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266 begun without the ould man. Don't 'ee think it 'ud be but filial-like to wake him up an' start fair?"

"No, we'll let him sleep on" answered Lucien, as he began to eat with right good-will, in which he was ably seconded by his brother. "My father needs rest quite as much as food at present. He shall eat when he awakes."

"Well, you knows best," returned the seaman, taking out his pipe and tobacco-pouch; "it's wan comfort anyhow that the wittles can't get colder than they be now, and there's overmuch for 'ee to ait he whole consarn at one bout, so the ould man'll git his grub, though I must own I'd have liked to have seed 'im start fair.—Hand over the glim, plaise."

Lucien passed the small lantern to Flaggan, whose hard good-humoured features were for a few seconds suffused with a ruddy glow as he put the light close to it, and drew the flame vigorously into the bowl of his very black little pipe. Then, setting it down beside him, he smoked in silence and in much satisfaction, as he contemplated the hearty manner in which the young men enjoyed their meal.

When he had finished, Lucien bowed his head for a few seconds in silent thanksgiving, and Mariano paused respectfully while he did so. Then, taking