He was carried off to prison, and will of course be brought to trial, in which case I fear that I shall have to appear as a witness against him. I was afraid for some time to tell my father, for the same reason that I did not before inform him of the attack made on us. However, he now knows all that has happened, and he tells me that he is well acquainted with O'Harrall's history, and believes him capable of the most desperate acts of violence." Ellen had forgotten her own anxiety in listening to Norah's recital. She now described to her friend what had occurred, and the feeling which had agitated her while watching the two ships. Norah offered such comfort as one young lady under the circumstances could give another. "I have heard my father say that ships of war often meet and fire many shot without doing each other any harm," she remarked; "and you know, my dear Ellen, that even though some of the crew of the _Champion_ may be killed or wounded, there is no especial reason that Lieutenant Foley should be among the sufferers; and it is the lot of naval officers to be constantly exposed to the risk of battle in war time." "I know it too truly," replied Ellen; "but it was dreadful to see the ship on board which I knew him to be sailing away to attack so renowned and skilful a captain as Monsieur Thurot--then, to have to wait so long for the issue of the battle." "Perhaps we shall have tidings of the arrival of the _Champion_ to-morrow," remarked Norah; "and, from what you tell me, Monsieur Thurot was more anxious to escape than, to fight." "So I at first thought," said Ellen; "but I heard Captain O'Brien tell my father that he suspected Thurot's object was to draw the English ship away from the Irish coast, that should he come off victorious he might have the better chance of securing his prize. It was a relief to me to hear Captain O'Brien say he did not for a moment believe that the _Champion_ would be beaten; on the contrary, that it would be much more likely that she would take the _Coquille_. Still, there must inevitably have been a fierce battle; and oh, Norah, if you knew how I feel for Norman Foley, you would understand my anxiety." "I can fully understand it," said Norah, "and I often think how sad it must be for poor women left at home, to know that those they love are exposed to dangers and hardships of all sorts which they are utterly powerless to relieve. Such must be the lot of all sailors' wives and those who have engaged their hearts to sailors--and yet it would be cruel to the poor men if on that account they could get no one to love them." "Yes, indeed," said Ellen, sighing; "but then, remember, we can pray for them, and we can do our best to make them happy when they return home."