Empty Nets and Promises Read Online Free PDF

nothing at all. Just thinking about a case. It was when you mentioned a plane.’ He stared across the loch. Sure enough, there was Sandy Hoynes at the prow of the Girl Maggie , puffs of pipe smoke billowing out behind him.

7
    As it turned out, the following Wednesday was exactly as forecast. Rain pelted Kinloch, aided and abetted by a strong westerly gale, which kept mariners and aviators alike away from their toil.
    Sandy Hoynes was standing beside Hamish and a slightly built man with a squint at the bar of the Douglas Arms. The hostelry was busy, with a fair number of land-bound fishermen taking advantage of the day off to enjoy a dram or two.
    â€˜No’ a sign o’ they pilots, Hamish. Isn’t it jeest typical – the way oor luck’s been playing o’er the last while, and no mistake.’
    â€˜Och, Sandy, but you’re a right pessimist. I telt you, I had that dream last night – we’ll meet them today, right here. There’s nae doubt aboot it.’
    â€˜Fortunately I have faith in your prescience, Hamish. But I could still do wae another wee sensation – jeest tae keep the spirits up. Is it no’ your round, Geordie?’
    The man with the squint turned; he appeared to take in both Hoynes and Hamish at the same time before reaching into his pocket. ‘Is it no’ enough you’re commandeering my wee bothy and my Land Rover? You want me tae buy drinks, tae.’
    â€˜We’ve filled her up wae diesel, Geordie. Aye, and this wee scheme will be an advantage tae you as well. You’ve caught less than us o’er the last few weeks,’ noted Hamish.
    â€˜I don’t deny it. If I hadna kept they sheep an’ that oot at Glen Brackie, I don’t know how we’d have made ends meet.’
    â€˜It’s a hell o’ a trek, mind,’ said Hoynes. ‘I’m no’ sure I’d want tae dae that every day, especially efter a hard day at sea. Off tae look efter sheep and the like. You’ve got a big heart, Geordie.’
    â€˜You know fine I widna manage it mysel’. Beth does a lot o’ that – unless the weather’s the way it is today. She doesn’t like running the risk o’ the Piper’s Pass in heavy rain.’
    â€˜The Piper’s Pass is as safe as hooses. I canna mind the last time there was a landslide,’ said Hamish.
    â€˜Easy for you tae say. Her grandfaither was crushed under it in nineteen forty-seven. Every time there’s any heavy rain, she’ll no’ go anywhere near it. Jeest as well we’re on this mission the day. I’d have tae have gone oot in any event.’
    â€˜Ten miles o’ rough tracks, then a pile o’ auld sheep for company. As I say, you’ve got a big heart, Geordie.’
    Geordie paid for the drinks and sighed. ‘It’s no’ all bad. The wee bothy is cosy enough once you get the fire set. Everything you need. I’ve even got a wireless, so it’s no’ much different fae being in the wheelhoose. I get a brew goin’, get a bite on the wee stove, and sit back. Not a soul tae bother you, herself back in the toon, the gas lamps flickering wae the firelight – it’s fair relaxing.’
    â€˜No’ if the Piper’s Pass comes doon on your heid,’ remarked Hamish, taking the first sip of his fresh dram.
    â€˜It’s happened once since I had the place – well, since I’ve been married tae Beth, it coming fae her family.’
    â€˜Was that in fifty-six, Geordie?’ asked Hoynes.
    â€˜Aye, it was that. Fortunately, it was Davy, Beth’s brother who’d gone oot. We’d had tae put in at Sanda, if you mind. Hellish weather, all together. Beth widna consider it, so he stepped intae the breach.’
    â€˜An’ him busy at the bank all day, tae,’ said Hamish.
    â€˜But the crofting’s still in his blood. Mark you, he hasna offered since.’
    â€˜Are you