"From the sound beyond the island; at least, he was in the sound when I first saw him."
"And I have to thank your daughter that I am not there now,"
Estein added.
"What is your name?"
"I am known as Vandrad, the son of a noble landowner in Norway."
The old man looked for a moment as though he would have questioned him further on his family. Instead, he asked,—
"And why came you to these islands?"
"For that, the wind and not I is answerable. Orkney was the last place I had thought of visiting."
"You were wrecked?"
"Wrecked, and wellnigh drowned."
In a more courteous tone the old man said, "While you are here you are welcome to such cheer as we can give you. This cell is all my dwelling, but since you have come to this island, enter and rest you in peace."