safety."

A'Dale joined me on board. He had been with his friends to the last
moment, and had a great deal to tell me about the wonders he had seen in
England, and the state of Queen Elizabeth, who had passed through the
City in a magnificent coach, all of gold and silver and silk. But the
grandest sight, according to A'Dale's idea, was the shooting for a great
wager of archery, in Finsbury Square, Lord Robert Dudley having been the
challenger.

We proceeded for some distance down the Thames aided by the tide, but
afterwards were kept a week in the mouth of the Medway, waiting for a
fair wind. After this, when we got to sea, we encountered a heavy gale,
which drove us back again into harbour. Thus three weeks passed before
we arrived at the mouth of the Scheld.

We had brought over a cargo of wool and hides, to be manufactured in the
Netherlands into numerous articles.

Sir Thomas approved of all that we had done. He now for the first time
heard of the _Diamond_ having been attacked by pirates, and of the
assistance which Captain Rover had afforded us.

"I hope that he will be here before long," he observed, "as I shall be
glad to offer him my best thanks, and perchance show him my gratitude in
a more substantial manner."

Having delivered my despatches to Sir Thomas, I hastened in search of
Aveline and Richard. On entering the sitting-room, the noise of the
opening door aroused Aveline, who was busy over her work, absorbed in
thought, so it seemed to me. She started up, and, as I approached, took
my hand.

"Why, Ernst!" she exclaimed, "what has happened? you look so pale and
ill."

I told her of our ship having been attacked by pirates, and she listened
with deep interest, so it seemed to me, to my narrative.

"And Richard," I asked, "how is he?" She pointed to a couch in a
recess, shaded by a curtain, and shook her head, while a sad look came
over her countenance. "He sleeps," she said. "He sleeps often now, and
a long time together, and every day grows weaker; but his father does
not observe it. I have not ventured to write to Lady Anne to tell her;
and I fear that her grief will be greatly increased when she hears of
what will, I am sure, ere long take place. I wish that he had never
been brought over here, and separated from her."

I need not say what further conversation passed between Aveline and me.
It was some time before Richard awoke. He seemed pleased at seeing me,
but I soon observ