ne side
of the room, and were evidently waiting for somebody or something as
patiently as their natures would permit.

"Confound the fellow!" he exclaimed. "Why can't he sit still and
possess his soul in patience, like the rest of us, instead of tramping
up and down like the wild beast he looks?"

"He doesn't make much noise about it," laughed the other.

"No, hang him! I wish he did. That cat-like tread of his is
unendurable."

"He looks anxious, and doubtless has urgent business with Sir William
that suffers from delay."

"Nonsense, Christie! you are too good natured. His business probably
concerns payment for some game he has brought in for sale; for I take
it he is one of these American hunters we have heard so much of lately.
Whatever it is, it certainly can't compare in urgency with ours, and
yet we have sat here like lambs for nearly an hour, while he has waited
barely half that time. By the great horn spoon! If his serene
highness does not admit us to his presence in a few minutes more, I
shall beard him in his den, and demand audience in the name of the
king. It is simply maddening to think of Cuyler carrying the Rothsay
party farther and farther away with each minute, and having the beauty
all to himself. Of course you don't care, since it was decided that
they travel by the north shore of the lake, while, as I understand it,
your beastly post lies somewhere on the south shore. With me, though,
it is different. My destination being the same as hers, I naturally
expected to be her travelling companion and enjoy a fair share of her
charming society. Now what, with dancing attendance for a week on Sir
Jeffry, and this abominable delay, I fear my chances of overtaking the
expedition are very slim. By the way, I heard somewhere that the
little Rothsay's name is not Rothsay, after all. Do you know if that
is true, and if so, what her name really is?"

"I believe it is Hester,--Edith Hester," answered the young officer,
who was addressed as Christie.

"I wonder how you always manage to find out such things?" remarked the
other, reflectively. "By Jove!" he added, "Hester is the name of that
major duffer whose message to Sir Jeffry caused my delay; I wonder if
they can be relations?"

"_Cave. Rustico aliquid subolet_," warned Christie, with a significant
glance toward the third occupant of the room, who had paused in his
restless walk and was regarding them intently.

Before the elder man cou