a passing gleam, bristled with guns, and her whole trim and bearing
bespoke a frigate.

"She's a King's ship, Mark, in pursuit of some smuggler," said Herbert;
"and the fires we have seen were signals to the other. How beautifully
she sails along; and see, is not that another?"

Mark made no reply, but pointed straight out to sea, where now seven
sail could be distinctly reckoned, standing towards the Bay with all
their canvas set. The report of a cannon turned their eyes towards
the frigate, and they perceived that already she was abreast of Whitty
Island, where she was about to anchor.

"That gun was fired by her: and see, there goes her ensign. What does
that mean, Mark?"

"It means Liberty, my boy!" screamed Mark, with a yell that sounded
like madness. "France has come to the rescue! See, there they
are--eight--nine of them!--and the glorious tricolor floating at every
mast! Oh, great heaven! in whose keeping the destinies of men and
kingdoms lie, look favourably upon our struggle now. Yes, my brother,
I was right--a brighter hour is about to shine upon our country! Look
there--think of those gallant fellows that have left home and country to
bring freedom across the seas, and say, if you will be less warm in
the cause than the alien and the stranger. How nobly they come along!
Herbert, be with us--be of us, now!"

"Whatever be our ills, here," said Herbert sternly, "I know of no
sympathy to bind us to France; nor would I accept a boon at such hands,
infidel and blood-stained as she is."

"Stop, Herbert; let us not here, where we may meet for the last time,
interchange aught that should darken memory hereafter. My course is
yonder."

"Farewell, then, Mark; I will not vainly endeavour to turn you from your
rash project. The reasons that seemed cold and valueless in the hour
of tranquil thought, have few chances of success in the moment of your
seeming triumph."

"Seeming triumph!" exclaimed Mark, as a slight change coloured his
cheek. "And will you not credit what your eyes reveal before you?
Are these visions? Was that loud shot a trick of the imagination? Oh!
Herbert, if the loyalty you boast of, have no better foundation than
these fancies, be with your country--stand by her in the day of her
peril."

"I will do so, Mark, and with no failing spirit either," said Herbert,
as he turned away, sad and sorrow-struck.

"You would not betray us," cried Mark, as he saw his brother preparing
to descend the m