deep voice of a powerful-looking man. He had a black beard down to
his waist, flashing black eyes, a turned-up nose, and a low forehead.
A more bull-dog and ferocious-looking individual it would be hard to
find. Biddy, however, knew him; he was Neil's father--Andy Neil, as
he was called. He was known to be a lawless and ferocious man, and
was very much dreaded by most of the neighbors around. Neither Nora
nor Biddy, however, felt any reason to fear him and Nora said almost
cheerfully:

"As we are to have such a stiff row, it is just as well to have a
man in the boat."

"Faix, now, young ladies, come along, and don't keep me waiting,"
said Andy, rising and brandishing one of his oars in a threatening
way. "There's a storm coming on, and I want to be out of this afore
it overtakes us. Oh, glory be to goodness, there's a flash of
lightning!"

There came a flash on the edge of the horizon, lighting up the thick
bank of rapidly approaching clouds.

"Nora, had we better go tonight?" said Biddy. She had as little fear
as her friend, but even she did not contemplate with pleasure a wild
storm in the midst of the Atlantic.

The man Neil looked gravely round.

"Och! good luck to ye now, young ladies; don't be kaping me waiting
after the botheration of coming to fetch yez. Come along, and be
quick about it."