The combat had been sharp and effectual; but it was the outburst of
an antagonism which had long been gathering strength; it was the
practical declaration of an enmity that grew and lasted for many a
day.
Chapter IX. Captain Gordon.
I was oppressed with a weight of weariness by the time that I came
within sight of Stromness. After leaving Hercus and Rosson over at
Yeskenaby, I met not a person until I reached the shores of Hamla
Voe. Here, however, on turning from the moorland path into the main
road, I saw a stranger resting upon the low wall at the roadside.
He was evidently admiring the scene presented by the quiet bay of
Stromness.
A barque lay at anchor in the harbour, her tall, tapering masts and
taut ropes clearly defined against the gray sky. Beyond the bright
beacon light of the Ness, the sloping island of Graemsay could
barely be distinguished from the deep purple mountains of Hoy, and
along the line of the bay stood the gabled houses of the town,
their dimly-lighted windows reflected on the water.
As I approached the stranger, I saw that he was a seafarer.
"Fine night, sir," I said in salutation as I passed him.
"Ay, very fine. What way is the wind, my lad?"
"Sou'-sou'-west," I replied, looking up at a few flecks of white
cloud in the clear sky.
Pages:
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64