"Kinlay again?" he muttered, knitting his brows. "I would advise
you not to go with that lad so often. But then you dinna ken what
his father is, I suppose."

It was seldom that I heard my father speak an ill word against any
man. I did not ask him any question, but his brief warning was
enough to show me that there was some serious cause of enmity
between him and Tom's father, Carver Kinlay.

"Father," I said, "I'll not go with Tom if you object."

"Object!" said he. "What care I for the lad? It's the father that's
my enemy. His bairns may be better than he. Away to the sealing
with you, and may you get good sport!"

And he followed me to the door.



Chapter V. The Hen Harrier.


I lingered about the little quay while my father and the crew were
hoisting sail. For a moment I questioned if I should not be happier
in the bow of the Curlew, than tramping half a score of miles over
rough uninteresting moorland on the chance of capturing a seal; but
in the end I was satisfied in keeping to the plan arranged by my
companions. I waited only to see the boat bend over in the fresh
breeze as she sailed outward to the ships; then, armed with my