THUKSO CASTLE. 259 



them up to the candle. In the latter way your sentiments 

 really became quite transparent. However, there are 

 some little tid-bits of which the rueaniug is more than 

 doubtful still, though I am very sure that they have a 

 meaning both broad and deep. 



"On Thursday afternoon we went ashore at Thurso, 

 and passed the evening with Sir George Sinclair and his 

 family at Thurso Castle. It is a nice, rather peculiar, 

 oddish-fashioned place, close upon the sea-beach, quite 

 treeless and unadorned, but pleasant though not picturesque 

 in fine weather, the Bay of Thurso looking like a lake 

 when the tide is in, and bringing the great sea-waters 

 close up under the windows. Sir George is extremely 

 kind and devoted to the poor and sick of the neighbour- 

 hood. A carriage came for us from the inn at a pretty 

 early hour, as we had to drive round the bay to what is 

 called Scrabster Roads, where the steamers lay at anchor. 

 We had previously packed up all our traps, and shipped 

 them to the Lucifer, having taken leave of Captain Parks. 

 This we did with regret, for he has been in every way 

 most kind, obliging, and attentive. He is a very pleasant- 

 looking person, quick and active. 



" The Lucifer is a much larger and more commodious 

 vessel, with a beautiful cabin as big as a small drawing- 

 room, finished off with solid mahogany doors, and excel- 

 lent state-rooms. She is commanded by a very gentle- 



