648. Do you know if any man has tried to do that?-Yes; there are various men who have sold a few to other merchants. On one occasion young Mr. Bruce asked me whether I had sold any fish to any other person than him.
649. When was that?-It would be about half a dozen years ago. I told him I had sold a little, and I did not think I was doing any sin before God or man for doing it.
650. You were not turned out for that?-No.
651. Have you any grievance in Dunrossness with regard to whales?-Yes, we often drive whales on shore there; and after they are killed and pulled ashore, and the oil all taken out, the landlord takes one-third.
652. But you are allowed to sell the other two-thirds?-Yes.
653. To whom do you sell the two-thirds of the oil?-Generally to merchants in Lerwick.
654. How are you paid for that?-Not very well at the present time.
655. Are you paid in money?-Yes; in cash. Of course it comes through the proprietor's hands.
656. Does it enter into your annual accounting with the proprietor?-Yes.
657. The proprietor gets the whole money for the oil, retains his third, and hands you over or puts to your credit the remaining two-thirds?-Yes. Of course if a man requires the money to clear his way with the proprietor, it answers that end. If not, then the proprietors pass over the money to him.