because he got a long price for their skins, which are not less curious
than they are valuable. The truth is, that the most of these animals are
neither dogs nor cods, but downright fairies, as this narration will
show; and, indeed, it is easy for any man to convince himself of the fact
by a simple examination of his _tobacco-spluichdan_, for the dead skins
of those beings are never the same for four-and-twenty hours together.
Sometimes the _spluichdan_ will erect its bristles almost
perpendicularly, while, at other times, it reclines them even down; one
time it resembles a bristly sow, at another time a _sleekit cat_; and
what dead skin, except itself, could perform such cantrips? Now, it
happened one day, as this notable fisher had returned from the
prosecution of his calling, that he was called upon by a man who seemed a
great stranger, and who said he had been despatched for him by a person
who wished to contract for a quantity of seal-skins, and that the fisher
must accompany him (the stranger) immediately to see the person who
wished to contract for the skins, as it was necessary that he should be
served that evening. Happy in the prospect of making a good bargain, and
never suspecting any duplicity, he instantly complied. They both mounted
a steed belonging to the stranger, and took the road with such velocity
that, although the direction of the wind was towards their backs, yet the
fleetness of their movement made it appear as if it had been in their
faces. On reaching a stupendous precipice which overhung the sea, his
guide told him they had now reached their destination.

"Where is the person you spoke of!" inquired the astonished seal-killer.

"You shall see that presently," replied the guide. With that they
immediately alighted, and, without allowing the seal-killer much time to
indulge the frightful suspicions that began to pervade his mind, the
stranger seized him with irresistible force, and plunged headlong with