"He was expecting to come four years past, but he didna come; and I heard a short space back that he might be looked for afore long." Patient spoke slowly and thoughtfully.
"Who told you that?"
"My kinsman, Willie M'Intyre."
"Are you a Scots woman?"
"Ay," said Patient, with a flash of light in her eyes.
"Humph!" muttered the Captain. "Difficult folks those mostly to get round. When did you see Willie M'Intyre?"
"An eight days or two since."
"Cannot you tell me the day?"
"I dinna keep a diary book," responded Patient, dryly.
"Whence had he come?"