The San Francisco call., 1904-02-21
Robert
|, Barr


approach OF numerous ships. and by
and by from the castle wall itself the
fleet could be seen sailing slowly up
I,och FolIart. For the first time since
they had known him. lines OF deep
anxiety marked the frOwning brow OK
Macleod as he stood gazing at the ap-
preaching vessels. Here were visitors
who. IL they proved not to his liking,
he could scarcely threaten with the
dungeons OF Dunvegan.
'sWhat do YOU make OF this Mao
Donald % said the clIieftain, turning
to his future son-in-law. as Il already
he looked to him for support and coun-
sell
But Macdonald shook his head. n
spite OF the fact that his wife who-WaS-
to-be stood very close to him.
"An negotiations have been carried
on by my friend here, and so to him
must refer you"
Macleod could restrain his impa-
thence no longer. so without glancing AS
his visitor he said:
Perhaps you. sir. can tell me tn
purport Of all this display"
"Assuredly," answered the King WITH
a trace Of sternness IN his tone that had
hitherto been absent in his converse
with his jaiIer. 'The fleet comes at the
command OF the Kisg to take away
your prisoners. IL they are unharmed.
or to batter down your castle il they
have been molested."
IT suppose then I should be thankful
they are unharmed?
You have reason" said the King
shortly.
His Majesty must set great value on
your heads il he sends his whole nest
to succor you"
He does"
How did he know you were here Il
you did not break your parole and COM
municate with Stirling?"
The King knows there Is more go
ing on in Skye than the making OF
strong drink 1 did not break my pa
role, neither did Macdonald
In spite OF what you said to me, you
must have told the King before you
left Stirling where you we're going"
II did not"
Then word must have been brought
to him from Skye?"
1T was not
'In that case the only conclusion 7
can come 20 is that the King Is un-
aware Of your presence here.
He is we'll aware Of IL"
You denied being a friend OF the
you were but a small farmer near
Stirling"
Il deny yet that 1 am a friend OF
the King on the contrary. don't
mind confessing to You that am the
greatest enemy he has in the world.
and it's we'll he knows IT,"
You amaze me. Then you do not
wish to meet the ieet?"
"On the contrary. I do. and I ask
you to order a suitable boat for me-
You shall have the best boat in my
possession" said Macleod. leaving
them for moment to give his COM
mand.
In short time a large boat with
ten oarsmen was waiting
They are ready for YOU" said ATs =
Leod with an effort at geaialty. which
gave most sinister effect to his face.
Il am sorry to bid you good-by. but I
hope you bear away with you no III
will against Dunvcsan."
Sir said the King. ignoring bis
compliments, that boat will not do
for me-
1T is the best I have said Mao
Leod, looking at his truculent guest
with new anxiety.
The boat you must bring to the
landing is the twenty-six Dared barge.
which Malcolm Macleod builded So
WE'LL"
The Macleod stepped back two
PAGES. That boat is for the King
he said in a voice scarcely above a
whisper.
Yes. it is for the King. therefors
the King demands it. Give the order
instantly that it be brought to the
landing. well manned with twenty-six
rowers."
All color left MacLeod's face. His
next words were to Macdonald. rs
this true?" he said.
YES" answered Macdonald. 1T In
true"
The girl. her wide eyes distended
with fear. clutched the arm OF her
lover. Even she knew this was case
for the headsman, but Macleod, with
not culver in his voice, called down
to his followers:
Bring round the Kings barge and
see it is well manned. I myself will
, take the rudder.'
The stern face of the King relaxed
rs he saw this ehieftain stand straight
er than ever before since he had known
him, ready to take on his head what
! ever might befaA
The girl impetuously fung herself at
. the Kings feet. and in her excitement
forgetting the limitations of his learn
inG, she poured forth a plea for her
t father in Gaelic. The King smiled as
he stopped and Saised the suppliant.
Ny dear" he said. Il shall never
hear that language without thinking
OF you and my own discontinue. II it
! were not that Macdonald stands there
, with that dOur Highland look on his
face it is 1 would kneeI at your feet.
, Your father is to come with me to
Stirling. for have said he should. and
1 must keep my word with myself as
well as 1 have kept it with him. Do
not draw auaN unllr hara m, ar.lLa ~