At last, about four o'clock, Selkirk arrives in haste, his face beaming with joy, and a gleam of triumph in his eye.
'Has he then,' thought Catherine, 'a presentiment of the happiness in store for him ?' 'Congratulate me, pretty Kitty,' said the young man, almost out of breath; 'I am appointed mate of the brig Swordfish, which I am to join at Dunbar.' 'How! you are going ?' 'In an hour.' 'For a long time ?' 'For three years at least.

In a fortnight we set sail for the East Indies.

It will be a great commercial voyage and a voyage of discovery.

Unfortunately William Dampier does not accompany us; but he furnishes funds to the brave Captain Stradling.' 'Stradling!' 'Yes, it is he who has just engaged me, and with whom I am to sail.
Our agreement is signed,--I am mate! I am going to explore the New World! Ah! I would not exchange my fate for that of a king.

But time presses; adieu, Kitty, till I see you again!' 'Three years!' murmured Catherine.
And her curls grew straight beneath the cold perspiration that covered her forehead..