comfort
him as one might a little child.

A brief explanation made the whole matter plain to our friends of
Lunda, but it took some time to show the _Norna's_ captain how it
stood. He had been nursing much wrath against the inhabitants of
Boden, and would scarcely pay sufficient heed to what Fred said. But
his boatswain's account of the matter satisfied him, and he was as
willing as any one of the party to postpone the disagreeable visit to
Boden, and return to Collaster with as much expedition as possible.

Under the Doctor's skilful directions the injured man was removed to
the boat, which was soon being rowed by six pairs of strong arms back
to Lunda; and while so proceeding, Fred contrived to revive Yaspard's
hopes regarding Signy.

It was impossible, he said, that the boat could go far out to sea, for
the many cross-currents would prevent her. Nor was it likely that she
could upset, unless she came in contact with the rocks. It was even
possible that little Signy, so intelligent and brave, might think of
using the helm to guide herself. She was quite familiar with the
working of a boat, and after the first panic was over might find some
way of serving herself.

Thus Fred talked, and Yaspard's naturally sanguine nature caught
inspiration from his words. He was even ready to smile, and say, "Yes,
the _Laulie's_ crew will find her if any can," when Fred spoke of the
young Mitchells and their boat, no doubt available at that time.

Unfortunately the _Laulie_ was not available, for those restless boys
had determined on a fishing expedition to the Ootskerries preparatory
to their Viking-raid on Trullyabister, and had gone off early that
morning. However, there were many other, if less interested and less
efficient, crews in Lunda ready to do the young Laird's bidding; and
not long after his return a number of boats were leaving the island to
scour its neighbouring seas in search of the lost child.

Yaspard could scarcely be constrained from embarking in the first
available boat, and was only deterred by Fred's assurance that he had a
plan in his head which was only workable by themselves twain.

"When you have fed and rested we will set about it; and while you are
obeying the Doctor by lying down on that sofa, I will go home and tell
my mother what has happened, and what I purpose doing."

In the afternoon--just twenty-four hours after the _Osprey_ had sailed
from the voe of Collaster with a happy brother