ey were not
at all likely to allow him to escape from want of watchfulness.
Directly after them came the elder Doull and Archy Eagleshay. Ronald
directed them to wait in the hall while he went to look for Pedro
Alvarez and Father Mendez. During his absence another person arrived,
who was warmly greeted by Lord Claymore and the two lawyers as Mr
Cameron, the Sheriff-Substitute for Shetland.

In a few minutes Colonel Armytage returned, and announced that Sir
Marcus Wardhill was prepared to receive them.

He seemed very much astonished at the appearance of so many strangers,
and probably had a presentiment of what was preparing for him.

He was, however, a man of the world; he was also an honourable man,
according to his own code; he knew that nothing was to be gained by
contending against authority, and much by yielding gracefully; and he
also did not desire to oppose an act of justice, even though he might be
the sufferer. With a proud resolution to do all that the strictest
justice could require of him, he led the way to Sir Marcus's room.

Here also his daughters and granddaughter, accompanied by Pedro Alvarez
and Father Mendez, were assembled, and and before they sat down two
servants wheeled in, on a sofa, the old Spanish marquis, who was
followed by his weeping daughter. Edda invited her to come and sit by
her, but she declined, and stood holding her father's hand, while the
priest stood on the other side of the sofa, every now and then stooping
down to whisper into his ear.

The old man looked up and inquired why so many people were assembled;
but when he saw Mr Cameron and the two lawyers he bowed his head,
whispering slowly--"Some criminal to be tried, I see: let the case go
on."

"Not exactly that, Sir Marcus," said the sheriff. "I have been
requested to attend here to investigate two important cases, in both of
which Lord Claymore, who is known to you, has taken much interest. At
his request, my two learned friends, Mr Scott and Mr Frazer, have come
from Edinburgh to assist us in our investigations; but it depends on
circumstances whether the cases are or are not carried into a court of
law, and thus made public. With which shall we proceed first, my lord?"

"By all means with that relating to the son of a lady present--the wife
of a Spanish officer, Don Hernan Escalante," said Lord Claymore. "We
all must feel how anxious she must be to know that the interests of her
child have been secured."