"Well, I am afraid of _pain_," said Nora.

"Pain! You? But I have seen you scratch yourself ever so deep and
not so much as wink; and I mind that time when you twisted your
ankle and you didn't even pretend you were hurt."

"Oh, it is not that sort of pain. I am terrified of pain when it
affects those I love. But there! don't ask me any more. Here are the
boys; we'll jump into the boat and be off. Why, it is half-past ten,
and it will take half-an-hour's good rowing to cross the bay, and
then we have to enter the cave and----"

"I don't like those clouds," said Biddy. "I wonder if it is safe to
go."

"Safe?" said Nora. "We must go. Mother won't allow me to spend another
night here, and I shall lose my chance. I am determined to speak to the
Banshee or die in the attempt."

The splash of oars was now distinctly audible, and the next moment a
four-oared gig swiftly turned the little promontory and shot with a
rapid movement into the bay.

"Why," said Biddy, running forward, "who's in the boat?"

A lad and a man now stood upright and motioned to the girls.

"Where's Neil?" said Biddy.

"Neil could not come, Miss Biddy, so I'm taking his place," said the