am happy to add, in conclusion, that this fatal Bell Rock, the direct and indirect cause of so many losses, has been converted into one of the greatest sources of security that navigation is capable of receiving.  By means of scientific skill, aided by well-managed perseverance, with the example of the Eddystone to copy from, a lighthouse, one hundred and twenty feet high, has been raised upon this formidable reef, by Mr. Robert Stevenson, the skilful engineer of the ‘Northern Lights;’ so that the mariner, instead of doing all he can to avoid the spot once so much dreaded, now eagerly runs for it, and counts himself happy when he gets sight of the revolving star on the top, which, from its being variously colored he can distinguish from any other light in that quarter.  He is then enabled to steer directly for his port in perfect security, though the night be never so dark.”

Mr. Wilton remarked how much one man, by the right use of the talents he possessed, might benefit his fellow-creatures, when he was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Barraud.

A welcome rose to every lip, and Mr. Barraud apologized for being so late, adding that he had been detained by a friend who was about to start for Scotland, and wished to have an hour’s conversation with him before his departure.

“How singular!” exclaimed Mr. Wilton; “we have been regretting your absence particularly this evening, because we are navigating the North Sea, where you have been so often tossed to and fro, and we thought it quite possible you might have met with some amusing or instructive incidents in your travels along the coast, which would agreeably relieve the tedium of our voyage.  Now I see no reason why you should not accompany your friend to Scotland, and charm us with a soul-stirring narrative of real life.”

“Oh!  I perceive the state of affairs clearly,” said Mr. Barraud; “the young folks are getting weary of the monotony of a sea voyage, and desire to step ashore again.”

“No! no! we are not tired,” anxiously exclaimed the little group.

“But,” said Charles, “it makes a voyage so much more pleasant when we drop anchor now and then, to look around on the beauties of other lands; and more profitable also, if we learn something of the customs, laws, and peculiarities of the inhabitants of those lands.”

MR. BARRAUD.  “Very true, Charles; and to gratify you I will relate a story written by Colonel Maxwell, the well-known author of many pleasing and instructive works, which will serve the purpose better than any other I can think of just now—­besides, to heighten its interest, it is all true.”

#JOCK OF JEDBURGH#