A fire was burning and a man sat beside it reading
in a book. We do not speak his name at large, but in a months time thefestival of
his name-day will return. Item, in a warrant you and your purposes are describedwith
ominous accuracy.
Your honourwadna have me false to my
trust.
He fell into a muse from which he was roused by
Midwinters voice. I have my own messengers who journey in Old England,
saidMidwinter.
There is a traitorabroad and if he goes undetected
he spells ruin to our Cause. The thought made the young man dig his nails into his
palms.
As Edom lay panting, he shaped his lips towhistle
the air.
The matronly airs fled and she was a shy child
again. Alastair saw that his tree-top survey had been right. Brocks and
bucks,indeed, when Im inquirin for genelmen.
In the quiet the tune rang out clear and shrill,and
as he finished there was silence again. The advice was what had dimly been shaping
itself in Alastairs ownmind. Now there was no hunt etiquette to be respected. This
is my counsel to you, CaptainMaclean. The other took off his hat and scratched his
head. He will not grieve for yourabsence at breakfast to-morrow.
The earth began to awake, lights kindledin farms
and cottages, lanterns flickered around steadings. Now, follow me, andtread softly
when I lift my hand.
Alastair found that no checking couldrestrain his
mount.
The other took off his hat and scratched his head.
There is a traitorabroad and if he goes undetected he spells ruin to our
Cause.
I heard of you in theseparts and hoped for a
meeting. Yourmaster, if he were here now, would consent.