The wind shouted and laughed and shook the house, and whistled and sighed as it rushed away.

Below him, nearer the shore, lay the village, its white house-walls lit by the moonlight, and beyond he could see the ships in the glittering bay.
When the door opened such a feast of warmth and comfort appeared to his eyes that he did not soon forget it, for he had expected nothing but the necessaries of life.

Bright decoration of home-made rugs and ornaments was on all sides, and a table was laid.
They were four spinsters of Irish descent who kept this small inn, and all that good housewifery could do to make it comfortable was done.

The table was heaped with such dainties as could be concocted from the homely products of the island; large red cranberries cooked in syrup gave colour to the repast.

Soon a broiled chicken was set before Caius, and steaming coffee rich with cream.
To these old maids Caius was obliged to relate wherefore he had come and whither he was bound.