Chapter 4 Summary

This chapter opens with the image of the sea eroding a stone structure that is located on the seashore at the edge of the ocean. This circular stone structure is a mystery to Thorfinn and he wonders what it could have been. His father does not know, but guesses that it may have been a Celtic church or a lighthouse.

At the general store, the island women comment on Mr. Simon's lady-friend, Miss Cameron, who is also a schoolteacher. While they are there, Albert Laird, the carpenter arrives and makes small talk with the ladies. They joke about who the recipient will be for the cradle he is making. This reminds Isa Estquoy that Albert makes both cradles and coffins in his workshop. She stops the conversation short and completes the transaction for his purchases. Mr. Harcourt-Smithers, the "laird" of the island arrives...