THE DOCTOR. 33 



tell her that there is no cause for anxiety. We may 

 not be able to get back for some time, but she will 

 know that we are all alive and safe. WUl you be 

 sure to do this, like good fellows ? " " Ay, that we 

 shall," was the ready reply. " The Lord gang wi' ye, 

 and send good news." 



Arrived at Fetlar we learned to our unspeakable 

 joy that the boat had reached land in safety, although 

 the passage had been a terrible one, that the doctor 

 had come not a moment too soon, and that his patient 

 was now doing as well as could be expected, although 

 exceedingly weak from loss of blood, and not out of 

 danger. And didn't we then just with a will and in 

 the highest of good spirits kindle up a magnificent blaze 

 on the Fetlar shore, to convey the good news across to 

 Unst. Although late at night, a messenger was im- 

 mediately sent to Halligarth, where, as may be sup- 

 posed, he was much made of, and feasted right royally 

 with the best the house contained; but with gentle 

 firmness he declined to receive two shining half-crowns 

 which were pressed upon his acceptance. "Na, na," 

 said the good-hearted fellow, " I'll no tak' a penny. 

 I'm ower blithe ta' ha' sic gude news o' the doctor to 

 bring. I never thocht ta' see his face again, but noo 

 we ken he's safe, and the Lord be thanked." 



It was indeed a happy thought that of the beacon, 

 for storm and snow came on again worse than ever, 

 and it was three days before we could venture to re- 

 cross the sound. 



