rove it? And doesn't it throw you among
some of the worst boys, and get you into great troubles? Silly fellow,'
he said, pulling Pietrie's ear (as he sometimes does, you know), `don't
talk nonsense; and remember next time you're caught, I shall have you
punished.' So off went Pietrie, _achreion idon_, as our friend Homer
says. And your humble servant was convinced."

"Well, well!" said Eric, laughing, "I suppose you're right. At any
rate, I give in. Two to one ain't fair:--_pros duo oud' Eraklon_, since
you're in a quoting humour."

Talking in this way they got to Rilby Head, where they found plenty to
amuse them. It was a splendid headland, rising bluff four hundred feet
out of the sea, and presenting magnificent reaches of rock scenery on
all sides. The boys lay on the turf at the summit, and flung innocuous
stones at the sea-gulls as they sailed far below them over the water and
every now and then pounced at some stray fish that came to the surface;
or they watched the stately barques as they sailed by on the horizon,
wondering at their cargo and destination; or chaffed the fisherman,
whose boats heaved on the waves at the foot of the promontory. When
they were rested, they visited a copper-mine by the side of the Head,
and filled their pockets with bits of bright quartz or red shining spar,
which they found in plenty among the rocks.

In the afternoon they strolled towards home, determining to stop a
little at the Stack on their way. The Stack formed one of the
extremities of Ellan Bay, and was a huge mass of isolated schist,
accessible at low water, but entirely surrounded at high tide. It was a
very favourite resort of Eric's, as the coast all about it was bold and
romantic; and he often went there with Russell on a Sunday evening to
watch the long line of golden radiance slanting to them over the water
from the setting sun--a sight which they agreed to consider one of the
most peaceful and mysteriously beautiful in nature.

They reached the Stack, and began to climb to its summit. The sun was
just preparing to set, and the west was gorgeous with red and gold.

"We shan't see the line on the waters this evening," said Eric; "there's
too much of a breeze. But look, what a glorious sunset!"

"It is indeed," said Russell; "it reminds me of what Rose said the other
day; we were standing on the top of Brada, leaning against a heap of
stones to keep off the north-easter, and Rose suddenly exclaimed, `L