“I had been bound for English shores; my hopes beat high; in a few months longer, at most, I would once again clasp my dear mother in my arms, once more visit my home. Changed I knew the glen would be, but old friends would give me a warm greeting.
“Heigho! the blow fell; I determined not to return, and, Archie, from that day to this I have been a wanderer.
“But bless Providence for all His mercies! Archie, lad, I’m not badly off, and I have you.
“Shake hands, old boy. Now I’ve been doing all the talking, I shall take it out of you next, for I dearly love to hear your voice.
“Señor Gasco, mon ami, suppose we launch our little boat, and be off. I’m longing for supper and longing to sit down and rest in our mountain cottage. I don’t think I’ve been so happy for many and many a long year.
“Come along, Archie. How lovely the moonlight is playing over the water!”