His face darkened, but he made no reply. When the others listened they heard the wild strain of the “Dàn-nan-Ròn” stealing through the moonshine. Staring against the shore, they could discern the two brothers.
“What will be the meaning of that?” asked one of the men, uneasily.
“When a man comes instead of a woman,” answered Mànus, slowly, “the young corbies are astir in the nest.”
So, it meant blood. Aulay MacNeil and Donull Macdonull put down their gear, rose, and stood waiting for what Mànus would do.
“Ho, there!” he cried.
“Ho-ro!”
“What will you be wanting, Eilanmore?”
“We are wanting a word of you, Mànus MacCodrum. Will you come ashore?”
“If you want a word of me, you can come to me.”
“There is no boat here.”