304 THE HOME OF A NATURALIST. 



But to return to our expedition to Muness and our 

 day at the Eela there. 



A full hour before dawn of the short winter day we 

 started in the Blanche, a fine "fourareen" — four- 

 oared-boat, — belonging to my uncle, with whom she 

 was, on account of her grand rowing and sea-boat 

 qualities and general handiness, a great favourite, when 

 he went seal-hunting. The morning was fine, the sea 

 smooth, and only a light breeze blowing from the south, 

 therefore directly contrary : so we rowed to our des- 

 tination. The day was spent in fishing. The piltacks, 

 at this season large and fat, were taking splendidly, 

 and we made a great haul. But as the afternoon 

 advanced the wind rather suddenly shifted to the 

 south-east, and greatly increased : the sky got over- 

 cast, and threatened what seamen call " dirty weather : " 

 the sea also rose rapidly. We began to consult about 

 returning ; but after due deliberation it was deemed ad- 

 visable to linger a little to see if we were really going 

 to have a storm or only a temporary squall. Another 

 boat had come from Baltasound in the morning when 

 we did, and was fishing close beside us. Her skipper, 

 Tammy Johnstone, an active, energetic young fisher- 

 man, but with the reputation of being sometimes very 

 foolhardy, hailed us — " Don't you think we should be 

 running for home ? " Cautious Peter, who was very 

 weather-wise, replied — " We are going to wait half-an- 

 hour longer. By that time we shall see if it will be 

 safe. I don't like the look of that black sky. It may 

 come to nothing after all: but it will be wise not to 



