Chapter 44

Jerry McGurtrie arrived at Oncar in the early evening , he was not expected so there was no boat coming across from the island , but he did not mind . He was well known in the little town and strolled down to the quayside where the fishermen were drying their nets , pausing to speak to those he remembered . ' It's the young laird . '

The words flew from mouth to mouth , and men left their boats , women came to the doors of their houses ; bare - footed girls ran out , clutching shawls round their shoulders , to stare at the tall dark - haired blue eyed man with the broad shoulders and rangy figure , whom the older ones among them recalled as a baby , and later as a mischievous schoolboy always up to pranks . ' I want to get across , " he told them . ' Yes , I've come unexpectedly . I take it the laird and the rest of the family are in residence ? ' "aye , sir . '

One of the women pushed her way forward and curtseyed . ' Miss Margaret , she was here a bit ago , with th