to stay at home. My lord pleaded, Miss Alison wept, Mr. Henry was

very plain spoken: all was of no avail.

"It is the direct heir of Durrisdeer that should ride by his King's

bridle," says the Master.

"If we were playing a manly part," says Mr. Henry, "there might be

sense in such talk. But what are we doing? Cheating at cards!"

"We are saving the house of Durrisdeer, Henry," his father said.

"And see, James," said Mr. Henry, "if I go, and the Prince has the

upper hand, it will be easy to make your peace with King James.

But if you go, and the expedition fails, we divide the right and

the title. And what shall I be then?"

"You will be Lord Durrisdeer," said the Master. "I put all I have

upon the table."

"I play at no such game," cries Mr. Henry. "I shall be left in

such a situation as no man of sense and honour could endure. I

shall be neither fish nor flesh!" he cried. And a little after he

had another expression, plainer perhaps than he intended. "It is

your duty to be here with my father," said he. "You know well

enough you are the favourite."

"Ay?" said the Master. "And there spoke Envy! Would you trip up

my heels - Jacob?" said he, and dwelled upon the name maliciously.

Mr. Henry went and walked at the low end of the hall without reply;

for he had an excellent gift of silence. Presently he came back.

"I am the cadet and I SHOULD go," said he. "And my lord here in

the master, and he says I SHALL go. What say ye to that, my

brother?"

"I say this, Harry," returned the Master, "that when very obstinate

folk are met, there are only two ways out: Blows - and I think

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