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For a fewat the condemned and unfortunate boat

in silence; then she turned and began to walk rapidly toward the nearest

cluster of cottages The sea fog was rolling in thick, with the tide, and

the air was cold and keen A voice called her through it, and she answered

the long-drawn "Maggie" with three cheerful words, "I', and throwing a plaid about her,

said, "What for did you go near the boat, Maggie? When you ken where ill

luck is, you should keep far from it"

"A better looking or a bonnier boat I ne'er saw, Davie"

"It's wi' boats, as it is wi' men and women; some for destruction,

so o' it, and it's

a' right, Maggie"

"That's what folks say I' it mysel' It's our ain fault some

way Noo there would be a false pluh we didna ken

it"

"Weel, weel, she failed in as expected o' her, and she's got her

deserts We must tak' care o' our ain job But I hae news for you, and if

you'll mak' a cup o' tea, and toast a Finnin haddie, we'll talk it o'er"

The Proe was in a bend of the hills, but so near the sea that

the full tide broke al pebbles

down the beach after it It was a low stone dwelling, white-washed, and

heather-roofed, and containing only three rooether Its deal furniture was spotless, its floor

cleanly sanded, and a bright turf fire was burning on the brick hearth