Then you will not be surprised at a proposal I shall make you.

Underwrite the _Shannon_ a million pounds, to be paid by you if harm befalls my Helen.

You need not look so astonished; I was only joking; you gentlemen deal with none but substantial values; and, as for me, a million would no more compensate me for losing her, than for losing my own life." The tears were in his pale eyes as he said these words; and Mr.Condell eyed him with sympathy.

But he soon recovered himself, and was the man of business again.

"Oh, the specie on board the _Proserpine ?_ Well, I was in Australia, you know, and bought that specie myself of the merchants whose names are attached to the receipts.