ion demanded a new frock for the queen of the revels.

The Shetland ladies of that time were wont to keep "by them" a hoard of
"material," seeing that shops were beyond their reach; therefore Miss
Adiesen was at no loss to provide a suitable and elegant picnic costume
for the darling of Boden; and the result did credit to her taste and
ingenuity.

As the family party were taking their places in the boat, two
unexpected guests arrived with the evident intention of joining the
others. These were Thor and Mr. Neeven. Thor coolly lighted aboard
and settled himself close by Mr. Adiesen, remarking, as he did so,
"Just so! Bad boy! bad boy! Uncle!"

These observations evidently referred to Pirate--not the scientist--who
was lying at their master's feet with head lovingly rested against his
knee, a position which Thor never liked to see occupied by any one, for
he was a jealous bird.

Mr. Adiesen welcomed Sir Raven by handing him a crust from the
capacious pocket which never failed to carry a supply of such tokens of
good-will. While addressing Thor in the way he liked best, the old
gentleman greeted his cousin by saying, "Glad you thought better of it,
and have come, Gaun. Fine day for an excursion, this. Here is a
comfortable place for you," and he made room for Neeven beside Miss
Osla; but the recluse merely nodded "Good morning" to his relatives,
stepped along the thwarts to the bow, and seated himself there.

His ways, peculiar and not meant for incivility, were too well known to
provoke comment. The _Osprey_ was shoved off by Yaspard, while Lowrie
and Gibbie got out a pair of oars to help the boat along, as the wind
was very light.

Brues Adiesen was in high good spirits, and insisted upon taking an oar
too as soon as his nephew sat down to row. Then Signy began to sing
for very gladness of soul, as the birds do. Yaspard took up the chorus
of her song, which was commented upon by Thor in his usual sage manner;
and even Miss Osla forgot to seem afraid of the sea--a sentimental
fashion which had been considered a feminine attraction in the days of
her youth.

Altogether the _Osprey's_ party was as happy and almost as blithe a one
as that of the _Laulie_, which arrived at the little bay of Havnholme a
few minutes after the Boden boat. Shortly afterwards two more boats
arrived in company. These were the _Vaigher_ and _Mermaid_, containing
all the rest of Fred's guests. He was in his father's place at the