This same Alec Bruce became a widower when in his early seventies. Since his health wasn't good ( he had shaking palsy and a very bad heart), he decided he needed a wife. He asked Roddie Charlie, who knew a great many of the people in the area, if he would assist him in the pursuit of a wife. They traveled for a number of days, visiting widows and spinsters where they could locate them, but none appeared interested. One woman when interviewed, said to Roddie Charlie " I wouldn't take him but I would take you ". Another woman laughed so long and heartily, when told of their mission that they could get neither a yes or a no from her. They went to Sandy MacPherson 's in Wood Islands , he had a woman keeping house for him. She said she wouldn't leave Sandy because of him being crippled. When Alec was later asked his opinion on this particular prospect his reply was "she seemed like a nice plug of a woman". 37