Free Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg Page B

a simple system of governing and loyalty.’ George leaned back in his chair and spread his legs. Born to relative wealth, sharp-witted and the protégé of Mr Bewick, he could afford to be confident.
    â€˜Yes, but would you not agree that it is a bit unfashionable? We must move with the times and do what we can to improve before God.’
    â€˜Unless I am misinformed, this was the argument adopted by many ministers to justify the Clearances. Did you know that over ten thousand people were evicted from the Sutherland estate while ministers and lairds stood by and did nothing to save the communities they were supposed to care for?’ George was beginning to sound quite heated now.
    â€˜Yes, as a matter of fact I am well aware of the Sutherland Clearances; my own family were amongst those who left for Canada! But the old way of life was not sustainable – you know that as well as I do, Mr Atkinson.’ The minister had raised his voice and seemed agitated; he brushed his hair out of his eyes. He could not believe that this privileged young man was implying that the Highland ministers had deceived their congregations.
    â€˜With all respect, sir, I am not sure that I agree.’
    â€˜Oh?’ There was a note of sarcasm in the minister’s voice.
    â€˜Well, how can it be in the interest of any state to diminish the lives of its most loyal and moral people? Why expatriate those who support the nation in war and provide for it, in the most economical and contented way, in peace?’
    â€˜You have always been a man of means, Mr Atkinson. I was born into the years of starvation, after a series of failed crops in the Highlands towards the end of the last century. I know that agricultural improvement, hard work and an unfailing belief in God are the only things that can save communities like this one from disaster!’ He was surprised at his own confession.
    â€˜Have the lairds and politicians nothing to learn from the experience of a community that has survived on this island for a thousand years?’
    â€˜Believe me, Mr Atkinson, when I say that I know these islanders better than you do. What they need is sophisticated guidance from men with experience of the greater world. And they need to ask God’s forgiveness so that He may listen to their prayers.’
    â€˜You want them to fear God? Have they not got enough to fear in this place?’
    â€˜George!’ Dick said warningly, but was ignored.
    â€˜My purpose here is to improve these people and bring them closer to God.’ The minister was desperate; he knew that he had lost the upper hand but could not think how.
    â€˜These people are, as you noted yourself, politically primitive. They are used to having no leader. Do you not understand that as you take authority of their souls and minds they will turn to you as to a God? Do you not fear the consequences of your tuition?’
    â€˜George, please! Mind your words and your temper!’ Dick said, as he would always lean a little in either direction to balance a situation. ‘I am sure our generous host has no taste for your adolescent arguments!’
    George, reminded of his position as a guest, cooled down and said in an even voice, ‘I beg your pardon, Reverend. I get carried away in discussions. It is my nature, I am afraid, and it is most deplorable. We will perhaps differ on this topic as I, an artist and a scientist, will remain morally much inferior to you, a man of God.’
    The minister, quite shaken now, mumbled a conciliatory answer. George’s words had disturbed him deeply. At the same time he could not help but admire the young man’s engagement. In fact, as he looked at George’s flushed face he remembered the vigorous youth he himself had once been, before that fatal storm off Arran. William’s death and his own survival had been the most defining factor of his life. If he had not survived for a purpose, William’s