kind of
parole) were transferred to the _Osprey_, which immediately made sail
for Collaster, while the Manse boat conveyed the Mitchells to their own
home.

The Holtums were lingering over their supper when Tom presented
himself, bringing his captive with hands fastened together by a lanyard
borrowed from Harry Mitchell for the purpose. The captive's glowing
face, afire with fun and joyous anticipation, did not accord with the
humiliating position in which he was introduced by Tom; and his
reception by the Doctor and Mrs. Holtum certainly did not indicate
anything like hostile feeling.

The lanyard was laughingly untied by the Doctor, who said, as he
released and shook Yaspard's hands, "I am sure you can trust your
prisoner with so much liberty, Tom."

"Of course," said Tom; "I didn't see the fun of roping him at all, but
he would have it so, and the Mitchells said it looked more ship-shape."

"Besides," added Yaspard, "I wanted Uncle Brues to know that I didn't
come here of my own free will and free-handed."

"I quite understand," replied the Doctor, very much amused at the whole
affair. "But _now_ it is quite proper that your manacles be removed.
You remember how the Black Prince treated his French prisoners? My Tom
must not be less courteous to a Viking! Now, boys, let us hear how all
this came about."

Nothing loth, Tom and Yaspard related their adventures, and very
entertaining these were; but when they described the sending home of
Thor, Dr. Holtum's face grew somewhat grave, and he seemed pondering
within himself.

When Tom had conducted his prisoner to his cell--which was one of the
best bedrooms--and returned to bid good-night, his father said, "Tom,
lad, I am not altogether satisfied that yon corbie was a trustworthy
messenger. Suppose he did _not_ carry news of Yaspard to Moolapund?"

"Yaspard never doubted he would."

The Doctor shook his head. "If," he said, "by any chance they have
_not_ heard of the boy they will be very anxious about him. I think
you must take a note from me to the fishing-station. Some of the boats
will be leaving for the haaf even now, and as they run past Boden, I am
sure one of them will put in there with my letter."

"Let me go with it, father!" Tom cried eagerly. "I am not a bit tired
or sleepy; and it will be such fun. Do let me go!"

Permission was given, a note to Mr. Adiesen written by Dr. Holtum, and
Tom despatched as envoy. He soon found a skipper wi