keen to hear from at this present being. And the bits of business

that I have to propone to you are rather in the nature of being

confidential. In short, I would like to think we were quite

private."

He rose without more words, casting down his paper like a man ill-

pleased, sent forth his clerk of an errand, and shut to the house-

door behind him.

"Now, sir," said he, returning, "speak out your mind and fear

nothing; though before you begin," he cries out, "I tell you mine

misgives me! I tell you beforehand, ye're either a Stewart or a

Stewart sent ye. A good name it is, and one it would ill-become my

father's son to lightly. But I begin to grue at the sound of it."

"My name is called Balfour," said I, "David Balfour of Shaws. As

for him that sent me, I will let his token speak." And I showed

the silver button.

"Put it in your pocket, sir!" cries he. "Ye need name no names.

The deevil's buckie, I ken the button of him! And de'il hae't!

Where is he now!"

I told him I knew not where Alan was, but he had some sure place

(or thought he had) about the north side, where he was to lie until

a ship was found for him; and how and where he had appointed to be

spoken with.

"It's been always my opinion that I would hang in a tow for this

family of mine," he cried, "and, dod! I believe the day's come

now! Get a ship for him, quot' he! And who's to pay for it? The

man's daft!"

"That is my part of the affair, Mr. Stewart," said I. "Here is a

bag of good money, and if more be wanted, more is to be had where

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>