ined, and told her of the part they expected
her to play, the little girl's heart began to beat with the wildest
hopes and fears that ever stirred in one so young.

The shadow of that terrible family feud had early fallen on her gentle
spirit, and the vivid imagination which made her almost realise many
merely ideal fancies had exaggerated that inherited enmity into
something too dreadful to put into words. Such thoughts had been
fostered, of course, by the inconsiderate way in which Mr. Adiesen had
spoken and acted, never thinking, as he ought to have done, of the
tender years of one who marked his words--never caring that his
sentiments were the reverse of Christian. I think he rather "prided
himself" upon the feud as a thing pertaining to his family tree, and to
be cherished along with the motto on his crest! No one had dared to
tell the Laird of Boden plainly that he was acting as no civilised--far
less God-fearing--man should act, and he had never taken himself to
task upon the subject. Consequently he had put no restraint on his
speech, nor cared who heard him, when denouncing the Lairds of Lunda
and all pertaining to them!

Signy would, of her own free will, as soon have put her hand into a
red-hot fire as have asked Uncle Brues to receive Fred Garson in a
hospitable manner; but she was made of fine metal, and would carry out
Yaspard's wishes, although all the thunders of Thor and Odin were ready
to burst on her little head.

She put her hand frankly into that of Fred and walked up to the house,
soon followed by Yaspard, who had only lingered a moment to give some
instructions to the Harrisons before they left, with Gloy, for their
home.

When Moolapund was reached Yaspard said to Signy, "Take Mr. Garson to
the parlour, and I will go and tell Aunt Osla he is here."

The parlour, you may remember, was being used as a study while the Den
was undergoing renovation; and Mr. Adiesen was sitting at a table
examining some pieces of rock which greatly delighted him, for he was
saying to himself, in tones of extreme satisfaction, "I knew it! I was
convinced of it! I always believed it was to be found in those
islands! and _I_ am the discoverer!"

"Uncle!" said the soft little voice, and the scientist turned round to
face his hereditary foe!

He had never seen Fred, but some striking traits peculiar to his race,
made it easy for Mr. Adiesen to recognise a Garson in the bold youth
who stood there smiling and