The Isle of the Dead

Simon had more-or-less stumbled across the eccentric old man while in transit aboard The Juleinder from America to Scotland. The particular night was a pleasant night - neither too cold nor too muggy. A cool breeze was blowing out of the North Atlantic. Simon had gone out onto the promontory bow for a cigar to complement his cognac after dinner and was enjoying the cool, night air when the old man joined him uninvited. Rather than being put off by the intrusion, Simon was more than welcome for the company. "Delightful night is it not?" The old man announced in a Scottish accent looking out across the sea. He could have been talking to anyone but Simon was the only one within earshot.

"Yes sir, it is that. Would you care for a cigar my good man?" Simon offered out of politeness. "They are from my farm in Winston-Salem."

"That would be magnificent," the old man replied. Simon produced another cigar and assisted the old man with the lighting. The old man took a long draw on the cigar, smacked his tongue and lips as if tasting a piece of cake then he exhaled the smoke and nodded in approval to Simon. "Excellent cigar lad. So you own a tobacco farm you say?"

"Yes sir, it is a family business my father started and I am now the chief executor of the estate and the family business. The name is Simon Bancroft," Simon said offering his hand in formal greeting.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am the Earl Roland McDermott."

"Ah, a nobleman. I am honored by your company," Simon said in surprise. He didn't expect this elderly gentleman to be more than common folk. Simon leaned his back against the railing of the ship and regarded the old man.

"Yes, but, I am afraid it is little more than a title in this day and age. I was out of my homeland for quite some time on business and upon my return I was saddened to discover that my family had mismanaged my estate and land holdings. But, I am happy to announce that I have made great strides in the recovery of my estate and am just now returning from a very productive business venture in the United States."

"Well," said Simon growing more intrigued by this mysterious old man of royal blood. "I am pleased to hear of your recovering good fortune. As I said, my business is the tobacco business but my pleasure is something entirely different. And, while it is your business that brings you to my homeland, it is my pleasure that brings me to yours. I should very much like to talk to you about my hobby so that maybe you can assist me on my trip. I am quite a bibliophile and I am going to Scotland in search of some antiquarian books."

"Oh, you are a collector of classical texts then?" the old man said, his eyes lighting up with interest.