uld be afraid for
him; but Harry Mitchell soothed his wounded pride by saying, "I expect
the Doctor is thinking of Signy. He is always so careful that girls
shall not be frightened--and she might be, you know, if she saw a big
wave alongside, and no one with her but you."

"Signy wouldn't be afraid if she were left floating in mid-ocean on a
plank _with me_," Signy's brother made answer.

So the _Laulie_ did not go farther than the Head of Collaster, but took
the way to Westervoe when the _Osprey_ set her face to Boden.

There was not much wind, but a long and gentle swell, and the little
boat went dancing over the waves in a manner wholly delightful to the
brother and sister.

"This is delicious, brodhor," said Signy, "and we have had a splendid
time; but it is nice to be going home. Now tell me about your quest."

CHAPTER XVI.

"FOR NAUGHT HE WOTTED, NOR MIGHT SEE CLEARLY."

"You remember, Mootie, about the big row concerning Havnholme--I mean
the last disturbance which made Fred Garson write to uncle?"

"I know a little about it. Uncle killed a number of birds, and a poor
seal?"

"That wasn't quite how things went, though we heard that was it. We
were told correctly enough about the birds; and I must say I think
Uncle Brues thinks too much of science and specimens, and too little of
lives. But we did not hear the right way about the seal I have heard
something about it from Fred, and I don't wonder he was so indignant.
It seems they had a tame seal at the Ha'. It had been given to Miss
Garson when it was very young. Its mother had been killed by some
Cockney tourists, and the Laird of Lunda took the little seal home. It
was a great pet, and used to go and fish for itself in Blaesound, but
would always come home when tired or called upon."

"Just as Loki does," said Signy.

"Yes; and they were all very fond of it. But after the Laird died, his
people were a good deal away from the Ha', and the pets were
neglected--servants are so stupid in that way--and so it happened that
the seal was out in Blaesound one day, and didn't come back as usual.
Fred says he heard it had become shy, and a bit wild, through not being
petted, and perhaps it went off of its free will; but he believes it
lost its way among the skerries, and would have returned if it had
known how, or if any one had had the sense to go and look for it as
soon as it was missed. Anyway, it was lost. When the family came home
it was