Such is the
tradition of the mariners; and its truth has been attested by many
families whose sons and whose fathers have been drowned in the haunted
bay of Blawhooly."
"And trow ye," said the old woman, who, attracted from her hut by the
drowning cries of the young fisherman, had remained an auditor of the
mariner's legend,--"and trow ye, Mark Macmoran, that the tale of the
Haunted Ships is done? I can say no to that. Mickle have mine ears heard;
but more mine eyes have witnessed since I came to dwell in this humble
home by the side of the deep sea. I mind the night weel: it was on
Hallowmass eve: the nuts were cracked, and the apples were eaten, and
spell and charm were tried at my fireside; till, wearied with diving
into the dark waves of futurity, the lads and lasses fairly took to
the more visible blessings of kind words, tender clasps, and gentle
courtship. Soft words in a maiden's ear, and a kindly kiss o' her lip,
were old-world matters to me, Mark Macmoran; though I mean not to say
that I have been free of the folly of daunering and daffin with a youth
in my day, and keeping tryste with him in dark and lonely places.
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