uds of black smoke, which seemed to reach for
miles.

Then by degrees the steamer grew plainer, the white water could be seen
foaming behind the beating paddles, and the figures of the passengers on
deck. Then the faces grew clearer, and there was a scurry by the
gangway, and almost directly after the paddles ceased churning up the
clear water, the sail dropped down. Scoodrach caught the rope that was
thrown; the portmanteaus, gun-case, and rods were passed up, and, not
trusting himself to speak, Max grasped Scoodrach's hand, pressing a
couple of sovereigns therein, seized Kenneth's for a moment, and then
leaped on board.

The rope was cast off; there was a loud ting from the captain's bell,
the paddles revolved, the boat glided astern, with Kenneth sitting
despondently on one of the thwarts, and some one at Max's elbow said to
another hard by,--

"See that red-headed Scotch boy?"

"Yes; but did you see what he did?"

"Yes; threw something into the sea."

"Did you see what it was?"

"No."

"A couple of sovereigns."

"No!"

"Yes. I saw them go right down through the clear water."

"Then he must be mad."

"Not mad," said Max to himself; "but as full of pride as of love for The
Mackhai."

He made his way astern, and took off and waved his bonnet.

The effect was electrical. Kenneth sprang up and waved his bonnet in
return, and, a few minutes later, Scoodrach, whose ire had passed away,
began to wave his, and Max stood watching and wondering why they did not
hoist the sail and return.

And then he did not wonder, but stood leaning over the rail, watching
the boat grow less and the figures in her smaller, till they seemed to
die away in the immensity of the great sea.

But Max did not move even then. His heart was full, and it was with a
sensation of sorrow and despondency such as he had never felt before
that the rest of the journey was made, boat changed for train, and
finally, and with a reluctance such as he could not have believed
possible, he reached London, and stood once more before his father, who
met him coolly enough, with,--

"Well, Max, back again?"

"Yes, father; and I want to ask you something about Dunroe."

"Humph!" said the old lawyer, about half an hour later; "so you think
like that, do you, Max?"

"Yes, father."

"Well, you'll grow older and wiser some day."

"But you will not turn them out?"

"When I want to take you into counsel, Master Max, I shall do so. Now
pl