Page:Lindigo.djvu/157

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THE WHITE CAPTIVE.
157

decks, and the mute obeisance of the officer on watch testified to the high estimation in which she was held on board.

Advancing towards a large dog-kennel, she applied a key, and instantly a large grey stag-hound sprung out, manifested his joy at being released by dancing around her. After having gone through these joyful evolutions, his mistress called him towards her, and patting his head, said fondly:—"Bran bochd, you will soon obtain your liberty I hope, and may be find your master again, for being such a good fellow on the passage." The last words of this address were uttered in a low key, and although only intended for a dumb animal, they brought a blush to the countenance of the speaker, which was partly hidden in the shaggy coat of the hound.

The reader can easily recognise in the passenger, our heroine, Bella McKay, who, ever since the departure of Charlie, had taken under especial care his favourite hound.

On receiving the joyful intelligence of his safety, and accepting the invitation of her uncle, she resolved upon taking the dog with her, not only on account of his usefulness, but also to prove to Charlie her constancy and unaltered love. The generous and obliging Captain appreciated her devotion, and made all necessary arrangements for the accommodation of the dog as well as his mistress.

Another person now appeared on deck, who, after surveying the four quarters of the heavens with the experienced eye of a thorough seaman, approached Bella with an outstretched hand, and wished her a hearty good morning. Captain Hector McLean was a fine specimen of the British sailor. His strong and well-formed person above the middle height with an elastic and firm step, proved at once an active, as well as a brave sailor. His fine intelligent eyes, under finely arched black brows, contrasted admirably with his ruddy countenance. Born of a respectable family, in one of the western isles of Scotland, he was as an early age, brought to follow the seafaring life. The whole of the family emigrated to Australia in a vessel of their own where they took possession of some fine land, which by good management, raised them to affluence; this, with