The San Francisco call., 1904-02-21


James Mcdonald, WAS osteasibly
guest, but practically a prisoner of
Macleod. the skye overiord.
whats TO be done?" asked the
king.
Macdonald proposed that they
should repair instantly TO Macleod
and demand OF him conveyance and
safe conduct TO the rainland.
We scarcely can do that" demurr-
ed the King. until we are sure that
detention is intended. Let US put the
matter at once 10 practical test ana
see Il we are prevented from leaving
The castle. II We are then IS the time
Tor protest"
Acting on this suggestion, the two
went outside and took the road by
which they had come. They found an
agile Young gillfe ut their heels before
they were out of sight OF DunVegan.
why are you following u.s. asked
Macdonald in Gaelic.
Il was told to wait on your lord
Ehips." returned the man.
we need no waiting on; turn
back"
But the gillie shook his shaggy. IN
covered head and patiently trod ID
their footsteps.
Let US see how far he will follow,
said the King as he strobe on. The
gillie accompanied them for half an
hour or more without making any
protest, but at last he said TO Mac
Donald that he thought 1t was Time
10 return.
We are going through to the coast
we came from" replied Macdonald,
and we do not intend to return
At this the giIlie drew from his belt
q short black tube and blew Few
shrill notes. Up 10 that moment the
vrav had been clear. but now there
appeared over the hill in front OF
them a dozen armed men, who ap-
preached carelessly, as If they had
merely happened to be in the neigh
borhood or were joUrneying together
toward the castle.
i think il is time 10 go back" sug-
ges.ed the gillie in a dull, uninterested
voice.
i think it is myself" replied Mac
Donald.
And so the futile excursion came 10
once more in the castle they were
confronted again by The question:
What neXtg
Il am certain" said the King, that
II Macleod is attempting 10 hold Us
there is little use in making appeal to
him, and we have small chance Of get
ting word TO the feet. / propose, then,
10 coerce HIM He was alone in his
study yesterday and he may be alone
there now. A swords point at a ma s
throat is an irresistible argument.
But will he keep his word If he gives
ID under distress2" objected MacDon-
aid
Il think he viii, but it is better not
10 nut too strong a temptation on him.
II we come on him alone We viii make
him sign a pass for us. Then we will
gag and tic him securely, convey him,
when the way is clear, TO this room.
where he viii be less likely TO be looked
for. We will then give him the con-
ISOLATION that If his pass proves useless
.ve viii return and finish the business
by sending MIN into less troublesome
world"
This advice was no sooner prOmui-
gated than il was acted upon. The pair
traversed the corridors unseen until
they came 10 the door of the STUDY.
then. slipping out their swords they
entered quickly unannOunced. The
sight which confronted them was so un-
expected that each stood there with
drawn sword in hand as if stricken into
stone.
Macleod was not in the room, but in
his stead, beside the wall OF books, her
hand upraised, taking down a small
vellum-cOvered volume. was the most
beautiful young girl Of perhaps nine
teen or twenty that either Of them ever
had looked upon. The young woman
vas the first Of the three to recover
her composure. Relinquishing the book
10 the shelf. the hand came down to
her side, and she said in most Charm
ing liquid tones, but in broken English:
You are looking for my father, per-
haps2"
The King. ever gallant. swept his
hat from his head and bowed low. his
alertness OF mind saving the situation,
fcr he answered quickly:
Indeed, no, my lady We thought
The room was empty, so / implore you
10 pardon our intrusion. We were
here yesterday and my friend and I
have just had a dispute regarding the
size Of these gigantic tones on the
lower shelf; my friend insisted that
they exceeded our sword blades in
length. Pardon me, madam" and the
King stepped briskly to the largest
book, laying his sword down its back
As il in measurement.
There, jamie" he cried. Il have
won the wager. / knew it was not
more than three-quarters the length
OF my blade"
The glance OF fear to which the
young woman had treated them de-
parted from her face and she smiled
slightly At the young mans eagerness.
Il gather from your remark" he
said, that you are Miss Macleod OF
Dunvegan May introduce my friend,
James Macdonald OF Sleat. Ny own
name IS James Stuart, and for time
We are your fathers guests at Dun
vegan."
The young lady with inimitable
grace bowed her oueenly head to each
OF them in turn. The men slipped
their swords quietly back into their
sea bbards.
4 give you good welcome TO Dun
vegan." said the girl. i regret that
] do not speak fair the English
Indeed. my lady" rejoined the sus-
cepuble King. lit is the most charm
ing English j ever heard"
The fair stranger laughed in low
and most melodiOus cadence. like a
distant cathedraTs chime falling on
the evening air.
Il shall be delighted 70 be your
teacher" replied the King with his
most courteous intonat.on.
1t is perhaps that you already speak
the Gaelic?' suggested the young wo-
man.
Alas. no madam But I should be