hough but called a nurse in the
family, she is nearly akin to the Lady Margaret. But these are matters
about which a stranger can have no interest."

"A stranger might not, but I must not be considered in that light,"
answered the captain. "Strange as it may appear to you, I am connected
with that very family of which you are speaking. An ancestress of mine
was a Brindister. I must claim relationship with the occupants of
Lunnasting. It will, in truth, be pleasant in this remote region to
find friends so nearly related to me."

The reserve which the pilot had hitherto maintained seemed to vanish on
hearing the assertion made by Don Hernan.

"I have no doubt, captain, that they would have given you a warm
northern welcome," he answered. "But Sir Marcus Wardhill himself, and
his second daughter, are in the south, travelling, I have heard, among
French and Germans, and it is said that they purpose remaining some time
in the big city of London, a place among all my wanderings I have never
seen."

"The Lady Margaret, of whom you speak, and her elder daughter are there,
I hope; or is the castle shut up?" asked Don Hernan.

"The Lady Margaret, as we called her, Lady Wardhill, is dead, but her
elder daughter, Miss Hilda Wardhill, lives at Lunnasting, and manages
the Shetland estates, they say as well as any man would do."

"Ho, ho! I should like to become acquainted with this talented cousin
of mine," said Don Hernan. "Is she handsome as well as clever?"

Thus appealed to, Morton replied with even more hesitation than before.
"As to an eye for the look of a ship aloft, or for her build or trim,
I'll yield to no man; and maybe I like the faces of some women more than
others. This I'll say, sir; it's my belief that there are not many in
this world like the Lady Hilda."

"You have probably heard of the Spanish connection of the family."

"Yes, once or twice, maybe," answered Morton; "my wife's mother often
speaks of them. In her father's time they constantly corresponded, and
exchanged presents--Shetland shawls and stockings for Spanish silks and
brocades. It was said that, during his travels, Sir Marcus thought of
visiting his connections in Spain."

After some further conversation, the captain observed, "I would pay my
respects to the governor or authorities of the town. As you have proved
so good a pilot afloat, you shall accompany me as my guide on shore."

CHAPTER TWO.

LUNNASTING CASTLE--THE STR