CHAPTER XXXV.
MAILDUN MEETS HIS ENEMY, AND ARRIVES HOME.
On a near approach, they found it was a small island; and now they recognised it as the very same island they had seen in the beginning of their voyage, in which they had heard the man in the great house boast that he had slain Maildun's father, and from which the storm had driven them out into the great ocean.
They turned the prow of their vessel to the shore, landed, and went towards the house. It happened that at this very time the people of the house were seated at their evening meal; and Maildun and his companions, as they stood outside, heard a part of their conversation.
Said one to another, "It would not be well for us if we were now to see Maildun."
"As to Maildun," answered another, "it is very well known that he was drowned long ago in the great ocean."
"Do not be sure," observed a third; "perchance he is the very man that may waken you up some morning from your sleep."
"Supposing he came now," asks another, "what should we do?"
The head of the house now spoke in reply to the last question; and Maildun at once knew his voice—