'Here's your new neighbour, Sandy,' said the captain. 'Will you show him the way to his house, whilst I see to your goods?'
'Welcome to the island,' said my grandfather, grasping his hand.
He was a tall, strongly-built man, very sun-burnt and weather-beaten.
'Thank you,' said the man, looking at me all the time. 'It is pleasant to have a welcome.'
'That's my grandson Alick,' said my grandfather, putting his hand on my shoulder.
'Your grandson,' repeated the man, looking earnestly at me; 'your grandson—indeed!'
'And now come along,' said my grand father, 'and get a bit of something to eat; we've got a cup of coffee all ready for you at home, and you'll be right welcome, I assure you.'
'That's very kind of you,' said the stranger.
We were walking up now towards the house, and the man did not seem much inclined to talk. I fancied once that I saw a tear in his eye, but I thought I must have been mistaken. What could he have to cry about? I little knew all that was passing through his mind.
'By the bye,' said my grandfather, turning round suddenly upon him, 'what's your name? We've never heard it yet!'