"My mother has a cat," quietly remarked Andrew, "one of the few we
have in Orkney. And though she does not deal in witchery, you might
bring her to part with Baudrons. Now, if you'll come home with me
and have a taste of these trout--"

"Oh, thanks, thanks, most happy!" said the captain.

Now this, I thought, was a very graceful invitation for Andrew
Drever to give to a stranger who had only a few moments before
implied that his mother was a witch. But it was a kindness such as
he was ever showing; and I must add that Captain Gordon was one of
those easy-mannered sailors who at once give an agreeable
impression. I myself liked him from the very first, and I had
afterwards many reasons for rejoicing in the friendship thus
casually made.

"I have something here for you, sir," I said to the schoolmaster,
holding up the dead falcon that I carried.

"Oh! come along with us, too, Halcro. Send your dog home, and come
and take some supper with me."

I assented, and continued walking by his side as he talked with the
captain.

We had now entered the street of Stromness. It was a narrow passage
which one might span with arms outstretched, and paved without a
causeway--for it was built when there were no vehicles in
Orkney--and crooked as the inside of a whelk shell, suggesting
starlight smuggling and romantic meetings. In the windows and