Page:The Celtic Review volume 3.djvu/197

182 was as constantly at his wits’ end. He succeeded in piloting the boat well notwithstanding, till at length his quick ear detected the roar of the sea breaking upon the shore of the small islet of Stockay, lying close to the east end of Heiskeir and not far from Portroy, whither they were bound. His care now was to steer clear of a zigzag, dangerous rock that lies in the way of one making direct for the port from the head of Stockay, and called the Eel on account of its tortuous turnings. This he succeeded in accomplishing, not without great difficulty, for the snow fell so thick that he could scarcely see the man at the helm when he turned round to give him instructions. During the voyage Niel had his thoughts much engrossed with his own unfortunate circumstances. He was calculating upon the all but absolute certainty of a relapse, and, if a relapse, the equally certain issue in death. Revenged he would be upon his oppressors, if he only knew how or by what means. He devised a bold scheme for their destruction, the execution of which the thick fall of snow favoured vastly, while it allowed a chance, bare as it was, of his own escape at the same time. All knew that they were now close to some shore; but Niel had persuaded them that the entrance to the port, which he represented as very narrow, was still some distance ahead. Lulled in their security, and wrapped up in their plaids, the easy Lewismen were sitting upon the ballast, waiting until the call should be given, acting upon the instructions of the pilot, the steersman was quietly sitting at the helm, and the latter, perched upon the bow like a cormorant upon his rock, was all in readiness for the emergency which he had predetermined in his own mind, when crash! suddenly comes the boat against the wild rocks, a little to the south of the entrance to the port. But before she had actually struck Niel was already clinging desperately to the crags of the rough shore. As soon as the wave receded he rushed up to dry land, and was out of the reach of all immediate danger. On turning round he could see the ill-fated Lewismen struggling in the surge amidst masts, sails, ropes, oars, and