not far from this," he said, as his words of welcome closed. "You are yachting, I suppose?"
"No."
"No? I thought that fisher-costume was surely a sailor's dress. May I ask what brings you, then, to this world-forgotten nook?"
"I came to get a boat, and a boat's crew if I could."
"Ah! you have lost your way?"
"I know the coast well. I merely need a boat—of what kind matters little. Can you help me?"
"I grieve to say no. My friends' residence is some way from here; and, besides, they have not even a pleasure skiff; they care nothing for the water. But you would not put out to the open sea in a mere boat?"
"Why so?"
"Why! Because I fancy no man would who was not weary of his life—or whose life was not menaced on the land."
Erceldoune looked up; with a flash of his fiery impatience.
"Explain that phrase."
"Transíate it for yourself."
"Not I. I am in no mood for enigmas. You had your meaning; out with it!"
