nd the little chest that I had taken from the chart room of the
Pilgrim; on the lid of the latter was the log book of that
ill-fated ship.

What these relics of the Pilgrim could possibly have to do with the
murder of Colin Lothian I was at a loss to know. But their
importance in the issue of the case will presently be seen.

"Halcro Ericson!" said Bailie Duke.

I rose to my feet and faced him. He tapped his snuffbox and took a
large pinch, and leisurely passed the box to the dominie.
Presently, after much use of his bandanna handkerchief, he
continued:

"Halcro Ericson, you were arrested on Saturday last on suspicion of
being the murderer of Colin Lothian--a poor, worthy man, known and
respected in the Mainland for many, many years. At the time of your
arrest on board the Clasper, the evidence against you was
circumstantially complete, and appeared to be conclusive. Further
evidence of an important nature, however, has since been gathered
by Mr. Drever here, and it has brought new light upon the matter.
You are not, I am happy to say, to be formally charged with the
murder of Lothian; but, in the absence of the proper official--the
procurator fiscal--it is necessary that I, as the senior bailie of
Stromness, should make some inquiry into this case, you see. You
will presently be examined with other witnesses, and you will have
an opportunity of, I hope, clearing yourself of whatever suspicion
is still attached to you. Sit down again, Halcro."

Concluding this speech, Mr. Duke rang a little hand bell that was
on the table, and Macfarlane appeared at one of the doors.

"Just send in Jack Paterson and Steenie Barrie," he said; and
presently the two fishermen were ushered in. Paterson, entering
first, touched his forelock to the magistrate, and similarly
saluted Lieutenant Fox.

"Jack, my man," said Mr. Duke, "just let us know what way ye found
auld Colin's body."

Paterson stepped up to the table, twirling his sou'wester round and
round by the brim between his two big hands.

"Weel, ye see, Mr. Duke," began Jack falteringly, "I was lying in
my bed on Friday night when young Halcro Ericson knocked at the
door and telt me that Thora Kinlay was out in the storm and couldna
be found. So I cam' along to Stromness--"

"Ay, but dinna mind that part o' the story, Jack," interrupted Mr.
Duke; "just begin where Steenie and you heard the dog."

"Yes, Mr. Duke," said Paterson, dropping his sou'wester in his
nervousnes