"My dear man," said he, "a thousand apologies for disturbing you, but I'm in the most awkward position. And there's a son of a ramrod there that I should know the looks of, and more betoken Ibelieve that he knows mine. Being in this family, sir, and in a place of some responsibility (which was the cause I took the liberty to send for you), you are doubtless of the honest party?""You may be sure at least," says I, "that all of that party are quite safe in Durrisdeer.""My dear man, it is my very thought," says he. "You see, I have just been set on shore here by a very honest man, whose name Icannot remember, and who is to stand off and on for me till morning, at some danger to himself; and, to be clear with you, I am a little concerned lest it should be at some to me. I have saved my life so often, Mr. -, I forget your name, which is a very good one - that, faith, I would be very loath to lose it after all. And the son of a ramrod, whom I believe I saw before Carlisle . . . ""Oh, sir," said I, "you can trust Macconochie until to-morrow.""Well, and it's a delight to hear you say so," says the stranger.
"The truth is that my name is not a very suitable one in this country of Scotland. With a gentleman like you, my dear man, Iwould have no concealments of course; and by your leave I'll just breathe it in your ear. They call me Francis Burke - Colonel Francis Burke; and I am here, at a most damnable risk to myself, to see your masters - if you'll excuse me, my good man, for giving them the name, for I'm sure it's a circumstance I would never have guessed from your appearance. And if you would just be so very obliging as to take my name to them, you might say that I come bearing letters which I am sure they will be very rejoiced to have the reading of."Colonel Francis Burke was one of the Prince's Irishmen, that did his cause such an infinity of hurt, and were so much distasted of the Scots at the time of the rebellion; and it came at once into my mind, how the Master of Ballantrae had astonished all men by going with that party. In the same moment a strong foreboding of the truth possessed my soul.
"If you will step in here," said I, opening a chamber door, "I will let my lord know.""And I am sure it's very good of you, Mr. What-is-your-name," says the Colonel.
Up to the hall I went, slow-footed. There they were, all three -my old lord in his place, Mrs. Henry at work by the window, Mr.
Henry (as was much his custom) pacing the low end. In the midst was the table laid for supper. I told them briefly what I had to say. My old lord lay back in his seat. Mrs. Henry sprang up standing with a mechanical motion, and she and her husband stared at each other's eyes across the room; it was the strangest, challenging look these two exchanged, and as they looked, the colour faded in their faces. Then Mr. Henry turned to me; not to speak, only to sign with his finger; but that was enough, and Iwent down again for the Colonel.
When we returned, these three were in much the same position I same left them in; I believe no word had passed.
"My Lord Durrisdeer, no doubt?" says the Colonel, bowing, and my lord bowed in answer. "And this," continues the Colonel, "should be the Master of Ballantrae?""I have never taken that name," said Mr. Henry; "but I am Henry Durie, at your service."Then the Colonel turns to Mrs. Henry, bowing with his hat upon his heart and the most killing airs of gallantry. "There can be no mistake about so fine a figure of a lady," says he. "I address the seductive Miss Alison, of whom I have so often heard?"Once more husband and wife exchanged a look.
"I am Mrs. Henry Durie," said she; "but before my marriage my name was Alison Graeme."Then my lord spoke up. "I am an old man, Colonel Burke," said he, "and a frail one. It will be mercy on your part to be expeditious.
