some places being edged by steep rocks, and in others rising
smoothly from the sands in easy and swelling slopes. Buildings of
different kinds caught and reflected the wintry sunbeams of a
December morning, and the woods, though now leafless, gave relief
and variety to the landscape. Brown felt that lively and awakening
interest which taste and sensibility always derive from the
beauties of nature when opening suddenly to the eye after the
dulness and gloom of a night voyage. Perhaps--for who can presume
to analyse that inexplicable feeling which binds the person born
in a mountainous country to, his native hills--perhaps some early
associations, retaining their effect long after the cause was
forgotten, mingled in the feelings of pleasure with which he
regarded the scene before him.

'And what,' said Brown to the boatman, 'is the name of that fine
cape that stretches into the sea with its sloping banks and
hillocks of wood, and forms the right side of the bay?'

'Warroch Point,' answered the lad.

'And that old castle, my friend, with the modern house situated
just beneath it? It seems at this distance a very large building.'

'That's the Auld Place, sir; and that's the New Place below it.
We'll land you there if you like.'

'I should like it of all things. I must visit that ruin before I
continue my journey.'

'Ay, it's a queer auld bit,' said the fisherman; 'and that highest