"And off I went, Creggan, just the kilted ghillie I was when you left us. Well, there must have been a hundred great ladies and gentlemen to watch our ten games. They gave me a little cheer, but my opponent looked at me in proud disdain. I didn't like it, and determined to win. You know the old Cameronian motto—Whate'er a man dares he can do,—and by St. Kilda, Creggan, I soon lowered that toff's play. I won the first four games, getting his last crowned head in a fix every time.
"The room was stuffy and hot, and my head swam a bit, so he licked me in the fifth. Ah! playing in a hot room isn't like playing on the breezy cliffs, or among the wild thyme.
"Well, they opened a window, and our table was drawn near to it—and, Creggan boy, that toff never won another game.
"What cheering! what rejoicing! Why, a duchess took me in her arms and kissed me, and a tall swell caught me by the hand.
"'You dear little Highlander! You've got to come to my house to-morrow. I backed you for two thou., and I'll make you share it.'
"And now, Creggan, I'm champion player of Britain; but I've been challenged out to the States, and I hope I'll win there too."
Next day the three friends dined together at the chief hotel. Oh, such a happy night! Then, as soon as leave was obtained—the ship being paid off,—they all started for Glasgow by boat, and thence, again by boat, to the beautiful Island of Wings.
CHAPTER XV.
WELCOME BACK TO SKYE.
Creggan Ogg M'Vayne might well sing of