CHAPTER XVII.
THEY CALL AT THE EARL OF SELKIRK’S, AND AFTERWARDS FIGHT THE SHIP-OF-WAR DRAKE.
The Ranger now stood over the Solway Frith for the Scottish shore, and at noon on the same day, Paul, with twelve men, including two officers and Israel, landed on St. Mary’s Isle, one of the seats of the Earl of Selkirk.
In three consecutive days this elemental warrior either entered the harbors or landed on the shores of each of the Three Kingdoms.
The morning was fair and clear. St. Mary’s Isle lay shimmering in the sun. The light crust of snow had melted, revealing the tender grass and sweet buds of spring mantling the sides of the cliffs.
At once, upon advancing with his party towards the house, Paul augured ill for his project from the loneliness of the spot. No being was seen. But cocking his bonnet at a jaunty angle, he continued his way. Stationing the men silently round about the house, fallowed by Israel, he announced his presence at the porch.
A gray-headed domestic at length responded.
“Is the Earl within?”
“He is in Edinburgh, sir.”
“Ah—sure?—Is your lady within?”
“Yes, sir—who shall I say it is?”