The track was easily seen, and although it was exceedingly cold, the Doctor, being well wrapped up, contrived, with incessant smoking, to be moderately comfortable.

All external objects being a blank, he soon turned to his companion to see what he could get out of him.
"What part of the country are you from, my friend ?" "Fra' the Isle of Skye," the man answered.

"I'm one of the Macdonalds of Skye." "That's a very ancient family, is it not ?" said the Doctor at a venture, knowing he could not go wrong with a Highlander.
"Very ancient, and weel respeckit," the man answered.
"And who is your sheik, rajah, chieftain, or what you call him ?" "My lord Macdonald.

I am cousin to my lord." "Indeed! He owns the whole island, I suppose ?" "There's Mackinnons live there.

But they are interlopers; they are worthless trash," and he spit in disgust.
"I suppose," said the Doctor, "a Mackinnon would return the compliment, if speaking of a Macdonald." The man laughed, and said, he supposed "Yes," then added, "See! what's yon ?" "A white stump burnt black at one side,--what did you think it was ?" "I jaloused it might be a ghaist.