Barney Morony was waiting for him at the stable where he put up his horse, and went down with him to the beach.

The ladies, according to Barney, were quite well and more winsome than ever.

But,--and this information was not given without much delay and great beating about the bush,--there was a rumour about Liscannor that Captain O'Hara had "turned up." Fred was so startled at this that he could not refrain from showing his anxiety by the questions which he asked.

Barney did not seem to think that the Captain had been at Ardkill or anywhere in the neighbourhood.

At any rate he, Barney, had not seen him.