The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-10
he KING SAILS
THE
BY ROBERT BARR.

Macdonald, was oStenSlpiy Sueal, phI
practically prisoner OF Macleod, the
skye overload.
What's to be done?' asked the King
Macdonald proposed that they should
pair instantly to Macleod and demand
of him conveyance and safe conduct to
the mainland.
I'VE scarcely can do that" demurred
the King, until We are sure that de-
ttntion is intended. Let US put the mat
Ter at once to a practical test and see if
we are prevented from leaving the cas-
tie. If we are then is the time for pro-
test"
Acting on this suggestion, the two went
. outside and took the road by which they
had come They found an agile young
gillie at their heels before they were out
OF sight of Dunvegan.
why are you following us?" asked
Macdonald in Gaelic.
II was told to wait on your lorships
returned the man.
I'VE need no waiting on; turn back
But the gillie shook his shaggy, uncov-
cred head and patiently trod in their
footsteps.
Let us see how far he will follow
said the King as he strobe on. The gilhe
accompanied them for half an hour or
more without making any protest, but
at last he said to Macdonald that he
thought it was time to return.
1--WE are going through to the coast we
came FROM" replied Macdonald "and we
do not intend to return"
At this the gillie drew from his belt a
short black tube and blew few shrill
notes Up to that moment the way had
been clear, but now there appeared over
the hill in front of them dozen armed
men, who approached carelessly. as if
they had merely happened to be in the
ncighborhood or were journeying together
toward the castle.
Il think it is time to go back" sug-
gested the gillie in a dull, uninterestcd
voice.
Il think it is myself" replied MacDoD-
And so the futile excursion came to
an end. II
Once more in the castle they were con-
fronted again by the question, What
next?"
II am certain" said the King, "that II
Macleod is attempting to hold us there
is little use in making appeal to him,
and we have small chance of getting word
to the fleet. propose, then, to coerce
him. He was alone in his study yester-
day, and he may be alone there now. A
swords point at mans throat IS al
irresistible argument"
'.But will he keep his word if he gives
it under distress?' objected Macdonald.
81 think he will, but it is better not
to put too strong a temptation on him.
II we come on him alone we will make
him sign a pass for us. Then we will
gag and tie him securely, convey him,
when the way is clear, to this room,
where he will be less likely to be looked
for We will then give HIM the consola-
ton that if his pass prove useless we
will return and finish the business py
sending him into a less troublesome
world"
This advice was no sooner promulgated
than it was acted upon. The pair ira
versed the corridors unseen until they
came to the door of the study, then,
slipping out their swords, they entered
quickly unannounced. The sight which
confronted them was so unexpected 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 appraised, taking dawn a small vol
uncovered volume, was the most beaut'
full young girl OF perhaps nineteen or
twenty that either of them ever had
locked upon. The young woman was the
first of the three to recover her compos-
ure. Relinquishing the book to the shelf,
the hand came down to her side, and she
said in most charming liquid tones, but
i'll broken English:
"You are looking for my father, per-
haps?'
The King, ever gallant, swept his hat
from his head and bowed low, his alert
ness of mind saving the situation, fol
he answered quickly:
Indeed no. my lady. We thought the
room was empty, SO implore you to par
don our intrusion. We were here yester-
day, and my friend and l have just had a
dispute regarding the size of these gigan-
tic 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 larg-
est book, laying his sword down its back
as If 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
her face, and she smiled slightly at the
young mans eagerness.
II gather from your remark he said,
that you are Miss Macleod of Dunve-
gan. May l introduce my friend, James
Macdonald of Sleat. My own name is
James Stuart, and for time we are youl
fathers guests at Dunvegan."
The young lady with inimitable grace
bowed her queenly head to each of them
in turn. The men slipped their swords
quietly back into their scabbards.
II give you good welcome to Dunve.
gam" said the girl. Il regret that dc
not speak fair the English"
Indeed, my lady," rejoined the suscep
tible King, 1T is the most charming Eng
lish / ever heard"
The fair stranger laughed in low and
most melodious cadence, like distant
cathedrals chime falling on the evening
air.
81 am thinking you will be fatterinG
me- she said. "but 1 know my English
is not good, for there are few in these
parts that 1 can speak to in it,