The Shetland ladies of that time were wont to keep "by them" a hoard of "material," seeing that shops were beyond their reach; therefore Miss Adiesen was at no loss to provide a suitable and elegant picnic costume for the darling of Boden; and the result did credit to her taste and ingenuity.
As the family party were taking their places in the boat, two unexpected guests arrived with the evident intention of joining the others. These were Thor and Mr. Neeven. Thor coolly lighted aboard and settled himself close by Mr. Adiesen, remarking, as he did so, "Just so! Bad boy! bad boy! Uncle!"
These observations evidently referred to Pirate—not the scientist—who was lying at their master's feet with head lovingly rested against his knee, a position which Thor never liked to see occupied by any one, for he was a jealous bird.
Mr. Adiesen welcomed Sir Raven by handing him a crust from the capacious pocket which never failed to carry a supply of such tokens of good-will. While addressing Thor in the way he liked best, the old gentleman greeted his cousin by saying, "Glad you thought better of it, and have come, Gaun. Fine day for an excursion, this. Here is a comfortable place for you," and he made room for Neeven beside Miss Osla; but the recluse merely nodded "Good morning" to his relatives, stepped along the thwarts to the bow, and seated himself there.
His ways, peculiar and not meant for incivility, were too well known to provoke comment. The Osprey was shoved off by Yaspard, while Lowrie and Gibbie got out a pair of oars to help the boat along, as the wind was very light.
Brüs Adiesen was in high good spirits, and insisted upon taking an oar too as soon as his nephew sat down to row. Then Signy began to sing for very gladness of soul, as the birds do. Yaspard took up the chorus of her song, which was commented upon by Thor in his usual sage manner; and even Miss Osla forgot to seem afraid of the sea—a sentimental fashion which had been considered a feminine attraction in the days of her youth.
Altogether the Osprey's party was as happy and almost as blithe a one as that of the Laulie, which arrived at the little bay of Havnholme a few minutes after the Boden boat. Shortly afterwards two more boats arrived in company. These were the Vaigher and Mermaid, containing all the rest of Fred's guests. He was in his father's place at the Vaigher's helm, presiding, as his father would have done, over the safety of the elder and more sober portion of the party. His sister Isobel had the management of the little Mermaid, and her companions were Gerta Bruce and Amy Congreve, who had, of course, accompanied Garth Halsen and his father, the Yarl of Burra Isle. Any of us who made the acquaintance of the Yarl, his household, and guests from England, will know all about those girls and Garth, and will expect fun where they appear.
It is a real pleasure to me (and I hope to you who read this) to renew my acquaintance with the Burra Isle contingent; to look once more on the tender faces of Mrs. Holtum and the "little mother" of those Manse boys, and to hear the minister's genial laugh, as well as the Doctor's cheery voice.
What a shaking of hands and clatter of voices there were, to be sure! Even Pirate had to make a demonstration, for Watchie had accompanied the Holtums, and was ready to be friends with any dog. The only person who did not share in the general good-will and hilarity, who seemed indeed to be out of place among so many pleasant folk, and to feel himself quite above all such demonstrations of peace, was Thor. After surveying the "ongoings" from the safe point of a masthead, he came to the conclusion that the proceedings interested him no more, and with a dismal croak he flew off to the skeö, and, seating himself on the topmost point of its ruinous gable, commented in very uncomplimentary terms upon the ways of mankind. As his opinions were expressed aloud, and accompanied by many grotesque and expressive gestures, he created a good deal of amusement, although Mr. Adiesen remarked gravely enough, "We ought not to have allowed Thor to accompany us."
"He won't stay at home unless he is shut up," Yaspard explained; and Signy added, "Poor old Thor! I dare say he is more pleased than he seems."