The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-10

!
fluence of the accustomed converse. The
Kings physiognomy also underwent a
change, but the transformation was not
SO pleasing as that which had illuminated
the countenance OF the girl.
The tension of the situation was
changed, rather than relieved, by the ST
lent opening OF the door, and the pause
OF Macleod himself on the threshold, gaz.
ing obviously at the group before him.
The animation of the girl fell from her
the moment she beheld her father, and
the young men, turning were confronted
by the gloomy features OF the chieftain.
The Macleod closed the door softly, and,
without word, walked to his chair be-
side 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 ho tlptoec
quickly to the door, before the King
accustomed to be waited upon rather than
waiting, recollected himself; and held il
open for the lady, making a gallant
sweep with his bonnet as she passed
out. =
When the supple young man returned
to his place beside the King he said in
a whisper:
mo SWORD point play WIN the lalici
of such beauty, eh?"
To this remark HIS Majesty made no
reply, but said rather gruffly and abb
ruptly to his host:
do you hold us prisoners in this castle,
sir?"
THAT depends on the answers l get
from you," replied the Macleod slow
ly. Are you two, or either OF you, en-
issaries OF the King?"
I'VE are not"
docs 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 salts
fly a love of travel and taste for
scenery"
You have stated the case with great
accuracy, sir
Yesterday you spoke of my lack o.
manners in failing to ask you to be seat
ed. l shall now refer to a breach of
politeness on your part. 1t is customary
when strangers visit a, province under an
acknowledged ruler that they should make
formal call upon the ruler before be-
| taking themselves to other portions OF
| his territory. You remained for several
days in Skye without taking the trouble
t. inform me of your arrival"
| Sir" replied James haughtily. II dis
pute your contention entirely. You are
not the ruler of Skye"
who is, then?"
1.-THE King of Scotland, of course"
The Macleod laughed in fashion that
somewhat resembled the snarl of an an
CRY dog.
"Of course, as you say. No one dis
putes that James is King of all Scotland
and 1 would be the last to question his
right, because l hold my lands under
charter bearing his signature, carrying
the Great Seal of the kingdom; never
theless, the Macleod held Skye long be.
| fore the present royal family of Scotland
were heard of, and 1 would have been
Macleod Of Macleod although James had
never put his hand to this parchment.
Meanwhile, l take the risk of OBTAINING
you until I learn more about you, and
if the King makes objection I shall apol-
cgize."
You will apologize" said James stern
ly. II say you will apologize, not by
writing at your ease in Dunvegan Castle,
but on your Bonded knees at Stirling 4"
"That's as may be-" said the Macleod
indifferently, and it was quite obvious
that he remained unmoved by the threat
Gentlemen, / have the honor to wish
you good morning"
Zone moment. Are we then to consider
ourselves prisoners7"
you may consider yourselves what
ever best pleases you. If each gives me
his word of honor that he will make no
attempt at escape, and also that we 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 / warn you that if, when you
pass your words you attempt to tamper
with any of my men l shall know of t
very soon after, and then comes the On
geon'
what do you say, MacDonald?" in
quired the King sharply
Macdonald recovered himself with u
start. "To what?" he asked.
ITO the terms proposed by our jailer.
81 did not hear them; what are they?'
will you give your word not to es-
cape?"
"Oh. willingly
! "And not to communicate with Stir
ling?"
II don't care if l never see Stirling
again.
| The King turned to the chief. There
is little difficulty, you see,' he said,
with your fellow Highlander. l, how
ever, am supposed to be a lowlander, and
therefore. cautious. l give you my word
not to communicate with Stirling. AS
for the other proviso, l amend it as fol
lows: ! shall not leave this island with
out your knowledge and your company
If that IS satisfactory. 1 pledge my
| faith
Perfectly satisfactory answered Mac
Leod, and with that the two young men
| took their departure
Once more in the Kings room, from
which earlier in the day they had set out
SO confidently. Macdonald flung himself
upon bench, but the King paced up and
down the apartment.
Jamie, you hardly gave me fair play,
you and your Gaelic, with that dainty
/ offspring of so grim a sire
Master of Ballengeich,' replied the
] Highlander "a man plays for his own
hand. You should have learned that
Gaelic long ago"