The San Francisco call., 1904-02-21

IS that which had illumined the coun-
tenance OF the girl.
The tension of the situation was
changed, rather than relieved, by the
silent opening Ct the door, and the
pause. of Mcleod himself on the
threshold, gazing dubiously at the
.SrouD before him. The animation Of
she beheld her father, and the
YOU'RE men turning, were confronted
by the gloomy features OF the chief
tain. The Macleod closed the door
softly and, without q ward, walked to
his chair beside the table. The girl,
bowling slightly, with visible restraint,
quilted the room and as she did so
MacDonald's alertness again proved
his friend. for he tiptoed quickly to
the door. before the King, accustomed
10 be waited upon rather than wait
ing, reCollected himself, and held it
open fer the lady, making a gallant
sweep with his bonnet as she passed
out.
When the supple young man re-
turned to his place beside the King
he said in a whisper:
NO swords point play with the
father of such a beauty, eh?"
To this remark his Majesty made no
reply, but said rather grufiiy and alb
ruptly TO his host:
DO you hold US prisoners in this cas-
tie. sir?"
THAT will depend on the answers I
get from ycu," replied the Macleod
slowly.
Are you two. or either of you, ennis
saries of the King?"
we are not"
Does the King know you are here?"
Regarding the King. his knowledge
or his doings, you had better address
your inquiries TO him personally
You are merely two private gentle
men, then, come all this distance to
satisfy a love of travel and taste
for scenery
You have stated the case with great
accuracy, sir"
Yesterday you spoke Of my lack OF
manners in failing to ask you to be
seated. l shall now refer TO a breach
of pOliteness on your own part. 1t is
customary when strangers visit a
province under an acknowledged ruler
that they should make a formal call
upon the ruler before betaking them
selves To other portions of his terri
tory. You remained for several days
in skye without taking the trouble TO
inform me of your arrival"
Sir, replied James haughtly-
dispute your contention entirely. You
are not the ruler Of Skye"
Who is, them"
'The King of Scotland OF course"
The Macleod laughed in a fashion
that somewhat resembied the snarI OF
an angry dog.
'Of course as you say. No one dis
putes that James is King of all Scot
land, and ] would be the last to ques-
tion his right. because l hold my lands
under charter bearing his signature
carrying the great seal of the kingdom;
nevertheless, the MacLec5s held Skye
long before the present royal family Of
Scotland were heard of. and l would
have been Macleod OF Macleod al
though James had never put his hand
10 this parchment Meanwhile. / take
the risk of OBTAINING yoI until | learn
more about you. and If the King makes
objection I shall apologize"
You viii apologize, said James
sternly. Il say that you Will apologize,
not by writing at your ease in Dunve-
gan Castle. but on your bended knees
at Stirling"
That's as MAJ be- said the Mcleod
indifferently, and it was quite obvious
that he remained unmoved by the
threat. Gentlemen, l have the honor
TO wish YOU good d-morning"
"One moment Are We then to con-
slider ourselves prisoners?
You may consider yourselves what
ever best oleases you. If each gives me
his word Of honor that he will make no
attempt at escape, and also that he
will not communicate with Stirling,
then you are as free Of my house and
my grounds as if you were the most
welcome OF guests. But I warn YOu