of the storm have not failed in their duty; the proud
Spaniards will meet with their deserts. I knew it would be so. Hurra!
hurra! but I'm off again. I wouldn't miss the sight to be made Earl of
Zetland."

The two friends hurried to the window, and inquired what was the matter.

"Matter!" exclaimed Lawrence. "Why, that the Spanish corvette is
driving ashore, and that ere many minutes are over she and all on board
will be hurled to destruction. I would save poor Hilda if I could, in
spite of her pride and haughtiness, but that is beyond human power to
accomplish."

"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed Captain Maitland. "The poor young lady, we
must at all events try to save her and those with her."

"Are you certain, Mr Lawrence, that it is the Spanish ship you have
seen?" shouted Morton; but he received no answer, for Lawrence had
turned Neogle's head, and was galloping off as hard as the little
creature could lay hoof to the ground.

"Whether Spanish or any other ship, we'll try what brave hearts and
stout hands can do to help the unfortunates on board her," said the fine
old seaman, Captain Maitland, as he hurried out of the house. "Here,
Sandy Neill, Davie Borthwick,--here, lads!" he sh