ster of the vessel just
wrecked on the coast. He shook his head on a further inquiry as to the
fate of her crew. "A score as good hands," said he, "are gone to the
bottom as ever unreefed a clean topsail or hung out a ship's canvas to
the wind; I saw them all go down as I lashed myself to the jib." He
groaned deeply; but speedily assuming a gayer tone, requested a quid and
a quiet hammock. "My lights are nearly stove in,--my head hangs as loose
as a Dutchman's shrouds; a night's sleep will make all taut again."

Old Bridget was gone to bed; and unless the sailor chose to occupy the
straw pallet already in the possession of a guest whose mysterious
arrival seemed to be the forerunner of nothing but confusion and
disaster, there did not seem any chance of obtaining a berth save by
remaining in his present situation. I told him of the dilemma, but Kate
replied:--"We can just take the body fro' the bed; it winna tak' harm
upo' the chest i' the fur nook. The captain will not maybe sleep the
waur for quiet company."

He did not seem to relish the idea of passing the night even with so
quiet a companion; but as it seemed the least disagreeable alternative,
we agreed to pilot him to the chamber and help the miserable pallet to
change occupants. The corpse we agreed to lay on some clean litter used
for the bedding of the cattle. We conducted the stranger to his
dormitory, which was formerly a hay loft, until converted into an
occasional sleeping-room for the humble applicants who sometimes craved
a night's lodging at the Sandy Holm.

The only entrance was by a crazy ladder, and so steep, that I was
afraid our feeble companion would find considerable difficulty in
climbing to his chamber. It was my intention to have prevented him from
getting a sight of the ghastly object that occupied his couch; but
pressing foremost, he ran up the ladder with surprising agility, gaining
the top ere I had made preparations for the ascent. I mounted
cautiously, giving him the light whilst I made good my landing; and he
went directly to the bed. I had set my foot on the floor, and was
lending a hand to Kate, who had still to contend with the difficulties
of the way, when I heard a dismal and most appalling shriek. Starting
round, I beheld the stranger gazing on the couch, his eyeballs almost
bursting from their sockets, and his countenance distorted with horror
and amazement. I ran to him as the light dropped from his grasp;
catching it ere it