and by far the richest and most consequential man in Killamet.

Sara turned from the young man's hand-clasp to her father's embrace.

"Waal, Sairay, we're off, an' good luck goes with us, ef a man kin jedge
by the weather. Good-by. God bless you, darter!"

Sara could not speak, but she held him close a minute, then stood with
tearful eyes and watched him embark, telling herself he had always
returned safe and sound, and surely he would again. Even her heartache
could not dull the beauty of the scene, as, with all sails set, the
white-winged vessels glided smoothly out toward the open sea, and
suddenly her face grew bright, and she caught her breath in excitement,
for just as the leader rounded the lighthouse, the tips of the masts
caught the first rays of the rising sun, and gleamed almost like spear-
points in the strong light, which soon inwrapped the whole fleet in a
beautiful glow. Others saw it as well as herself, and some one shouted,
"A good sign! A good sign!" while a hearty cheer rose from the little
group of women, children, and old men upon the beach.

Sara joined in it, and felt glad as well as they; for while she might
have doubts of howling dogs and dripping candles, this seemed an omen
that heaven itself might deign to send as a comfort to their anxious
hearts.




CHAPTER II.