Most likely on the main land,
where the seaside places are largest, and where he is sure of getting
all the stores he wants. Next, what is our business? Not to risk losing
a link in the chain of evidence by missing any place where he has put
his foot on shore. Not to overshoot the mark when we want to hit it in
the bull's-eye. Not to waste money and time by taking a long trip to
Sweden till we know that we must absolutely go there. Where is our
journey of discovery to take us to first, then? Clearly to the north
of Scotland. What do you say to that, Mr. William? Is my catechism all
correct, or has your strong ale muddled my head?"

It was evident by this time that no ale could do that, and I told him
so. He chuckled, winked at me, and, taking another pinch of snuff, said
he would now turn the whole case over in his mind again, and make sure
that he had got all the bearings of it quite clear.

By the time we reached the post-town he had accomplished this mental
effort to his own perfect satisfaction, and was quite ready to compare
the ale at the inn with the ale at Darrock Hall. The dog-cart was left
to be taken back the next morning by the hostler. A post-chaise and
horses were ordered out. A loaf of bread, a Bologna sausage, and two
bottles of sherry were put into the pockets of the carriage; we took our
seats, and started briskly on our doubtful journey.

"One word more of friendly advice," says Mr. Dark, settling himself
comfortably in his corner of the carriage. "Take your sleep, William,
whenever you feel that you can get it. You won't find yourself in bed
again till we get to Glasgow."

CHAPTER III.

ALTHOUGH the events that I am now relating happened many years ago, I
shall still, for caution's sake, avoid mentioning by name the various
places visited by Mr. Dark and myself for the purpose of making
inquiries. It will be enough if I describe generally what we did, and if
I mention in substance only the result at which we ultimately arrived.

On reaching Glasgow, Mr. Dark turned the whole case over in his mind
once more. The result was that he altered his original intention of
going straight to the north of Scotland, considering it safer to make
sure, if possible, of the course the yacht had taken in her cruise along
the western coast.

The carrying out of this new resolution involved the necessity of
delaying our onward journey by perpetually diverging from the direct
road. Three times we were sent u