lging
with our gold; and yet the point for which we had consented to this
sacrifice was still denied us, and the visitor still lingered on at
Durrisdeer. Whether in malice, or because the time was not yet come for
his adventure to the Indies, or because he had hopes of his design on
Mrs. Henry, or from the orders of the Government, who shall say? but
linger he did, and that for weeks.

You will observe I say: "from the orders of the Government"; for about
this time the man's disreputable secret trickled out.

The first hint I had was from a tenant, who commented on the Master's
stay, and yet more on his security; for this tenant was a Jacobitish
sympathiser, and had lost a son at Culloden, which gave him the more
critical eye. "There is one thing," said he, "that I cannot but think
strange; and that is how he got to Cockermouth."

"To Cockermouth?" said I, with a sudden memory of my first wonder on
beholding the man disembark so _point-de-vice_ after so long a voyage.

"Why, yes," says the tenant, "it was there he was picked up by Captain
Crail. You thought he had come from France by sea? And so we all did."

I turned this news a little in my head, and then carried it to Mr.
Henry. "Here is an odd circumstance," said I, and told him.

"What matters how he came, Mackellar, so long as he is here?" groans Mr.
Henry.

"No, sir," said I, "but think again! Does not this smack a little of
some Government connivance? You know how much we have wondered already
at the man's security."

"Stop," said Mr. Henry. "Let me think of this." And as he thought, there
came that grim smile upon his face that was a little like the Master's.
"Give me paper," said he. And he sat without another word and wrote to a
gentleman of his acquaintance--I will name no unnecessary names, but he
was one in a high place. This letter I despatched by the only hand I
could depend upon in such a case--Macconochie's; and the old man rode
hard, for he was back with the reply before even my eagerness had
ventured to expect him. Again, as he read it, Mr. Henry had the same
grim smile.

"This is the best you have done for me yet, Mackellar," says he. "With
this in my hand I will give him a shog. Watch for us at dinner."

At dinner accordingly Mr. Henry proposed some very public appearance
for the Master; and my lord, as he had hoped, objected to the danger of
the course.

"O!" says Mr. Henry, very easily, "you need no longer keep this up with
me. I am