THE DENSCHMAN'S HAD. 165 



enough. " Come not nearer ; but undo the tow-line, 

 and take that boat to its owner. It is freighted with 

 goodly gifts for the udaller's three fair daughters, who 

 will know whence those tokens come. — And know, ye 

 hinds of Unst, that ye owe your lives and all that 

 makes life precious to the golden-haired maidens. — 

 Begone!" Then the speaker — easily recognised as 

 the Denschman — made imperious sign to his mariners, 

 who speedily put the vessel on another tack, and before 

 many minutes he was running out to sea again. 



The islanders towed the laden boat ashore, where a 

 throng was waiting their return. Numerous questions 

 were asked, numerous conjectures made. The udaller 

 and his daughters were summoned and the precious 

 cargo displayed. Table utensils of silver, personal 

 ornaments of gold, silken stuffs and snowy linens, rich 

 wines and fruits, and precious grain, whatever could 

 please feminine taste, were spread before the wonder- 

 ing people, while the three sisters stood mute and 

 blushing, now cowering with strange shame, anon 

 glancing with curious pride at all around. 



Presently, their old father addressed them in grave 

 and troubled tones : " Tell us the meaning of this 

 strange giidic [riddle]." 



At that, the two younger girls fell on their knees 

 and clasped his hands entreatingly, while the eldest 

 sister cried : " father, do not be angered, and I will 

 tell ye all. We heard you speak of the Denschman 

 in his sore strait with nobody to pity him. It's true 

 he had dealt cruelly by our isle ; but — but, father, 



