nderous noise.

At the middle of the island, which is but six miles in length, was the
hill of Dunchifil, crowned with a strong fortress.

The ships, sailing up the western shores, came at last into the
harbourage of a calm landlocked bay, whose waters were so crystal clear
that one might see the pebbles and sea urchins at the bottom, many
fathoms deep. So, when the anchors were all down a longboat was launched
from the Dragon, and Kenric, with Sir Piers, Allan Redmain, and one
William MacAlpin, a cousin to the late Earl Hamish, were rowed ashore.

From a castle at the head of the bay there came down an armed Norseman,
followed by a dozen swordsmen.

"Whose are these ships?" said he with a loud voice, "and what men are ye
who have brought them hither?"

"Methinks our banner might tell you that they are the ships of his
Majesty of Scots," said Kenric stepping forward. "As to myself, since
you know me not, my name is Kenric, the son of Hamish. I am the king of
Gigha, and so please you I am come to lay claim to my castles and lands."

At this the Norseman bowed his head.

"God give you joy of them, my lord," said he, and then he drew his sword
and delivered it to his master. "Little care I what king I serve so long
as I have food and drink, with God's good gift of peace. And since our
Earl Roderic went hence to Bute we have daily expected some such
happening as this. I trust, my lord, you will find that I, Olaf Grimm,
have in the meantime taken good care of your lands and subjects."

Then Kenric and his companions went up to the castle and to the fortress
upon the heights, to take formal possession of his little kingdom and to
receive the homage of his people.

"And now," said he to Olaf Grimm, "if there be any in Gigha who have
wrongs to redress or complaint to make to me, let them be called."

But Olaf told him that there were none, for, said he, "since Earl
Roderic has been gone we have known naught but happiness and peace."

"Long may that peace abide," said Kenric. "And now do I leave my
kinsman, William MacAlpin, as my chosen steward and governor over my
lands and as the defender of my people."

Kenric then went on board Sir Piers de Currie's ship, taking a fisherman
of Gigha to act as pilot, and they left the rest of their barks at
anchor in the quiet bay under the care of Allan Redmain.

The Eagle galley then unattended made sail across the wide channel
westward towards Islay, whose high hills could a