Why , my poor country people in their bit cobles * pass from island to island in all weathers , ay , and by night too , for the matter of that . '' * Coble : a small boat used in fishing . `` A coble 's not a ship , sir , '' said the captain . `` It has nae draught of water . '' `` Well , then , to Glasgow if ye list ! '' says Alan . `` We 'll have the laugh of ye at the least . '' `` My mind runs little upon laughing , '' said the captain . `` But all this will cost money , sir . '' `` Well , sir , '' says Alan , `` I am nae weathercock . Thirty guineas , if ye land me on the sea-side ; and sixty , if ye put me in the Linnhe Loch . '' `` But see , sir , where we lie , we are but a few hours ' sail from Ardnamurchan , '' said Hoseason . `` Give me sixty , and I 'll set ye there . '' `` And I 'm to wear my brogues and run jeopardy of the red-coats to please you ? '' cries Alan . `` No , sir ; if ye want sixty guineas earn them , and set me in my own country . '' `` It 's to risk the brig , sir , '' said the captain , `` and your own lives along with her . '' `` Take it or want it , '' says Alan . `` Could ye pilot us at all ? '' asked the captain , who was frowning to himself .
`` Well , it 's doubtful , '' said XXXXX .
Alan Ardnamurchan Glasgow Hoseason Loch brogues guineas hours night red-coats