“How is it possible for me to be your enemy?” said Cleveland.—“Common gratitude”——
“Common gratitude,” said Norna, interrupting him, “is a common word—and words are the common pay which fools accept at the hands of knaves; but Norna must be requited by actions—by sacrifices.”
“Well, mother, name your request.”
“That you never seek to see Minna Troil again, and that you leave this coast in twenty-four hours,” answered Norna.
“It is impossible,” said the outlaw; “I cannot be soon enough found in the sea-stores which the sloop must have.”
“You can. I will take care you are fully supplied; and Caithness and the Hebrides are not far distant—you can depart if you will.”
“And why should I,” said Cleveland, “if I will not?”
“Because your stay endangers others,” said Norna, “and will prove your own destruction. Hear me with attention. From the first moment I saw you lying senseless on the sand beneath the cliffs of Sumburgh, I read that in your countenance which linked you with me, and those who were dear to me; but whether for good or evil, was hidden from mine eyes. I aided in saving your life, in preserving your property. I aided in doing so, the very youth whom you have crossed in his dearest affections—crossed by tale-bearing and slander.”
“I slander Mertoun!” exclaimed Cleveland. “By heaven, I scarce mentioned his name at Burgh-Westra, if it is that which you mean. The peddling fellow Bryce, meaning, I believe, to be my friend, because he found something could be made by me, did, I have since heard, carry tattle, or truth, I know not which, to the old man, which was confirmed by the report of the whole island. But, for me, I scarce thought of him as a rival; else, I had taken a more honourable way to rid myself of him.”
“Was the point of your double-edged knife, directed to the bosom of an unarmed man, intended to carve out that more honourable way?” said Norna, sternly.