can never do it, sir," Lowrie exclaimed; "I ken weel ye canno',
and my faither wad never forgive us if we let you try."

"Tom Holtum's life, or mine, to be risked! My life is my own and
God's, to be used by me, with His approval, as my judgment thinks
best," was the dignified answer, which silenced Lowrie.

After that they watched the sea, and spoke very little for some hours,
until the wind had quite subsided and the waves were less broken. By
that time Tom's condition made a desperate attempt more urgent still,
and Yaspard rose up saying, "Pirate, old boy, it is time you and I set
out. Good-bye, lads; and keep up your hearts, for if I fail the dog
won't."

They silently followed him to the low crags where they had so blithely
landed. Lowrie meekly stooped and picked up the boots Yaspard took
off, and Gibbie was heard to sob, but no one offered the smallest
remonstrance; they were in hearing of Tom's broken words and pitiful
moans, and each one thought, "I'd do the same thing if I could."

"Take care of my crew, Harry," Yaspard said, giving one glance back;
and then they called out, "God preserve you." He smiled. "Thank you!
that sounds good; now, Pirate, come!"

He plunged into the surf and struck out manfully; and the dog kept
close by him, evidently aware that his young master's life was
entrusted to his keeping in a great measure.

His companions watched their progress with burning anxiety, and hope
rose high within them as they saw how easily the dog swam; for they
were confident that while Pirate floated Yaspard was safe.

Yaspard was not so confident himself after being in the water some
time, and he frequently found himself obliged to pause and rest his
hands on the dog. They were greatly helped by the tide flowing towards
Burra Isle. Indeed, Yaspard would not have started on such a dangerous
voyage if he had not calculated that he must receive great assistance
from the sea itself. All he had to do was to keep himself afloat and
drift with the current; but, as all swimmers know, it is often as
trying to do that as to breast an opposing force.

He found infinite comfort in the companionship of his faithful dog, and
frequently spoke to him--more for the purpose of encouraging his own
heart than because Pirate needed words of cheer.

But that piece of water seemed very broad, and there seemed for ever
sounding in our hero's ears the refrain of an old song with which Mam
Kirsty used to lull Signy