At the time MacLean of Dowart was proprietor of Tiree, this man, _Fionnladh Guibhneach_, was living near a small bay, _Port-nan-long_, in Balemartin, on the south side of the island (_air an leige deas_). There was no other joinersmith but himself, or rather, there was none to equal him in skill in the five islands (_anns na còig eileanan_). Balemartin and Mannal were in those days one farm-holding, and there were few people in the township. The change-house (_tigh-òsd_) was at the streamlet Gedans (_amhuinn Ghoidean_), between Island House, the proprietor’s residence, and the shore. At this time, also, there was fosterhood (_comhaltas_) between MacLeod of Dunvegan and MacLean of Tiree, by which they were bound to give proof of friendship for each other at whatever cost or whenever there was occasion on either side, and MacLeod, being in need of Finlay Guivnac’s service, came with his boat (_bìrlinn_) to Tiree for him. He landed at _Port-nan-long_ (the creek of sailing ships), and on reaching Island House was heartily welcomed by MacLean. When he asked for Finlay, he was told that he had not been at Island House for some days, “and it is not a good day when I do not see him,” MacLean said. MacLeod said he came to take Finlay with him for a year’s service; that all care would be taken of him, and if no misfortune or mischance befell either of them, he himself would bring him home at the end of the year. When MacLean heard this he said they would go in search of Finlay. They went, and as they were crossing the common (_an clar macharach_), between the house and the streamlet, they met Finlay, who, having recovered from the attack of ill-humour, was, as was usually his daily custom, on his way to Island House. MacLeod asked after his health, and if he was yet able to do as good work as ever. Finlay said that in place of getting weaker as he got older, he was daily gaining in strength and vigour (_neart’s tàbhachd_); he was more active in walking, and could see better than he had ever done. MacLeod said he was surprised to hear that, as in Skye people were failing in strength and activity as they became older, “and it is curious that it is different with you.” Finlay said he knew he was better now at walking and was gaining his eyesight, as formerly he could jump over Sorabai stream, but now he walked to the ford to get across; and when he was younger, if he saw a person, it was as one, but now it was as two and three. They took Finlay with them to the change-house. When pledging MacLean’s health, MacLeod, as was customary, said, “Wishing to get my wish from you, MacLean” (_Mo shainnseal ort, Mhic’illeathain_).