When the rowers got fairly out to sea, they were dismayed to find that the sloop had disappeared during the night. There was every reason to fear that they were a day too late for the market, and that the last vessel to be seen that season was now sailing away from them. “If it be,” said Ronald, “we must take a voyage to the Clyde islands, or perhaps to Greenock; and I should not much mind that: Ella could do without us for a few days.” “We must prevent such a waste of time,” said Ella; “so pull away southwards, and let us see if we cannot overtake the sloop. She cannot have gone far with this wind. The first of you that wearies, give me the oar.” The boys continued their rowing in silence till Ella desired Ronald to make for a boat some way off and hail it. He did so. “Holla! Which way lies the Jean Campbell?” “Gone northwards before the wind.” Northwards! Then she could not have completed her cargo yet; “but would she return through the same Sounds?” they asked the people in the other boat. “Hardly likely,” was the answer; “but there is another coming up, the Mary of Port Glasgow. If ye clear the point, ye’ll see her with all her sails set, unless she has stopped to take in kelp or herrings.” Away went the boat again, and eager were the rowers to learn whether the market was yet open to them. In half an hour they came in sight of the Mary, not sailing before the wind as they expected; but rolling idly on the rough sea, while boats were making towards her from various points of the shores within sight. When they came alongside, Ella spoke her errand; and on receiving an encouraging answer, would willingly have sent her brothers on board to manage their bargain, while she remained in the boat. But it was too important an affair for them to conduct, inexperienced as they were in traffic; and it was necessary for her to go on deck of the Mary. While talking with the master, and observing no one else, she did not perceive, as Ronald did, that a man on deck who looked like a passenger, was watching her closely, and drawing nearer to listen to what she said. Ronald placed himself beside his sister, and then the stranger looked down into the boat where Fergus remained. “Will you make room for me, Fergus?” he asked. “Will you take me home with you to see your father and Archie?” Fergus reddened all over; and when he made his reply, the stranger was moved also. “Your father dead!” he exclaimed. “I never heard it. Let me come to you that you may tell me all.” “You must ask Ella if there’s room for you,” said Fergus; “besides, I don’t know who you are.” “Do you ever think of one Angus that you once knew?” “Aye, often enough, and wonder if he be dead. Why, I do believe you are Angus, sir! Ronald, Ronald! See if this be not Angus back again.”