These five men, who were all in different degrees known to me, presented no very formal aspect, and I felt no dread of what was to follow.  As I sat there awaiting the opening of the proceedings I looked straight before me at the long table.  Here, lying in front of the two bailies, were my fowling piece and a coil of rope.  Before Mr. Drever lay Jarl Haffling’s talisman; also, to my surprise, I observed the wooden box that I had seen in the cave, and the little chest that I had taken from the chart room of the Pilgrim; on the lid of the latter was the log book of that ill-fated ship.

What these relics of the Pilgrim could possibly have to do with the murder of Colin Lothian I was at a loss to know.  But their importance in the issue of the case will presently be seen.

“Halcro Ericson!” said Bailie Duke.

I rose to my feet and faced him.  He tapped his snuffbox and took a large pinch, and leisurely passed the box to the dominie.  Presently, after much use of his bandanna handkerchief, he continued: 

“Halcro Ericson, you were arrested on Saturday last on suspicion of being the murderer of Colin Lothian—­a poor, worthy man, known and respected in the Mainland for many, many years.  At the time of your arrest on board the Clasper, the evidence against you was circumstantially complete, and appeared to be conclusive.  Further evidence of an important nature, however, has since been gathered by Mr. Drever here, and it has brought new light upon the matter.  You are not, I am happy to say, to be formally charged with the murder of Lothian; but, in the absence of the proper official—­the procurator fiscal—­it is necessary that I, as the senior bailie of Stromness, should make some inquiry into this case, you see.  You will presently be examined with other witnesses, and you will have an opportunity of, I hope, clearing yourself of whatever suspicion is still attached to you.  Sit down again, Halcro.”

Concluding this speech, Mr. Duke rang a little hand bell that was on the table, and Macfarlane appeared at one of the doors.

“Just send in Jack Paterson and Steenie Barrie,” he said; and presently the two fishermen were ushered in.  Paterson, entering first, touched his forelock to the magistrate, and similarly saluted Lieutenant Fox.

“Jack, my man,” said Mr. Duke, “just let us know what way ye found auld Colin’s body.”

Paterson stepped up to the table, twirling his sou’wester round and round by the brim between his two big hands.

“Weel, ye see, Mr. Duke,” began Jack falteringly, “I was lying in my bed on Friday night when young Halcro Ericson knocked at the door and telt me that Thora Kinlay was out in the storm and couldna be found.  So I cam’ along to Stromness—­”

“Ay, but dinna mind that part o’ the story, Jack,” interrupted Mr. Duke; “just begin where Steenie and you heard the dog.”

“Yes, Mr. Duke,” said Paterson, dropping his sou’wester in his nervousness.  And then he repeated what Captain Flett had already told me.