the premises was heard, answered by the fierce growl
of another of the canine race, which seemed to come from some little
distance off.

"This is a late time o' night for a visitor to come, but whoever he may
be he is welcome," said Maitland. "Here's to you, Rolf; we'll just
finish this glass, that we may have a fresh brew of toddy for him when
he comes."

Again the deep bark and growl of the stranger's dog was heard.

"There is but one creature in Shetland which barks like that," observed
Morton. "I should know his voice anywhere; it is Lawrence Brindister's
dog, Surly Grind. What can have brought him here?"

"He'll answer for himself, for here he comes," replied Maitland, looking
out of the window, whence the person in question was seen approaching
the house, mounted on the smallest and shaggiest of Shetland ponies, and
his legs, encased in top-boots, almost dragging along the ground, though
he managed, by a succession of sudden jerks, to lift them up so as to
avoid the numerous inequalities of the way. His odd appearance was
increased by his wearing a broad-brimmed hat and feather, and a
long-waisted coat, part of an old court-suit. When he came to the door
of the house, all he did was to stand upright, and to let his steed pass
from under him. He threw the bridle to Surly Grind, who took it in his
mouth, and lying down held it fast, the pony agreeing quietly in that
novel mode of being tethered. Just as Captain Maitland had risen to
receive him, he shuffled into the room, making a bow worthy of a
Frenchman of the old school.

"Welcome to Hillswick, Mr Lawrence," said Captain Maitland; "it is not
often that we have had the pleasure of your company of late. Come, sit
down and take your supper; it's a long journey you have made to-day, and
the air on the top of Ronas Hill is well calculated to give a man an
appetite."

"Not a bad notion, friend Maitland," answered poor Lawrence. "By the
same token, too, little Neogle and Surly Grind will be beholden to your
hospitality, for it is but a small allowance of food they have had since
we left Whalsey this morning. A bone for the dog, and a handful of meal
for Neogle, is all I'll ask. The pony will easily pick up enough by
himself to finish his supper."

Captain Maitland gave the necessary orders to an old man who acted as
his servant-of-all-work, but Surly Grind would not be induced to let go
the bridle, even though a savoury mess besides the bone was pla