"I'm sure, sir," said Mr. Drever, "I have no objections to offer;"
and he looked out through the window as though to satisfy himself
that the weather was suitable for an afternoon's fishing.

Mr. Duke then went into the inner room to have a gossip with old
Grace Drever. The schoolmaster pronounced the benediction, and we
flocked noisily outside.

As I was leaving with Robbie Rosson, Mr. Drever called me back.

"Don't leave the hooks here, Ericson," he said; "you'll be needing
them for the fishing."

And taking the fishhooks from his desk he again examined them
attentively, admiring the fine workmanship displayed in the turn of
their points.

"My lad, these are fine hooks for a sea trout," he continued;
"you'll have gotten them from Kirkwall, no doubt?"

"No," I said. "Father got them from one of the captains. I'd like
if you'd keep some of them, Mr. Drever;" and I offered him three of
the best.

"Oh no, no!" he exclaimed, "I could not think of taking them from
you. I didn't mean that.

"But maybe, well, maybe I might just have the loan of one of them
to try this afternoon. I'm going away to Kirbister to see if I can
catch a few sea trout."