"Yes," replied Tom. "People now-a-days prefer going by land, to running the risk of being taken by the French privateers, which swarm along the coast." "I hope there is no danger of being attacked?" asked Catherine, turning pale with alarm. "Why, as to that," replied old Bill, "one can't say for sartin--I have seed such sights as that before now; but never fear, my bonny Miss--if they were to attack three smacks armed as we are, they might mayhap catch a Tar-tar--that's all." "I am not afraid for myself," said Catherine, casting an affectionate look at her father--"but my father"---- "Is now under that protecting Power which has preserved his life in the midst of so many perils by land." When they again ascended to the deck, the vessels were going with a fine breeze, which was taking them quickly down the river. After passing the Nore, they stood out to the open sea; and, the wind continuing fair, they proceeded speedily on their voyage, which promised to be pleasant and expeditious. On the second morning after sailing, the _Tweed_ was passing Yarmouth Roads. In the roadstead was lying a large vessel, whose taunt, raking masts, and square, lightly-rigged yards, proved her to be a man-of-war. The seamen of the _Tweed_ were pointing out to each other the various fair properties of the vessel as they passed; and Tom, thinking that Miss Keveley would be pleased with the sight, went below, to ask her if she wished to see a man-of-war. Catherine thanked him for his attention, and followed him upon deck. "What a beautiful vessel!" exclaimed Catherine, unable to contain her delight--"what exquisite symmetry!--what neatness in the arrangements of the various ropes, which appear as complicated as the gossamer's web, and, at this distance, almost as fine! What an intricate maze do all these appear to an ignorant spectator!--and yet, I dare say," continued she, addressing Tom, "there is not one amongst the number which has not its use." "Not one," said Tom; "and, however confused they may appear to your eye, yet there is not one which, at a moment's notice, may not be laid hold of by the seamen." During this conversation, Tom asked the name of the village in which Miss Keveley was going to reside. She informed him that they proposed settling, for some time at least, in Norham. "That's lucky," replied Tom; "my old aunt, Mrs Burton, lives there, who may be of service to you in settling, and who will be the most pleasant companion in the world. Her husband was the curate of the village, but he has been dead this many a day; she is, however, in most comfortable circumstances, and can afford you accommodation for a short time, till you get settled." "You are very kind, indeed," said Catherine, with emotion, "and I trust that my father and I will both feel grateful for the offer. However, we shall be guided by circumstances." Tom lost no time in informing his father of the destination of his passengers, and of the offer which he had made them.