e of our boats found the
_Osprey_ at Havnholme, and brought the news and the boat to Lunda."

Then Mr. Neeven spoke abruptly--"Before anything further is said I wish
to state that I have discovered what caused the deplorable accident to
the schooner _Norna_, and I will make good the loss--though not bound
to do so--to her skipper, who I understand was also her owner."

"That's handsomely said," remarked the captain; "and when I hear the
explanation I will be better able to judge whether it is justice or
generosity."

Taking no notice of that surly speech, Neeven turned to fule-Tammy.
"Tell this gentleman, Tammy, about the peat fires you light on the
Heogue."

"Weel, sir," said Tammy, leering, and shaking himself, "it wis this
way. The Laird wis aye spakin' and spakin' o' getting yon things 'at
they ca' lichthooses upo' wir isles, and he wad say hoo puir seafaring
men wis drooned, and ships broken into shallmillins upo' the baus and
skerries a' for want o' a licht upo' the laund. And, thinks I, there's
plenty o' pates in Boden, and a gude pair o' haunds here tae mak a
roogue[2] 'at should lowe a muckle lowe ony nicht. And why shouldna
puir Tammy's pate-stack do as well tae mak a lowe as a lamp in a
lichthoose? The Laird, puir body, is that taen up with bukes and bits
o' stanes and skroita[3] that his head wasna big eneuch tae think like
puir Tammy, 'at had nae mair tae do but gang drodgin[4] wi' a pate
keschie and the like. So, thinks I, Tammy sall big a lichthoose o'
pates upo' da Heogue, and Tammy sall be the licht-keeper, and des[5] be
a bonnie lowe when the winds blaw. Mony a keschie-fu' has puir Tammy
carried tae dat spot, and mony a puir seafaring man will hae said,
'Blessin's be upo' da cruppin[6] 'at set yon taunds intae a lowe!'"

So perfectly satisfied with himself and his performance was Tammy, that
not even the _Norna's_ skipper would allow himself to laugh or say a
harsh word. The poor man's mental condition was so obvious, that no
one could doubt for a moment that the truth regarding the mysterious
fire had been told. "That will do, Tammy; you can go home now," said
Mr. Neeven, and Tammy departed forthwith.

[1] Double teeth.

[2] Heap.

[3] Lichen.

[4] Go dawdling.

[5] There shall.

[6] Body.

CHAPTER XXIII.

"AND BOUND FAST THEIR SWORDS IN WEBS GOODLY WOVEN."

"I think," said Fred as Tammy shuffled away, "that some of us must
follow the 'light-keeper's' example and