a little remembrance, and thank
you."

As he spoke, he slipped a sovereign into the hands of the two first
named, and two into that of the forester. But, as if moved by the same
idea, all three dashed the money at his feet, the gold coins jingling
upon the stone floor.

Max's eyes dilated, and he gazed from one to the other.

"I am very sorry," he said, after a painful pause. "Good-bye. It is
not my fault."

He went slowly out, and before he had gone half a dozen yards the money
struck him on the back, and Long Shon cried hoarsely,--

"Tonal' sends ye his curse for blasting ta home o' ta Mackhais!"

Once more the coins fell jingling down, and, flinching away, shrinking
with shame, sorrow, and indignation, Max returned into the house,
feeling that he could not go boating now, and wishing that the next day
had come, and he were on the road back to London.

But, just as he reached the hall, he heard the voice of the man in
charge raised loudly, and, looking out, he saw the second man running
along the natural rock terrace, below which lay the bathing cavern and
the rugged platform from which they would take boat.

The next moment Scoodrach's voice rose in shrill and angry tones, and he
could see that Kenneth was holding him back.

Max ran down with his pulses throbbing, for he felt that something was
very wrong.

"I'll have the law of him," the bailiff was saying, as Max ran up. "He
struck me, and drew his knife on me. I'll have him locked up before he
knows where he is."

"Let her go, let her go, Maister Ken!" yelled Scoodrach, struggling
furiously. "She'll hae her bluid! Let her go, and she'll slit her
weam!"

"Be quiet, Scood," said Kenneth, holding the young gillie fast, but
speaking in a low, despondent tone. "Here, Max, take the knife away
from this mad fool."

"Nay, nay," cried Scoodrach; "if the Southron comes she'll hae her bluid
too."

Instinctively grasping what was the matter, and with his cheeks flushed
with indignation, Max dashed at Scoodrach, seized his wrist, and twisted
the knife out of his hand.

"What does this mean?" he cried, turning angrily upon the bailiff.

"Mean, sir? My orders are to let nothing go off the premises, and this
young gentleman comes doon wi' this young Hieland wild cat, and tries to
get oot the boat."

"Well?"

"Well, sir, I said it was not to go, and then this cat-a-mountain struck
me."

"She insulted ta young Chief," panted Scoodrach.

"Be qu