"Hugh is not among those brought back by the 'Empire,'" said Mr. Leslie, "but I have strong hope that he is safe. Tugs have already started for the scene of the accident, the water is still at summer heat, and besides, among the many vessels and propellers constantly passing over that very spot, there is every probability that many have been picked up before this time. Hugh is very strong, and an excellent swimmer, also." "Hugh is drowned!" said Bessie in the same hard voice; "He will never come back to us alive." "Bessie, Bessie!" cried Sibyl, rushing into the room, "you shall not, you dare not say such cruel words!" Sibyl's face was discolored with violent weeping, and her whole frame shook with agitation; she and her cousin seemed to have changed places, for Bessie did not shed a tear. "I say what is true," she answered; "Hugh is drowned! Hugh is dead!" Mr. Leslie went over to her, and took her cold hand; "Bessie," he said gently, "why do you give up all hope? There are a great many chances for Hugh." "Go away!" said Bessie in the same dull monotone; "Hugh is dead, I tell you! Go put crape on the door!" "She is ill," said Mr. Leslie in a low tone to Aunt Faith; "you had better take her upstairs." Aunt Faith roused herself from her own grief; "come, dear," she said, rising. "I shall not go," said Bessie; "I shall wait here for Hugh." At this moment Tom and Gem ran into the room. "Oh, Aunt Faith! what is it?" began Tom. "We met some boys and they told us that the _America_ was run into last night." Gem looked at Bessie and Sibyl, and then without a word, she sat down in her little chair and began to cry bitterly. Aunt Faith could not answer Tom, the sound of Gem's violent weeping, and Sibyl's sobs, seemed to choke the words on her lips. "I don't believe a word of it!" cried Tom indignantly. "Hugh can swim better than any one in Westerton, and he's as strong as a lion! I'm going right down to the dock, and you'll see him coming back with me before night." "Hugh is dead!" said Bessie again; "Hugh is dead!"