Then Tom tried the window, hoping to make his exit by it, but found it was nailed down beyond his power to unfasten.
"Never heard of such a thing in Shetland before," growled Tom. "What's he afraid of here? One would think Boden was the abode of thieves or pirates at this rate. Anyway, there are plenty of books about."
He found an interesting book about the buccaneers of the Spanish Main, so, lying down on the sofa, he was soon lost in the volume, and forgot that he was in durance vile.
[1] Planticrü,—a circular enclosure.
CHAPTER XIV.
"OH, BE THOU WELCOME HERE."
When Mr. Neeven returned to his house the Laird of Boden was with him, and Tom was desired to hand over Dr. Holtum's letter, which he did with alacrity.
After perusing it carefully, Mr. Adiesen said, "And so you are the Doctor's son? You are not very like your father. He was a very handsome youth when he was your age."
Tom laughed, and there was that in his plain, honest face, which pleased both the gentlemen perhaps more than fine features would have done.