“Your faithful servant,
“John Hamilton Luttrell.”
The second note was even briefer. “Mr. Luttrell begs to inform Mr. H. M. Dodge that he cannot receive his visit at Arran, nor can he at present decide to dispose of his collection.”
“How is the wind, Hennesy?” asked he of his boatman.
“Strong from the east, Sir, and comin’ on harder.”
“Could you beat up to Westport, think you? I have two letters of importance to send.”
“We might, Sir,” said the man, doubtingly, “but its more likely we’d be blown out to sea.”
“How long is this gale likely to last?”
“It’s the season of these winds, your honour, and we’ll have, maybe, three weeks or a month of them, now.”
“In that case, you must try it. Take three men with you, and the large yawl; put some provisions and water on board; perhaps a little ballast, too.”