you learned respecting this stranger ship?" she asked.

"Nathing, my leddie, nathing," answered Sandy, shuddering. "What could
I tell but that she might be a pirate or an enemy in disguise, or some
ill-doer, and that if I, the factor of Lunnasting, was entrapped on
board, I might be retained as a hostage in durance vile, till sic times
as a heavy sum might be collected for my ransom."

A gleam flitted across Miss Wardhill's countenance, as she replied: "You
estimate yourself somewhat highly, factor. Then, in truth, you know
nothing of the ship which has anchored in the Sound?"

"Nathing whatever, my leddie," was the answer. "But I await the return
of Jock Busta's boat which I despatched as soon as I reached Whalsey
this morning from the mainland."

"Bring me the information as soon as you obtain it," said Miss Wardhill.
"In the meantime let me hear what answer you have to make to a
complaint old Archy Eagleshay brings against you."

The factor gave a variety of reasons for his conduct, to which she
listened without replying, and then called up the old man to her end of
the table.

"Go home Archy Eagleshay," she said, in a voice totally different to
that in which she had spoken to the factor. "Best quiet in your hut.
The old and infirm must be sheltered and fed; of that there is no doubt;
but let the evil-doer and idle beware. On them I shall have no mercy.
Sandy Redland, mark me: I will have no cruelty or oppression--remember
that. The instant you receive information respecting the strange ship,
let me know through Nanny Clousta."

There was a cowed look on the countenance of Sandy Redland as he bowed,
while his young mistress rose to retire.

Old Archy lifted up his hands, as if about to address her once more,
then he turned slowly round. "Ha, ha!" he muttered; "if she had yielded
to you, cruel factor, I'd have told her all I know, and made e'en her
proud spirit tremble; but she's been good and kind to an auld man, and
I'll say nothing."

On leaving the hall, Hilda Wardhill went at once to the turret chamber,
and from thence mounted to the platform on the summit of the tower. Her
first glance was up the Sound, where lay the stranger ship. The sails
were still closely furled; the boats were hoisted up; not a movement of
any sort appeared to be taking, place. The only object stirring was a
small boat, which just then was gliding rapidly close under the headland
on which the castle stood. A single ro