CHAPTER XX.
"FROM THE HANDS OF MY KINSFOLK."
"What on earth has become of that duffer?" said Tom Holtum, when the Laulie arrived at the geo and no Yaspard appeared either on land or sea.
"We are a little before our time," Harry remarked; "but I don't see his boat anywhere along the voe—that is, as far as one can see in the Dim and along such a twisting twirligig of a voe as this."
"I vote we land and have a nap," said Bill; but no one seconded him, as they expected the Viking and his followers to appear at any moment.
These did not put in an appearance, however; and after waiting a long hour Tom said, "Look here, boys, something unforeseen has stopped him—and it's something serious too. I expect the old man has smelt a rat, or Yaspard has had qualms of conscience."
"He'd have come and told us if that were it," said Harry promptly.
"Anyway," Tom replied, "he hasn't come; and it does not look as if he were coming, and we can't sit here all night doing nothing. So I vote we proceed without Sir Viking."
"He would not like it; and it is his quest, you know," Harry laughingly made answer.
"His quest, but remember it is also my what-you-call-am—little game. Mind you I discovered the seal for myself, and I meant the job of taking her to be our job. Father said it might have been better if Yaspard had less to do with it. On the whole, boys, I don't think we can do better than start and reconnoitre, and take whatever chance comes our way."