THEQUITTER”Oh-h-h-h，Cam-er-on！”Agony，reproach，entreaty，vibratedintheclearyoungvoicethatrangoutovertheInverleithgrounds。TheScottishlinewassagging！——thatlineinvincibleintwoyearsofInternationalconflict，thelineuponwhichIrelandandEnglandhadbrokentheirpride。Sagging！AndbecauseCameronwasweakening！
Cameron，thebrillianthalf-back，thefierce-fighting，erraticyoungHighlander，disciplined，steadiedbythegreatDunnintoaninstrumentofScotland’sglory！Camerongoingback！Ahushfellonthethrongedseatsandpackedinner-circle，——abreathless，dreadfulhushofforeboding。Highoverthehushedsilencethatvibrantcryrang；andCameronheardit。Thevoiceheknew。ItwasyoungRobDunn’s，thecaptain’syoungbrother，whosesoulknewbuttwopassions，oneforthecaptainandoneforthehalf-backoftheScottishInternational。
AndCameronresponded。Theenemy’snexthighpuntfoundhimrock-likeinsteadiness。Androck-likehetossedhighoverhisshouldersthetow-headedWelshmanrushingjoyouslyathim，anddeliveredhisballfardownthelinesafeintotouch。Butafterhiskickhewasobservedtolimpbackintohisplace。ThefiercepaceoftheWelshforwardswasdrinkingthelifeoftheScottishbackline。
Anhour；thenahalf；thenanotherhalf，withoutascore。Andnowthefinalquarterwassearching，searchingtheweakspotsintheirline。Thefinalquarteritisthatfindsaman’shistoryandhabits；thecleanofbloodandoflifedefyitspitilessprobe，buttherottenfibreyieldsandsnaps。ThatmomentaryweaknessofCameron’slikeasubtlepoisonrunsthroughtheScottishline；andlikefluidlightningthroughtheWelsh。Itisthetouchuponthetremblingbalance。Withcriesexultantwithtriumph，theWelshforwardsflingthemselvesuponthesteadyScotsnowfightingforliferatherthanforvictory。Andundertheircaptain’sdirectionsthesefierce，victory-sniffingWelsharedeliveringtheirattackuponthespotwherehefancieshehasfoundayielding。InvainCameronrallieshispowers；hisnerveisfailinghim，hisstrengthisdone。Onlyfiveminutestoplay，butoneminuteisenough。
Downuponhimthroughabrokenfield，dribblingtheballandfollowinghardlikehoundsonahare，cometheWelsh，thetow-headraginginfront，bloodyandfearsome。ThereisbutonethingforCamerontodo；gripthattumblingball，and，committingbodyandsoultofate，plungeintothatline。Alas，hisdoomisuponhim！
Hegripstheball，pausesamoment——onlyafatalmoment，——butitisenough。Hisplungeistoolate。Helosestheball。AsurgeofWelshmenoverwhelmhiminthemudandcarrytheballacross。Thegameiswon——andlost。WhatthoughtheScots，likedemonssuddenlyreleasedfromhell，thehalf-backCameronmostdemon-likeofall，rageoverthefield，drivingtheWelshmenhitherandthitheratwill，thegodsdenythemvictory；itisforWalesthatday！
Intheretreatoftheirrubbing-roomthegay，gallanthumourwhichtheScotshavecarriedwiththemoffthefieldoftheirdefeat，vanishesintogloom。Throughthesteamingsilenceagroanbreaksnowandthen。Atlengthavoice：”Oh，wasn’titrotten！Therankquitterthatheis！””Quitter？Whois？Whosaysso？”Itwasthecaptain’svoice，sharpwithpassion。”Ido，Dunn。ItwasCameronlostusthegame。Youknowit，too。
Iknowit’srottentosaythis，butIcan’thelpit。Cameronlostthegame，andIsayhe’sarank’quitter，’asMartinwouldsay。””Lookhere，Nesbitt，”thecaptain’svoicewasquiet，buteverymanpausedinhisrubbing。”IknowhowsoreyouareandIforgiveyouthat；butIdon’twanttohearfromyouorfromanymanontheteamthatwordagain。Cameronisnoquitter；hemade——hemadeanerror，——hewasn’tfit，——butIsaytoyouCameronisnoquitter。”
Whilehewasspeakingthedooropenedandintotheroomcameaplayer，tall，lanky，withapale，gauntface，plasteredovertheforeheadwithdampwispsofstraight，blackhair。Hisdeep-set，blue-greyeyesswepttheroom。”Thanks，Dunn，”hesaidhoarsely。”Letthemcurseme！Ideserveitall。It’stoughforthem，butGodknowsI’vegottheworstofit。I’veplayedmylastgame。”Hisvoicebrokehuskily。”Oh，rotit，Cameron，”criedDunn。”Don’tbeanass！Yourfirstbiggame——everyfellowmakeshismistake——””Mistake！Mistake！Youcan’tlieeasily，Dunn。Iwasafoolandworsethanafool。IletmyselfdownandIwasn’tfit。Anyway，I’mthroughwithit。”Hisvoicewaswildandpunctuatedwithunaccustomedoaths；hisbreathcameingreatsobs。”Oh，rotit，Cameron！”againcriedDunn。”Nextyearyou’llbetwicetheman。You’rejustgettingintoyourgame。”
Rightloyallyhismenralliedtotheircaptain：”Rightyouare！””Why，certainly；nomangetsintothegamefirstyear！””We’llgive’embeansnextyear，Cameron，oldman！”
Theywerealleagertoatoneforthecriticismwhichallhadheldintheirheartsandwhichoneofthemhadspoken。Butthisbusinesswasserious。Toloseagamewasbadenough，buttoroundonacomradewasunpardonable；whiletolosefromthegameahalf-
backofCameron’scalibrewasunthinkable。
MeanwhileCameronwastearingoffhisfootballtogsandhustlingonhisclotheswithfiercehaste。Dunnkepthiseyeonhim，hurryinghisowndressingandchattingquietlythewhile。Butlongbeforehewasreadyforthestreet，Cameronhadcrushedhisthingsintoabagandwaslookingforhishat。”Holdon！I’mwithyou；I’mwithyouinajiffy，”saidDunn。”Myhat，”mutteredCameron，searchingwildlyamongthejumble。”Oh，hangthehat；letitgo！Waitforme，Cameron。Whereareyougoing？”criedDunn。”Tothedevil，”criedthelad，slammingthedoorbehindhim。”And，byJove，he’llgo，too！”saidNesbitt。”Say，I’mawfullysorryImadethatbreak，Dunn。Itwasbeastlylow-downtoroundonachaplikethat。I’llgoafterhim。””Do，oldchap！He’sfrightfullycutup。Andgethimforto-night。
Hemayfightshyofthedinner。Buthe’sdownforthepipes，youknow，and——well，he’sjustgottobethere。Good-bye，youchaps；
I’moff！And——Isay，men！”WhenDunnsaid”men”theyallknewitwastheircaptainthatwasspeaking。Everybodystoodlistening。
Dunnhesitatedamomentortwo，asifsearchingforwords。”Aboutthedinnerto-night：I’dlikeyoutoremember——Imean——Idon’twantanymanto——oh，hangit，youknowwhatImean！Therewillbelotsoffellowstherewhowillwanttofillyouup。I’dhatetoseeanyofourteam——”Thecaptainpausedembarrassed。”Wetumble，Captain，”saidMartin，amedicalstudentfromCanada，whoplayedquarter。”I’llkeepaneyeon’em，youbet！”
Everybodyroared；fornotonlyonthequarter-linebutalsoatthedinnertablethelittlequarter-backwasamarvelofendurance。”HearthebloomingColonist！”saidLinklater，Martin’scomradeonthequarter-line，andhisgreatestfriend。”Weknowwho’llwantthewatching，butwe’llseetohim，Captain。””Allright，oldchap！SorryI’llhavetocutthevan。I’mafraidmygovernor’sgotthecarriagehereforme。”
Butthemenallmadeoutcry。Therewereotherplansforhim。”But，Captain；holdon！””Aw，now，Captain！Don’tforsakeus！””ButIsay，Dunn，seeusthrough；we’reshy！””Don’tleaveus，Captain，oryou’llbesorry，”sangoutMartin。”Comeon，fellows，let’skeepnexthim！We’llgivehim’OldGrimes！’”
Alreadyamightyroarwasheardoutside。Thegreen，thedrive，thegateways，andthestreetwereblockedwiththewildestfootballfanaticsthatEdinburgh，andallScotlandcouldproduce。TheywerewaitingfortheInternationalplayers，andwerebentoncarryingtheirgreatcaptaindownthestreet，shoulderhigh；fortheenthusiasmoftheScotreachesthepointofmadnessonlyinthehourofgloriousdefeat。Butbeforetheywereaware，Dunnhadshoulderedhismightyformthroughtheopposingcrowdsandhadgotsafelyintothecarriagebesidehisfatherandhisyoungbrother。
Butthecrowdwereboundtohavehim。”Wewanthim，Docthor，”saidayounggiantinatam-o’-shanter。”Infac’，Docthor，”hearguedwithahumouroussmile，”wemaunhaehim。””Ye’llno’gethim，JockMurchison，”shoutedyoungRob，standinginfrontofhisbigbrother。”Wewanthimwi’us。”
Thecrowdlaughedgleefully。”Goforhim，Jock！Youcaneasylickhim，”saidavoiceencouragingly。”Pithimoot，Docthor，”saidJock，whowasagreatfriendofthefamily，andwhohadaprofoundrespectforthedoctor。”It’sbeyondme，Jock，Ifear。Seeyonbantamcock！Idoubtye’llhaetobecontent，”saidthedoctor，droppingintoJock’skindlyDoric。”Oh，getonthere，Murchison，”saidDunnimpatiently。”You’renotgoingtomakeanassofme；makeupyourmindtothat！”
Jockhesitated，meditatingasuddencharge，butcheckedbyhisrespectforDoctorDunn。”Here，youfellows！”shoutedavoice。”Fallin；thebandisgoingtoplay！Getintolinethere，youTam-o’-shanter；you’restoppingtheprocesh！Nowthen，waitfortheline，everybody！”ItwasLittleMartinontopofthevaninwhichweretheScottishplayers。”Tune，’OldGrimes’；wordsasfollows。Catchon，everybody！””OldDunn，oldDunn，oldDunn，oldDunn，OldDunn，oldDunn，oldDunn，OldDunn，oldDunn，oldDunn，oldDunn，OldDunn，oldDunn，oldDunn。”
Withadelightedcheerthecrowdformedinline，and，ledbythelittlequarter-backontopofthevan，theysetoffdownthestreet，twomenattheheadsofthedoctor’scarriagehorses，holdingtheminplacebehindthevan。Onwenttheswayingcrowdandonwenttheswayingchant，withMartin，directorofceremoniesandDunnhurlingunavailingobjurgationsandentreatiesatJock’shead。
Throughtheuproaragirl’svoicereachedthedoctor’sear：”Aren’ttheylovely，Sir？”
Thedoctorturnedtogreetayounglady，tall，strong，andwiththebeautyofperfecthealthratherthanofclassicfeatureinherface。Therewaswithalacarelessdisregardofthefemininenicetiesofdress。”Oh，MissBrodie！Willyounotcomeup？Wecaneasilymakeroom。””I’djustloveto，”criedthegirl，”butI’monlyahumblememberoftheprocession，followingthebandandthechariotwheelsoftheconqueror。”Herstrongbrownfacewasallaglowwithardour。”Conqueror！”growledDunn。”Notmuchofaconqueror！””Whynot？Ohfudge！Thegame？Whatmattersthegame？It’stheplaywecareabout。””Wellspoken，lassie，”saidthedoctor。”That’sthetruesport。””Aren’ttheyawful？”criedDunn。”LookatthatyoungCanadianidiotupthere。””Well，ifyouaskme，Ithinkhe’saperfectdear，”saidMissBrodie，deliberately。”I’msureIknowhim；anywayI’mgoingtoencouragehimwithmyapproval。”AndshewavedherhandatMartin。
Themasterofceremoniesrespondedbytakingoffhishatandmakingasweepingbow，stillkeepingupthebeat。Thecrowd，followinghiseyes，turnedtheirattentiontotheyounglady，muchtoDunn’sdelight。”Oh，”shegasped，”they’llbechantingmenext！Good-bye！I’moff！”Andshedartedbacktothecompanyofherfriendsmarchingonthepavement。
AtthispointMartinheldupbotharmsandcalledforsilence。”Secondverse，”heshouted，”secondverse！Getthewordsnow！””OldDunnain’tdone，oldDunnain’tdone，OldDunn，oldDunnain’tdone，OldDunnain’tdone，oldDunnain’tdone，OldDunn，oldDunnain’tdone。”
ButthecrowdrejectedtheColonialversion，andrenderedintheirowngoodDoric：”OldDunn’sno’done，oldDunn’sno’done，OldDunn，oldDunn’sno’done，OldDunn’sno’done，oldDunn’sno’done，OldDunn，oldDunn’sno’done。”
Andsotheysangandswayed，followingthevantilltheynearedQueenStreet，downwhichlaythedoctor’scourse。”Forheaven’ssake，can’ttheybechokedoff？”groanedDunn。
ThedoctorsignalledJocktohim。”Jock，”hesaid，”we’lljustslipthroughatQueenStreet。””We’dlikeawfullytodoPrincesStreet，Sir，”pleadedJock。”PrincesStreet，youbornass！”criedDunnwrathfully。”Oh，yes，letthem！”criedyoungRob，whosedelightinthegloryofhisherohadbeenbeyondallmeasure。”LetthemdoPrincesStreet，justonce！”
Butthedoctorwouldnothaveit。”Jock，”hesaidquietly，”justgetusthroughatQueenStreet。””Allright，Sir，”repliedJockwithgreatregret。”Itwillbeasyousay。”
UnderJock’sorders，whenQueenStreetwasreached，themenatthehorses’headssuddenlyswungthepairfromthecrowd，andaftersomestruggling，gotthemsafelyintotheclearspace，leavingtheprocessiontofollowthevan，loudlycheeringtheirgreatInternationalcaptain，whoseprowessonthefieldwasequalledonlybyhismodestyandhishatredofademonstration。”Listentotheidiots，”saidDunnindisgust，asthecarriageborethemawayfromthecheeringcrowd。”Man，they’rejustfine！Aren’tthey，Father？”saidyoungRobinanecstasyofjoy。”They’regenerouslads，generouslads，boy，”saidDoctorDunn，hisoldeyesshining，forhisson’striumphtouchedhimdeeply。”That’stheonlywaytotakedefeat。””That’sallright，Sir，”saidDunnquickly，”butit’sratherembarrassing，thoughit’sawfullydecentofthem。”
Thedoctor’swordssuggestedfreshthoughtstoyoungRob。”Butitwasterrible；andyouwerejustonthewin，too，Iknow。””I’mnotsosureatall，”saidhisbrother。”Oh，itisterrible，”saidBobagain。”Tut，tut，lad！What’ssoterrible？”saidhisfather。”Onesidehastolose。””Oh，it’snotthat，”saidRob，hisliptrembling。”Idon’tcareasniffforthegame。””What，then？”saidhisbigbrotherinavoicesharpenedbyhisownthoughts。”Oh，Jack，”saidRob，nervouslywreathinghishands，”he——itlookedasifhe——”theladcouldnotbringhimselftosaytheawfulword。
Norwasthereneedtoaskwhoitwastheboyhadinmind。”Whatdoyoumean，Rob？”thecaptain’svoicewasimpatient，almostangry。
ThenRoblosthiscontrol。”Oh，Jack，Ican’thelpit；Isawit。
Doyouthink——didhereallyfunkit？”Hisvoicebroke。Heclutchedhisbrother’skneeandstoodwithfacewhiteandquivering。Hehadgivenutterancetotheterriblesuspicionthatwastorturinghisheroicyoungsoul。Ofhistwohouseholdgodsonewastotteringonitspedestal。Thatafootballmanshouldfunk——
thesuspicionwastoodreadful。
Thecaptainglancedathisfather’sface。Therewasgloomthere，too，andthesameterriblesuspicion。”No，Sir，”saidDunn，withimpressivedeliberation，answeringthelookonhisfather’sface，”Cameronisnoquitter。Hedidn’tfunk。Ithink，”hecontinued，whileRob’stear-stainedfaceliftedeagerly，”Iknowhewasoutofcondition；hehadlethimselfrundownlastweek，sincethelastmatch，indeed，gotoutofhandabit，youknow，andthatlastquarter——youknow，Sir，thatlastquarterwasprettystiff——hisnervegavejustforamoment。””Oh，”saidthedoctorinavoiceofrelief，”thatexplainsit。
But，”headdedquicklyinaseveretone，”itwasveryreprehensibleforamanontheInternationaltolethimselfgetoutofshape，veryreprehensibleindeed。AnInternational，mindyou！””Itwasmyfault，Sir，I’mafraid，”saidDunn，regretfully。”I
oughttohave——””Nonsense！Amanmustberesponsibleforhimself。Control，tobeofanyvalue，mustbeultroneous，asouroldprofessorusedtosay。””That’strue，Sir，butIhadkeptprettyclosetohimuptothelastweek，yousee，and——””Badtraining，badtraining。Atrainer’sbusinessistoschoolhismentodowithouthim。””Thatisquiteright，Sir。IbelieveI’vebeenmakingamistake，”
saidDunnthoughtfully。”Poorchap，he’sawfullycutup！””Soheshouldbe，”saidthedoctorsternly。”Hehadnobusinesstogetoutofcondition。TheInternational，mindyou！””Oh，Father，perhapshecouldn’thelpit，”criedRob，whoseloyal，tenderheartwasbeatinghardagainsthislittleribs，”andhelooksawful。IsawhimcomeoutandwhenIcalledtohimheneverlookedatmeonce。”
Thereisnofinerloyaltyinthisworldthanthatofaboybelowhisteens。Itissowithoutcalculation，withoutqualification，andwithoutreserve。Dr。Dunnlethiseyesrestkindlyuponhislittleflushedface。”Perhapsso，perhapsso，myboy，”hesaid，”andIhavenodoubtheregretsitnowmorethananyofus。Wherehashegone？””Nesbitt’safterhim，Sir。He’llgethimforto-night。”
ButasDunn，freshfromhisbath，butstillsoreandstiff，wasindulginginalong-banishedpipe，NesbittcameintosaythatCameroncouldnotbefound。”Andhaveyounothadyourtubyet？”saidhiscaptain。”Oh，that’sallright！YouknowIfeelawfullyaboutthatbeastlyremarkofmine。””Oh，letitgo，”saidDunn。”That’llbeallright。Yougetrightawayhomeforyourtubandgetfreshenedupforto-night。I’lllookafterCameron。Youknowheisdownforthepipes。He’ssimplygottobethereandI’llgethimifIhavetobringhiminacrate，pipes，kiltandall。”
AndNesbitt，knowingthatDunnneverpromisedwhathecouldnotfulfil，wentofftohistubinfaircontent。Heknewhiscaptain。
AsDunnwasputtingonhiscoatRobcamein，distresswrittenonhisface。”AreyougoingtogetCameron，Jack？”heaskedtimidly。”IaskedNesbitt，andhesaid——””Nowlookhere，youngster，”saidhisbigbrother，thenpaused。Thedistressinthelad’sfacecheckedhiswords。”Now，Rob，”hesaidkindly，”youneedn’tfretaboutthis。Cameronisallright。”
Thekindtonebrokedownthelad’scontrol。Hecaughthisbrother’sarm。”Say，Jack，areyousure——hedidn’t——funk？”Hisvoicedroppedtoawhisper。
Thenhisbigbrothersatdownanddrewtheladtohisside，”Nowlisten，Rob；I’mgoingtotellyoutheexacttruth。CAMERONDID
NOTFUNK。Thetruthis，hewasn’tfit，——heoughttohavebeen，buthewasn’t，——andbecausehewasn’tfithecamemightynearquitting——
foramoment，I’msure，hefeltlikeit，becausehisnervewasgone，——buthedidn’t。Remember，hefeltlikequittinganddidn’t，Andthat’sthefinestthingachapcando，——nevertoquit，evenwhenhefeelslikeit。Doyousee？”
Thelad’sheadwentup。”Isee，”hesaid，hiseyesglowing。”Itwasfine！I’mawfullygladhedidn’tquit，’speciallywhenhefeltlikeit。Youtellhimforme。”Hisidolwasfirmagainonhispedestal。”Allright，oldchap，”saidhisbigbrother。”You’llneverquit，I
bet！””NotifI’mfit，willI？””Rightyouare！Keepfit——that’stheword！”
Andwiththatthebigbrotherpassedouttofindthemanwhowaswrithinginanagonyofself-contempt；forinthefaceofallScotlandandinthehourofherneedhehadfailedbecausehewasn’tfit。
AfteranhourDunnfoundhisman，fixedintheresolvetothereandthenabandonthegamewithalltheappurtenancesthereof，andamongthesethedinner。Mightilyhiscaptainlabouredwithhim，plyinghimwithvaryingmotives，——thehonouroftheteamwasatstake；thehonourofthecountrywasatstake；hisownhonour，forwashenotdownontheprogrammeforthepipes？Itwasallinvain。Indoggedgloomthehalf-backlistenedunmoved。
AtlengthDunn，knowingwelltheHighlander’stenderheart，cunninglytouchedanotherstringandtoldofRob’sdistressandsubsequentrelief，andthengavehishalf-backtheboy’smessage。”Ipromisedtotellyou，andIalmostforgot。Thelittlebeggarwasterriblyworkedup，andasIrememberit，thisiswhathesaid：
’I’mawfullygladhedidn’tquit，’speciallywhenhefeltlikeit。’
Thosewerehisverywords。”
ThenCameronburiedhisfaceinhishandsandgroanedaloud，whileDunn，knowingthathehadreachedhisutmost，stoodsilent，waiting。SuddenlyCameronflunguphishead：”DidhesayIdidn’tquit？Goodlittlesoul！I’llgo；I’dgothroughhellforthat！”
Andsoitcamethatnotinacrate，butinthegallantgarbofaHighlandgentleman，pipesandall，Cameronwasthatnightinhisplace，fightingoutthroughthelonghilariousnightthefiercestfightofhislife，chieflybecauseofthewordsthatlaylikeabalmtohislaceratedheart：”Hedidn’tquit，’speciallywhenhefeltlikeit。”
CHAPTERII
THEGLENOFTHECUPOFGOLD
JustoverthelineoftheGrampians，nearthehead-watersoftheSpey，aglen，smallandsecluded，liesbeddeddeepamongthehills，——aglenthatwhenfilledwithsunlightonasummerdaylieslikeacupofgold；thegoldallliquidandflowingoverthecup’srim。Andhencetheycalltheglen”TheCuaghOir，”TheGlenoftheCupofGold。
AtthebottomoftheCuagh，fardown，alittlelochgleams，anovalofemeraldorofsapphire，accordingtotheskyabovethatsmilesintoitsdepths。Ondarkdaysthelochcangloom，andinstormitcanrage，white-lipped，justlikethepeopleoftheGlen。
Aroundtheemeraldorsapphirelochfarmlandsliesunnyandwarm，setabouttheirsteadings，andareonthisspringdayvividwithgreen，orrichintheirred-brownswherethesoillieswaitingfortheseed。Beyondthesunnyfieldsthemuirsofbrownheatherandbrackenclimbabruptlyuptothedark-massedfirs，andtheytotheCuagh’srim。Butfromlochtorim，overfieldandmuirandforest，thegolden，liquidlighteverflowsonasunnydayandfillstheCuaghOirtillitrunsover。
Ontheeastsideoftheloch，amongsomeraggedfirs，aramblingManorHouse，ivy-coveredandancient，stood；andbehindit，somedistanceaway，theredtilingofafarm-cottage，withitssteadingclusteringnear，couldbeseen。AbouttheoldManorHousethelawnandgardentoldofneglectanddecay，butatthefarmhouseorderreigned。Thetrimlittlegardenplot，thetrimlawn，thetrimwalksandhedges，thetrimthatchoftheroof，thetrimdo’-coteaboveit，thetrimstables，byres，barnsandyardofthesteading，proclaimedtheprudent，thriftycareofaprudent，thriftysoul。
Andthereinthesteadingquadrangle，amidstthefeatheredcreatures，hens，cocksandchicks，ducks，geese，turkeysandbubbly-jocks，stoodthemistressoftheManorandprudent，thriftymanagerofthefarm，——agirlofnineteen，small，well-made，andtrimasthefarmhouseanditssurroundings，withsunnylocksandsunnyfaceandsunnybrowneyes。Hershapelyhandsweretannedandcoarsenedbytheweather；herlittlefeetwerelacedinstoutcountry-madebrogues；herdresswasaplainbrownwinsey，kiltedandbeltedopenatthefullroundneck；thekerchiefthathadfallenfromhersunny，tangledhairwasofsimplelawn，spotlessandfresh；amongherfowlsshestood，acountrylassinhabitandoccupation，butinfaceandform，inlookandpoise，aladyeveryinchofher。Daintyanddaunty，sweetandstrong，shestood，”thebonnylikeo’herbonnymither，”assaidtheSouthCountrynurse，Nannie，whohadalwayslivedattheGlenCuaghHousefromthetimethatthatmotherwasababy；”butno’saefinelike，”thenursewouldaddwithasigh。Forsherememberedeverthegentleairsandthehigh-bred，statelygraceofMaryRobertson，——forthoughmarriedtoCaptainCameronofErracht，MaryRobertsonshecontinuedtobetotheGlenfolk，——theladyofherancestralmanor，nowforfiveyearslainunderthebirchtreesyonderbythechurchtowerthatlookedoutfromitsclusteringfirsandbirchesontheslopebeyondtheloch。Fiveyearsagothegentleladyhadpassedfromthem，butliketheliquid，goldensunlight，andliketheperfumeoftheheatherandthefirs，thearomaofhersaintlylifestillfilledtheGlen。
Ayearafterthatgriefhadfallen，Moira，heronedaughter，”thebonnylikeo’herbonnymither，thoughno’saefine，”hadsomehowslippedintocommandoftheHouseFarm，theonlyremainingportionofthewidedemesneoffarmlandsoncetributarytotheHouse。AndbythethriftwhichshelearnedfromherSouthCountrynurseinthecareofherpoultryandherpigs，andbyhershrewdoversightofthethriftless，doddlingHighlandfarmerandhismorethriftlessandmoredoddlingwomenfolk，shebroughtthefarmtoorderandtoabasisofprofitablereturns。Andthis，too，withsolittle”clashandclaver”thatherfatheronlyknewthatsomehowthingsweremorecomfortableabouttheplace，andthattherewerefewercallsthanformerlyuponhispursefortheupkeepoftheHouseandhome。
Indeed，thelessappearedMoira’smanagement，bothintheroutineoftheHouseandinthecareofthefarm，themorepeacefullyflowedthecurrentoftheirlife。ItseriouslyannoyedtheCaptainatintervalswhenhecameuponhisdaughterdirectingoperationsinbarnyardorbyre。Thatherdirectingmeantanythingmorethanagirlishmeddlinginmattersthatwerehisentireconcernandaboutwhichhehadalreadygivenorwasabouttogiveorders，theCaptainneverdreamed。ThatthingsabouttheHouseweresomehowprosperinginlateyearshesetdowntohisownskillandmanagementandhisownknowledgeofscientificfarming；aknowledgewhich，moreover，hedelightedtodisplayattheannualdinnersoftheSocietyfortheImprovementofAgricultureintheGlen，ofwhichhewashonourarysecretary；aknowledgewhichheairedinlengthyarticlesinlocalagriculturalandotherperiodicals；aknowledgewhich，however，attimesbecametheoccasionofdismaytohisthriftydaughterandherHighlandfarmer，andnotseldomtheoccasionofmuchuselessexpenditureofguineashardwonfrompigsandpoultry。
True，moreseriouslosswasoftenavertedbythefacilitywithwhichtheCaptainturnedfromoneschemetoanother，happilyforgetfulofordershehadgivenandwhichwerenevercarriedout；
andbytheinvinciblefabianismoftheHighlandfarmer，who，listeningwithgravestattentiontotheCaptain’sordersdeliveredinthemostdefiniteandimpressiveterms，wouldmakereply，”Yess，yessindeed，Iknow；shewillbeattendingtoitimmediately——
tomorrow，orferysoonwhateffer。”ItcannotbesaidthatthiscapacityforindefiniteprocrastinationrenderedtheHighlanderanylessvaluabletohis”tearyoungleddy。”
ThedaysonwhichPostieappearedwithalargebundleofmailwereaccountedgooddaysbytheyoungmistress，forontheseandsucceedingdaysherfatherwouldbe”busywithhiscorrespondence。”
Andthesedayswerenotfew，fortheCaptainheldmanyhonouraryofficesincountyandotherassociationsforthepromotionandencouragementofvariousactivities，industrial，social，andphilanthropic。Oftheimportanceoftheseactivitiestothecountyandnationalwelfare，theCaptainhadnomannerofdoubt，ashisvoluminouscorrespondencetestified。Astotheworthofhiscorrespondencehisdaughter，too，heldthehighestopinion，estimatingherfather，asdoalldutifuldaughters，athisownvaluation。FortheCaptainheldhimselfinhighesteem；notsimplyforhisbreeding，whichwasoftheCameronsofErracht；norforhismanners，whichwereofthemostcourtly，ifoccasionallymarredbyfretfulness；norforhisdress，whichwasthatofaHighlandgentleman，perfectindetailandimmaculate，butforhismanyandpublicservicesrenderedtothepeople，thecounty，andthenation。
Indeedhismeremembershipduestothevariousassociations，societiesandcommitteeswithwhichhewasconnected，andhisdiningexpensescontingentupontheirannualmeetings，togetherwiththeamountsexpendedupontheequipmentandadornmentofhispersonpropertosuchfestiveoccasions，cutsodeepintotheslenderresourcesofthefamilyastogivehisprudentdaughtersomeconsiderableconcern；thoughitissafetosaythatsuchconcernherfatherwouldhaveregardednotonlyasunnecessarybutalmostasimpertinent。
TheCaptain’scorrespondence，howeverextensive，wasonthewholeregardedbyhisdaughterasagoodratherthananevil，inthatitsecuredherdomesticandfarmactivitiesfromdisturbingincursions。
ThisspringmorningMoira’sapprehensionsawakenedbyanextremelylightmail，wererealized，asshebeheldherfatherbearingdownuponherwithanopenletterinhishand。Hishandsomefacewassetinafretfulfrown。”Moira，mydaughter！”heexclaimed，”howoftenhaveIspoketoyouaboutthis——this——unseemly——ah——mussingandmeddlingintheservants’duties！””But，Papa，”criedhisdaughter，”lookatthesedearthings！I
lovethemandtheyallknowme，andtheybehavesomuchbetterwhenIfeedthemmyself。Dotheynot，Janet？”sheadded，turningtothestoutandsonsyfarmer’sdaughterstandingby。”Indeed，then，theyarecleveratknowingyou，”repliedthemaid，whoseparticulardutywastoholdareservesupplyoffoodforthefowlsthatclamouredandscrambledaboutheryoungmistress。”Lookatthatvainbubbly-jockthere，Papa，”criedMoira，”helovestohavemenoticehim。Conceitedcreature！Lookout，Papa，hedoesnotlikeyourkilts！”Thebubbly-jock，drummingandscrapingandsidlingevernearertotheCaptain’snakedknees，finallywithgreatoutcryflewstraightattheaffrontingkilts。”Getoffwithyou，youbeast！”criedtheCaptain，kickingvainlyatthewrathfulbird，andatthesametimebeatingawiseretreatbeforehisonset。
Moirarushedtohisrescue。”Hoot，Jock！Shameonye！”shecried。”Therenow，youproudthing，beoff！He’sjustjealousofyourfineappearance，Papa。”Withherkerchiefsheflippedintosubmissionthehaughtybubbly-jockanddrewherfatheroutofthesteading。”Comeaway，Papa，andseemypigs。”
ButtheCaptainwasinnohumourforpigs。”Nonsense，child，”hecried，”letusgetoutofthismess！Besides，Iwishtospeaktoyouonamatterofimportance。”Theypassedthroughthegate。”ItisaboutAllan，”hecontinued，”andI’mreallyvexed。Somethingterriblehashappened。””Allan！”thegirl’svoicewasfaintandhersunnycheekgrewwhite。”AboutAllan！”shesaidagain。”AndwhatiswrongwithAllan，Papa？””That’swhatIdonotknow，”repliedherfatherfretfully；”butI
mustawaytoEdinburghthisveryday，soyou’llneedtohastenwithmypacking。AndbidDonaldbringroundthecartatonce。”
ButMoirastooddazed。”But，Papa，youhavenottoldmewhatiswrongwithAllan。”Hervoicewasquiet，butwithacertaininsistenceinitthatatonceirritatedherfatherandcompelledhisattention。”Tut，tut，Moira，IhavejustsaidIdonotknow。””Isheill，Papa？”Againthegirl’svoicegrewfaint。”No，no，notill。Iwishhewere！Imeanitissomebusinessmatteryoucannotunderstand。ButitmustbeseriousifMr。Raeasksmypresenceimmediately。Soyoumusthasten，child。”
InlessthanhalfanhourDonaldandthecartwerewaitingatthedoor，andMoirastoodinthehallwithherfather’sbagreadypacked。”Oh，Iamglad，”shesaid，asshehelpedherfatherwithhiscoat，”thatAllanisnotill。Therecan’tbemuchwrong。””Wrong！Readthat，child！”criedthefatherimpatiently。
Shetooktheletterandread，herfacereflectingherchangingemotions，perplexity，surprise，finallyindignation。”’Amatterforthepolice，’”shequoted，scornfully，handingherfathertheletter。”’Amatterforthepolice’indeed！MybutthatMr。Raeisthecleverman！Thepolice！DoeshethinkmybrotherAllanwouldcheat？——orsteal，perhaps！”shepanted，inherindignantscorn。”Mr。Raeisacarefulmanandaveryablelawyer，”repliedherfather。”Able！Careful！He’sanauldwife，andthat’swhatheis！Youcantellhimsoforme。”Shewastremblingandwhitewithawrathherfatherhadneverbeforeseeninher。Hestoodgazingatherinsilentsurprise。”Papa，”criedMoirapassionately，answeringhislook，”doyouthinkwhatheissaying？IknowmybrotherAllancleanthroughtotheheart。Heiswildattimes，andmightrageperhapsand——and——breakthings，buthewillnotlienorcheat。Hewilldiefirst，andthatIwarrantyou。”
Stillherfatherstoodgazinguponherasshestoodproudlyerect，herpalefacealightwithloftyfaithinherbrotherandscornofhistraducer。”Mychild，mychild，”hesaid，huskily，”howlikeyouaretoyourmother！ThankGod！Indeeditmaybeyou’reright！
Godgrantit！”Hedrewhercloselytohim。”Papa，Papa，”shewhispered，clingingtohim，whilehervoicebrokeinasob，”youknowAllanwillnotlie。Youknowit，don’tyou，Papa？””Ihopenot，dearchild，Ihopenot，”hereplied，stillholdinghertohim。”Papa，”shecriedwildly，”sayyoubelieveme。””Yes，yes，Idobelieveyou。ThankGod，Idobelieveyou。Theboyisstraight。”
Atthatwordshelethimgo。ThatherfathershouldnotbelieveinAllanwastoherloyalheartanintolerablepain。NowAllanwouldhavesomeonetostandforhimagainst”thatlawyer”andallotherswhomightseektodohimharm。AttheHousedoorshestoodwatchingherfatherdrivedownthroughtheraggedfirstothehighroad，andlongafterhehadpassedoutofsightshestillstoodgazing。Uponthechurchtowerrisingoutofitsbirchesanditsfirshereyeswereresting，butherheartwaswiththelittlemoundatthetower’sfoot，andasshegazed，thetearsgatheredandfell。”Oh，Mother！”shewhispered。”Mother，Mother！YouknowAllanwouldnotlie！”
Asuddenstormwasgathering。InabriefmomenttheworldandtheGlenhadchanged。ButhalfanhouragoandtheCuaghOirwaslyinggloriouswithitsflowinggold。Now，fromtheCuaghasfromherworld，theflowinggoldwasgone。
CHAPTERIII
THEFAMILYSOLICITOR
TheseniormemberofthelegalfirmofRae&Macphersonwasperplexedandannoyed，indeedangry，andangrychieflybecausehewasperplexed。Heresentedsuchaconditionofmindasreflectinguponhislegalandotheracumen。Angry，too，hewasbecausehehadbeenforcedtoaccept，thepreviousday，afavourfromafirm——Mr。
Raewouldnotcondescendtosayarivalfirm——withwhichheforthirtyyearshadmaintainedonlythemostdistantandformalrelations，towit，thefirmofThomlinson&Shields。Messrs。Rae&
Macphersonwerefamilysolicitorsandforthreegenerationshadbeensuch；hencetheregatheredaboutthefirmafineflavourofassuredrespectabilitywhichonlythecombinationofsolidintegrityandundoubtedantiquitycangive。Messrs。Rae&
Macphersonhadnotyieldedintheslightestdegreetothatcommercialisingspiritwhichwouldtransformarespectableandself-respectingfirmoffamilysolicitorsintoamerefinancialagency；atransformationwhichMr。Raewouldconsideradegradationofanancientandhonourableprofession。ThisuncompromisingattitudetowardthecommercialisingspiritoftheagehaddoubtlesssomethingtodowiththeirlosingthesolicitorshipfortheBankofScotland，whichwenttothefirmofThomlinson&Shields，toMr。
Rae’skeen，thoughunacknowledged，disappointment；adisappointmentthatarosenotsomuchfromthelossoftheveryhonourableandlucrativeappointment，andmorefromthefactthattheappointmentshouldgotosuchafirmasthatofThomlinson&Shields。ForthefirmofThomlinson&Shieldswereofrecentorigin，withoutancestry，boastinganexistenceofonlysomethirty-fiveyears，and，asonemightexpectofafirmofsuchrecentorigin，characterisedbythecommercialisingmodernspiritinitsmostpronouncedandobjectionableform。Mr。Rae，ofcourse，wouldnevercondescendtohostilecriticism，dismissingMessrs。Thomlinson&
Shieldsfromtheconversationwiththesingleremark，”Pushing，Sir，verypushing，indeed。”
Itwas，then，nosmallhumiliationforMr。RaetobeforcedtoacceptafavourfromMr。Thomlinson。”HaditbeenanyotherthanCameron，”hesaidtohimself，ashesatinhissomewhatdingyanddustyoffice，”Iwouldlethimswither。ButCameron！Imustseetoitandatonce。”BehindthenamethererosebeforeMr。Rae’simaginationalonglineofbravemenandfairwomenforwhosenameandfameandforwhosegoodestateithadbeenhisdutyandthedutyofthosewhohadprecededhiminofficetoassumeresponsibility。”Youngfool！Muchhecaresforthehonourofhisfamily！Iwonderwhat’satthebottomofthisbusiness！Looksugly！Decidedlyugly！Thefirstthingistofindhim。”AmessengerhadfailedtodiscoveryoungCameronathislodgings，andhadbroughtbackthewordthatforaweekhehadnotbeenseenthere。”Hemustbefound。Theyhavegivenmetillto-morrow。Icannotaskafurtherstayofproceedings；IcannotandIwillnot。”ItmadeMr。Raemoredeeplyangrythatheknewquitewellifnecessityarosehewoulddojustthatverything。”Thenthere’shisfathercominginthisevening。Wesimplymustfindhim。Buthowandwhere？”
Mr。Raewasnotunskilledinsuchamatter。”Findaman，findhisfriends，”hemuttered。”Let’ssee。Whatdoestheyoungfooldo？
Whatarehisgames？Ah！Football！Ihaveit！YoungDunnismyman。”HencetoyoungDunnforthwithMr。Raebetookhimself。
ItwasstillearlyinthedaywhenMr。Rae’smild，round，jolly，clean-shavenfacebeamedinuponMr。Dunn，whosatwithdictionaries，texts，andclassnotebookspiledhighabouthim，burrowinginthatmoundofhiddentreasurewhichitbehoovesallprudentaspirantsforuniversityhonourstodiligentlymineasthefatefuldayapproaches。WithMr。Dunntimehadnowcometobemeasuredbymoments，andeverymomentgolden。ButthewrathfulimpatiencethathadgatheredinhisfaceattheapproachofanintruderwasoverwhelmedinastonishmentatrecognisingsodistinguishedavisitorasMr。RaetheWriter。”Ah，Mr。Dunn，”saidMr。Raebriskly，”amomentonly，onemoment，I
assureyou。WelldoIknowtheragewhichboilsbehindthatgenialsmileofyours。Don’tdenyit，Sir。HaveInotsufferedallthepangs，withjustaweekbeforethefinalordeal？Thisisyourfinal，Ibelieve？””Ihopeso，”saidMr。Dunnsomewhatruefully。”Yes，yes，andaveryfinecareer，acareerbefittingyourfather’sson。AndIsincerelytrust，Sir，thatasyourcareerhasbeenmarkedbyhonour，yourexitshallbewithdistinction；andallthemorethatIamnotunawareofyourachievementsinanotherdepartmentof——ah——shallIsayendeavour。Ihaveseenyourname，Sir，mentionedmorethanonce，tothehonourofouruniversity，inathleticevents。”AtthispointMr。Rae’sfacebrokeintoasmile。
AnamazingsmilewasMr。Rae’s；amazingbothinthesuddennessofitsappearingandinthesuddennessofitsvanishing。Uponafaceofsupernaturalgravity，withoutwarning，withoutbeginning，thesmile，broad，fullandeffulgent，wasinstantaneouslypresent。
Thenequallywithoutwarningandwithoutfadingthesmileceasedtobe。UnderitseffulgencetheobserverunfamiliarwithMr。Rae’ssmilewasmoved，toaresponsivegenialityofexpression，butinthefulltideofthisemotionhefoundhimselfsuddenlyregardingafaceofsuchpreternaturalgravityasrebukedtheverypossibilityorsuggestionofgeniality。BeforethesmileMr。Rae’sfacewaslikeahouse，withtheshuttersupandthefamilyplungedingloom。
Whenthesmilebrokefortheveryshutterwasflungwidetothepouringsunlight，andeverywindowfullofflowersandlaughingchildren。Theninstantlyandwithoutwarningthehousewasblank，lifeless，andshutteredoncemore，leavingyouhelplesslyapologeticthatyouhadeverbeenguiltyofthefatuityofassociatinganythingbutdeathandgloomwithitsappearance。
ToyoungMr。Dunnitwasextremelydisconcertingtodiscoverhimselfsmilinggeniallyintoafaceoftheseverestgravity，andeyesthatrebukedhimforhisuntimelylevity。”Oh，Ibegpardon，”
exclaimedMr。Dunnhastily，”Ithought——””Notatall，Sir，”repliedMr。Rae。”AsIwassaying，Ihaveobservedfromtimetotimethedistinctionsyouhaveachievedintherealmofathletics。Andthatremindsmeofmybusinesswithyouto-day，——asadbusiness，aseriousbusiness，Ifear。”ThesolemnimpressivenessofMr。Rae’smannerawakenedinMr。Dunnanaweamountingtodread。”ItisyoungCameron，afriendofyours，I
believe，Sir。””Cameron，Sir！”echoedDunn。”Yes，Cameron。Doeshe，ordidhenothaveaplaceonyourteam？”
Dunnsatuprightandalert。”Yes，Sir。What’sthematter，Sir？””Firstofall，doyouknowwhereheis？Ihavetriedhislodgings。
Heisnotthere。ItisimportantthatIfindhimto-day，extremelyimportant；infact，itisnecessary；inshort，Mr。Dunn，——IbelieveIcanconfideinyourdiscretion，——ifIdonotfindhimto-day，thepolicewillto-morrow。””Thepolice，Sir！”Dunn’sfaceexpressedanawfulfear。IntheheartoftherespectableBritontheverymentionofthepoliceinconnectionwiththeprivatelifeofanyofhisfriendsawakensafeelingofgravestapprehension。NowonderMr。Dunn’sfacewentpale！”Thepolice！”hesaidasecondtime。”Whatfor？”
Mr。Raeremainedsilent。”Ifitisacaseofdebts，Sir，”suggestedMr。Dunn，”why，Iwouldgladly——”
Mr。Raewavedhimaside。”Itissufficienttosay，Mr。Dunn，thatwearethefamilysolicitors，aswehavebeenforhisfather，hisgrandfatherandgreat-grandfatherbeforehim。””Oh，certainly，Sir。Ibegpardon，”saidMr。Dunnhastily。”Notatall；quiteproper；doesyoucredit。Butitisnotacaseofdebts，thoughitisacaseofmoney；infact，Sir，——IfeelsureImayventuretoconfideinyou，——heisintroublewithhisbank，theBankofScotland。Theyoungman，orsomeoneusinghisname，hasbeenguiltyof——ah——well，anirregularity，adecidedirregularity，anirregularitywhichthebankseemsinclinedto——
to——followup；indeed，Imaysay，instructionshavebeenissuedthroughtheirsolicitorstothateffect。Mr。Thomlinsonwasgoodenoughtobringthistomyattention，andtoofferastayofproceedingsforaday。””CanIdoanything，Sir？”saidDunn。”I’mafraidI’veneglectedhim。Thetruthis，I’vebeeninanawfulfunkaboutmyexams，andIhaven’tkeptintouchasIshould。””Findhim，Mr。Dunn，findhim。Hisfatheriscomingtotownthisevening，whichmakesitdoublyimperative。Findhim；thatis，ifyoucansparethetime。””OfcourseIcan。I’mawfullysorryI’velosttouchwithhim。
He’sbeenratherdownallthiswinter；infact，eversincetheInternationalheseemstohavelosthisgripofhimself。””Ah，indeed！”saidMr。Rae。”Irememberthatoccasion；infact，I
waspresentmyself，”headmitted。”Ioccasionallyseektorenewmyyouth。”Mr。Rae’ssmilebrokeforth，butanxietyforhisfriendsavedMr。Dunnfrombeingcaughtagaininanyresponsivesmile。”Bringhimtomyoffice，ifyoucan，anytimeto-day。Good-bye，Sir。Yourspiritdoesyoucredit。ButitisthespiritwhichI
shouldexpectinamanwhoplaystheforwardlineasyouplayit。”
Mr。Dunnblushedcrimson。”IsthereanythingelseIcoulddo？
AnyoneIcouldsee？Imean，forinstance，couldmyfatherserveinanyway？””Ah，agoodsuggestion！”Mr。Raeseizedhisrightear，——acharacteristicactionofhiswhenindeepthought，——twisteditintoahorn，andpulleditquiteseverelyasiftoassurehimselfthatthatimportantfeatureofhisfacewasfirmlyfixedinitsplace。”Averygoodsuggestion！YourfatherknowsMr。Sheratt，themanagerofthebank，Ibelieve。””Verywell，Sir，Ithink，”answeredMr。Dunn。”Iamsurehewouldseehim。ShallIcallhimin，Sir？””Nothingofthesort，nothingofthesort；don’tthinkofit！I
mean，lettherebenothingformalinthismatter。IfMr。DunnshouldchancetomeetMr。Sheratt，thatis，casually，sotospeak，andifyoungCameron’snameshouldcomeup，andifMr。Dunnshouldusehisinfluence，hisverygreatinfluence，withMr。Sheratt，thebankmightbeinducedtotakeamorelenientviewofthecase。I
thinkIcantrustyouwiththis。”Mr。Raeshooktheyoungmanwarmlybythehand，beamedonhimforonebriefmomentwithhisamazingsmile，presentedtohisansweringsmileafaceofunspeakablegravity，andlefthimextremelyuncertainastotheproperappearanceforhisface，underthecircumstances。
BeforeMr。RaehadgainedthestreetDunnwasplanninghiscampaign；fornomatterwhatbusinesshehadinhand，Dunnalwaysworkedbyplan。Bythetimehehimselfhadreachedthestreethisplanwasformed。”Nousetryinghisdigs。Shouldn’tbesurprisedifthatbeastPottshasgothim。Rottenbounder，Potts，andworse！
Bettergoroundhisway。”AndoscillatinginhisemotionsbetweendisgustandrageatCameronforhisweaknessandhisfolly，anddisgustandrageathimselfforhisneglectofhisfriend，DunntookhiswaytotheofficeoftheInsuranceCompanywhichwashonouredbytheservicesofMr。Potts。
TheInsuranceCompanyknewnothingofthewhereaboutsofMr。Potts。
Indeed，theyoungmanwhoassumedresponsibilityfortheinformationappearedtotreattheveryexistenceofMr。Pottsasamatterofslightimportancetohiscompany；soslight，indeed，thatthecompanyhadnotfounditnecessaryeithertothestabilityofitsbusinessortotheprotectionofitspolicyholders——aprimeconsiderationwithInsuranceCompanies——tokeepintouchwithMr。
Potts。ThatgentlemanhadleftfortheEastcoastaweekago，andthatwastheendofthematterasfarastheclerkoftheInsuranceCompanywasconcerned。
AthislodgingsMr。DunndiscoveredanevenmorecallousindifferencetoMr。Pottsandhisinterests。Thelandlady，undertheimpressionthatinMr。Dunnshebeheldaprospectivelodger，atfirstreceivedhimwiththatdeferentialreservewhichisthecharacteristicofrespectablelodging-housekeepersinthatcityofrespectablelodgersandrespectablelodging-housekeepers。When，however，shelearnedtherealnatureofMr。Dunn’serrand，shebecameimmediatelytransformed。InavoiceshrillwithindignationsherepudiatedMr。
Pottsandhisaffairs，andseemedchieflyconcernedtore-establishherownreputationforrespectability，whichsheseemedtoconsiderasbeingsomewhatshatteredbythatofherlodger。Mr。DunnwasembarrassedbothbyhervolubilityandbyherobviousdeterminationtofastenuponhimacertainamountofresponsibilityforthecharacterandconductofMr。Potts。”DoyouknowwhereMr。Pottsisnow，andhaveyouanyideawhenhemayreturn？”inquiredMr。Dunn，seizingafortunatepause。”AmIno’juisttellin’ye，”criedthelandlady，inherexcitementrevertingtohernativeSouthCountrydialect，”thatIkeepnaecoonto’Mr。Potts’stravagins？An’astohisreturn，Ikennaethingabootthatan’careless。He’spaidwhathe’sbeenowingmethesethreemonthsan’that’sallIcareaboothim。””Iamgladtohearthat，”saidMr。Dunnheartily。”An’gladIamtae，forit’sfearedIwasformypayamonthback。””Whendidhepayup？”inquiredMr。Dunn，scentingaclue。”AweekcomeSaturday，——orwasitFriday？——thedayhecameinwithayoungman，afriendofhis。Andanighttheymadeofit，I
remember，”repliedthelandlady，recoveringcommandofherselfandofherspeechundertheinfluenceofMr。Dunn’squietcourtesy。”Didyouknowtheyoungmanthatwaswithhim？””Yes，itwasyoungCameron。Hehadbeencomingaboutagooddeal。””Oh，indeed！AndhaveyouseenMr。Cameronsince？””No；henevercameexceptincompanywithMr。Potts。”
AndwiththisfaintclueMr。Dunnwasforcedtocontenthimself，andtobeginasystematicsearchofCameron’shauntsinthevariouspartsofthetown。ItwasMartin，hislittlequarter-back，thatfinallyputhimontherighttrack。HehadheardCameron’spipesnotmorethananhouragoathislodgingsinMorningsideRoad。”ButwhatdoyouwantofCameronthesedays？”inquiredtheyoungCanadian。”There’snothingonjustnow，isthere，exceptthisinfernalgrind？”
Dunnhesitated。”Oh，Ijustwanthim。Infact，hehasgotintosometrouble。””Thereyouare！”exclaimedMartinindisgust。”Whyinthundershouldyouwastetimeonhim？You’vetakenenoughtroublewithhimthiswinteralready。It’shisownfuneral，ain’tit？”
Dunnlookedathimahalfmomentinsurprise。”Well，youcan’tgobackonafellowwhenhe’sdown，canyou？””Lookhere，Dunn，I’veoftenthoughtI’dgiveyoualittlewiseadvice。Thissoundsbad，Iknow，butthere’salotofblamedrotgoingaroundthisoldtownjustonthispoint。Whenafellowgetsonthebumandgetsintoaholeheknowswellthatthere’llbealotofpeopletumblingovereachothertogethimout，hencehedeliberatelyandcheerfullyslidesin。Ifheknewhe’dhavetoscrambleouthimselfhewouldn’tbesoblamedkeentogetin。Ifhe’sinaholelethimfrogitforawhile，byJingo！He’shittingthepace，lethimtakehisbumps！He’sgottotake’emsoonerorlater，andbettersoonerthanlater，forthesoonerhetakes’emthequickerhe’lllearn。Bye-bye！IknowyouthinkI’masemi-
civilisedColonial。Iain’t；I’mgivingyousomewisdomgainedfromexperience。Youcan’tswimbyhangingontoaroot，youbet！”
Dunnlistenedinsilence，thenrepliedslowly，”Isay，oldchap，there’ssomethinginthat。Mygovernorsaidsomethinglikethatsometimeago：’Atrainer’sbusinessistotrainhismentodowithouthim。’””Thereyouare！”criedMartin。”That’sphilosophy！Mine’sjusthorsesense。””Still，”saidDunnthoughtfully，”whenachap’sinyou’vegottolendahand；yousimplycan’tstandandlookon。”Dunn’swords，tone，andmannerrevealedthegreat，honestheartofhumansympathywhichhecarriedinhisbigframe。”Oh，hangit，”criedMartin，”Isupposeso！GuessI’llgoalongwithyou。Ican’tforgetyoupulledmeout，too。””Thanks，oldchap，”criedDunn，brighteningup，”butyou’rebusy，and——””Busy！ByJingo，you’dthinksoifyou’dwatchmeovernightandhearmybrainsizzle。Butcomealong，I’mgoingtostaywithyou！”
ButDunn’sbusinesswasprivate，andcouldbesharedwithnoone。
Itwasdifficulttocheckhisfriend’snewly-arousedardour。”I
say，oldchap，”hesaid，”youreallydon’tneedtocomealong。I
cando——””Oh，gotoblazes！Iknowyoutoowell！Don’tyouworryaboutme！
You’vegotmegoing，andI’minonthisthing；socomealong！”
ThenDunngrewfirm。”Thanks，awfully，oldman，”hesaid，”butit’sathingI’dratherdoalone，ifyoudon’tmind。””Oh！”saidMartin。”Allright！Butsay，ifyouneedmeI’mon。
You’reagreatoldbrick，though！Tra-la！”
AsMartinhadsurmised，DunnfoundCameroninhisrooms。Hewaslyinguponhisbedenjoyingtheluxuryofacigarette。”Hello！
Comerightin，oldchap！”hecried，ingaywelcome。”Havea——no，youwon’thaveacigarette——haveapipe？”
Dunngazedathim，consciousofarisingtideofmingledemotions，relief，wrath，pity，disgust。”Well，I’llbehanged！”atlasthesaidslowly。”Butyou’vegivenusachase！Whereintheworldhaveyoubeen？””Been？Oh，hereandthere，enjoyingmyemancipationfromthethralldominwhichdoubtlessyouarestillsweating。””Andwhatdoesthatmeanexactly？””Mean？ItmeansthatI’vecutthething，——notebooks，lectures，professors，exams，’thehalehypothick，’asourNanniewouldsayathome。””Ohrot，Cameron！Youdon’tmeanit？””Circumspice。Doyoubeholdanysuggestionofknottedtowelsandthemidnightoil？”
Dunngazedabouttheroom。Itwasinawhirlofconfusion。Pipesandpouches，alargeboxofcigarettes，aglassandahalf-emptydecanter，wereuponthetable；boots，caps，golf-clubs，coats，laypiledinvariouscorners。”Pardontheconfusion，dearsir，”criedCameroncheerfully，”andlayitnottothechargeofmylandlady。
Thatestimablewomanwasdeterminedtomakeentrythisafternoon，butwasdenied。”Cameron’smanneroneofgayandnervousbravado。”Come，Cameron，”saidDunnsadly，”whatdoesthismean？You’renotserious；you’renotchuckingyouryear？””Justthat，dearfellow，andnothingless。Mightaswellasbeploughed。””Andwhatthenareyougoingtodo？”Dunn’svoicewasfullofagreatpity。”Whataboutyourpeople？Whataboutyourfather？
And，byJove，thatremindsme，he’scomingtotownthisevening。
Youknowthey’vebeentryingtofindyoueverywherethislastdayortwo。””Andwhoare’they，’pray？””Who？Thepolice，”saidDunnbluntly，determinedtoshockhisfriendintoseriousness。
Cameronsatupquickly。”Thepolice？Whatdoyoumean，Dunn？””WhatitmeansIdonotknow，Cameron，Iassureyou。Don’tyou？””Thepolice！”saidCameronagain。”It’sajoke，Dunn。””IwishtoHeavenitwere，Cameron，oldman！ButIhaveitstraightfromMr。Rae，yourfamilysolicitor。Theywantyou。””OldRae？”exclaimedCameron。”Nowwhatthedeucedoesthisallmean？””Don’tyoureallyknow，oldchap？”saidDunnkindly，anxietyandreliefstrugglinginhisface。”Nomorethanyou。Whatdidtheoldchapsay，anyway？””SomethingaboutaBank；anirregularity，hecalledit，aseriousirregularity。He’shaditstavedoffforaday。””TheBank？WhatinHeaven’snamehaveIgottodowiththeBank？
Let’ssee；Iwasthereaweekortendaysagowith——”hepaused。”Hangit，Ican’tremember！”Heranhishandsthroughhislongblacklocks，andbegantopacetheroom。
Dunnsatwatchinghim，hopeandfear，doubtandfaithfillinghisheartinsuccession。
Cameronsatdownwithhisfaceinhishands。”Whatisit，oldman？
Can’tIhelpyou？”saidDunn，puttinghishandonhisshoulder。”Ican’tremember，”mutteredCameron。”I’vebeengoingitsome，youknow。IhadbeenfallingbehindandgettingmoneyoffPotts。
TwoweeksagoIgotmymonthlyfive-poundcheque，andabouttendaysagotheusualfifty-poundchequetosquarethingsupfortheyear，fees，etc。SeemstomeIcashedthose。OrdidPotts？
AnywayIpaidPotts。Thedeucetakeit，Ican’tremember！YouknowIcancarryalotofScotchandnevershowit，butitplaysthedevilwithmymemory。”Cameronwasgrowingmoreandmoreexcited。”Well，oldchap，wemustgorightalongtoMr。Rae’soffice。Youdon’tmind？””Mind？Notabit。OldRaehasnoloveforme，——Igethimintotoomuchtrouble，——buthe’sastraightoldboy。JustwaittillIbrushupabit。”Hepouredoutfromadecanterhalfaglassofwhiskey。”I’dcutthatoutifIwereyou，”saidDunn。”Later，perhaps，”repliedCameron，”butnotto-day。”
WithintwentyminutestheywereusheredintoMr。Rae’sprivateoffice。Thatgentlemanreceivedthemwithagravitythatwasportentousinitssolemnity。”Well，Sir，youhavesucceededinyourtask，”hesaidtoMr。Dunn。”Iwishtothankyouforthisservice，amostvaluableservicetome，tothisyounggentleman，andtohisfamily；thoughwhethermuchmaycomeofitremainstobeseen。””Oh，thanks，”saidDunnhurriedly。”Ihopeeverythingwillbeallright。”Herosetogo。Cameronlookedathimquickly。Therewasnomistakingtheentreatyinhisface。
Mr。Raespokesomewhatmorehurriedlythanhiswont。”Ifitisnotaskingtoomuch，andifyoucanstillsparetime，yourpresencemightbehelpful，Mr。Dunn。””Stayifyoucan，oldchap，”saidCameron。”Idon’tknowwhatthisthingis，butI’lldobetterifyou’reinthegame，too。”Itwasanappealtohiscaptain，andafterthatnothingonearthcouldhavedrivenDunnfromhisside。
Atthispointthedooropenedandtheclerkannounced，”CaptainCameron，Sir。”
Mr。Raerosehastily。”Tellhim，”hesaidquickly，”towait——”
Hewastoolate。TheCaptainhadfollowedcloseupontheheelsoftheclerk，andcameinwitharush。”Now，whatdoesallthismean？”hecried，hardlywaitingtoshakehandswithhissolicitor。”Whatmischief——？””Ibegyourpardon，Captain，”saidMr。Raecalmly，”letmepresentMr。Dunn，CaptainDunn，Imightsay，ofInternationalfame。”Thesolicitor’ssmilebrokeforthwithitsaccustomedunexpectedness，buthadvanishedlongbeforeMr。DunninhisembarrassmenthadfinishedshakinghandswithCaptainCameron。
TheCaptainthenturnedtohisson。”Well，Sir，andwhatisthisaffairofyoursthatcallsmetotownatamostinconvenienttime？”
Histonewascold，fretful，andsuspicious。
YoungCameron’sface，whichhadlightedupwithacertaineagernessandappealashehadturnedtowardhisfather，asifinexpectationofsympathyandhelp，frozeatthisgreetingintosullenreserve。”Idon’tknowanymorethanyourself，Sir，”heanswered。”Ihavejustcomeintothisofficethisminute。””Well，then，whatisit，Mr。Rae？”TheCaptain’svoiceandmannerweredistinctlyimperious，ifnotoverbearing。
Mr。Rae，however，waskingofhisowncastle。”Willyounotbeseated，Sir？”hesaid，pointingtoachair。”Sitdown，younggentlemen。”
Hisquietdignity，hisperfectcourtesy，recalledtheCaptaintohimself。”Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Rae，butIamreallymuchdisturbed。Canwebeginatonce？”HeglancedashespokeatMr。
Dunn，whoimmediatelyrose。”Sitdown，Mr。Dunn，”saidMr。Raequietly。”Ihaveaskedthisyounggentleman，”hecontinued，turningtotheCaptain，”toremain。
Hehasalreadygivenmevaluableassistance。Ifancyhemaybeabletoserveusstillfurther，ifhewillbesogood。”
Mr。Dunnbowedinsilence。”Nowletusproceedwithwhatmustbeanexceedinglypainfulmatterforusall，andoutofwhichnothingbutextremecandouronthepartofMr。Allanhere，andgreatwisdomonthepartofusall，canpossiblyextractus。”Mr。Rae’sglancerestedupontheCaptain，whobowed，anduponhisson，whomadenosignwhatever，butremainedwithhisfacesetinthesamesullengloomwithwhichhehadgreetedhisfather。
Mr。Raeopenedadrawerandbroughtforthaslipofpaper。”Mr。
Allan，”hesaid，withacertainsharpnessinhistone，”pleaselookatthis。”
Cameroncametothedesk，pickedupthepaper，glancedatit。”Itismyfather’scheque，”hesaid，”whichIreceivedaboutaweekago。””Lookattheendorsement，please，”saidMr。Rae。
Cameronturneditover。Aslightflushcametohispaleface。”Itismineto——”hehesitated，”Mr。Potts。””Mr。Pottscasheditthen？””Isupposeso。Ibelieveso。Iowedhimmoney，andhegavemebacksome。””Howmuchdidyouowehim？””Aconsiderableamount。Ihadbeenborrowingofhimforsometime。””Asmuchasfiftypounds？””Icannottell。Ididnotkeepcount，particularly；Pottsdidthat。”
TheCaptainsnortedcontemptuously。”Doyoumeantosay——？”hebegan。”Pardonme，CaptainCameron。Allowme，”saidMr。Rae。”Now，Mr。Allan，doyouthinkyouowedhimasmuchastheamountofthatcheque？””Idonotknow，butIthinkso。””Hadyouanyothermoney？””No，”saidAllanshortly；”atleastImayhavehadalittleremainingfromthefivepoundsIhadreceivedfrommyfatherafewdaysbefore。””Youarequitesureyouhadnoothermoney？””Quitecertain，”repliedAllan。
AgainMr。RaeopenedhisdeskanddrewforthaslipandhandedittoyoungCameron。”Whatisthat？”hesaid。
Cameronglancedatithurriedly，andturneditover。”Thatismyfather’schequeforfivepounds，whichIcashed。”
Mr。Raestretchedouthishandandtookthecheque。”Mr。Allan，”
hesaid，”Iwantyoutoconsidermostcarefullyyouranswer。”Heleanedacrossthedeskandforsomemoments——theyseemedlikeminutestoDunn——hiseyessearchedyoungCameron’sface。”Mr。
Allan，”hesaid，withaswiftchangeoftone，hisvoicetremblingslightly，”willyoulookattheamountofthatchequeagain？”
Camerononcemoretookthecheque，glancedatit。”GoodLord！”hecried。”Itisfifty！”Hisfaceshowedblankamazement。
Quick，low，andsterncameMr。Rae’svoice。”Yes，”hesaid，”itisforfiftypounds。Doyouknowthatthatisaforgery，thepunishmentforwhichispenalservitude，andthattheorderforyourarrestisalreadygiven？”
TheCaptainsprangtohisfeet。YoungCameron’sfacebecameghastlypale。HishandclutchedthetopofMr。Rae’sdesk。Twiceorthricehemoistenedhislipspreparingtospeak，bututterednotaword。”GoodGod，myboy！”saidtheCaptainhoarsely。”Don’tstandlikethat。Tellhimyouareinnocent。””Onemoment，Sir，”saidMr。RaetotheCaptain。”Permitme。”Mr。
Rae’svoice，whileperfectlycourteous，wascalmlyauthoritative。”Mr。Allan，”hecontinued，turningtothewretchedyoungman，”whatmoneyhaveyouatpresentinyourpockets？”
WithshakinghandsyoungCameronemptieduponthedeskthecontentsofhispocketbook，fromwhichthelawyercountedouttenone-poundnotes，ahalf-sovereignandsomesilver。”Wheredidyougetthismoney，Mr。Allan？”
Theyoungman，stillsilent，drewhishandkerchieffromhispocket，touchedhislips，andwipedthesweatfromhiswhiteface。”Mr。Allan，”continuedthelawyer，droppingagainintoakindlyvoice，”afrankexplanationwillhelpusall。””Mr。Rae，”saidCameron，hiswordscomingwithpainfulindistinctness，”Idon’tunderstandthis。Ican’tthinkclearly。
Ican’tremember。ThatmoneyIgotfromPotts；atleastImusthave——Ihavehadmoneyfromnooneelse。””MyGod！”criedtheCaptainagain。”Tothinkthatasonofmineshould——！””Pardonme，CaptainCameron，”interruptedMr。Raequicklyandsomewhatsharply。”Wemustnotprejudgethiscase。Wemustfirstunderstandit。”
AtthispointDunnsteppedswiftlytoCameron’sside。”Braceup，oldchap，”hesaidinalowtone。ThenturningtowardstheCaptainhesaid，”Ibegyourpardon，Sir，butIdothinkit’sonlyfairtogiveamanachancetoexplain。””Allowme，gentlemen，”saidMr。Raeinafirm，quietvoice，astheCaptainwasabouttobreakforth。”Allowmetoconductthisexamination。”
CameronturnedhisfacetowardDunn。”Thankyou，oldman，”hesaid，hiswhitelipsquivering。”Iwilldomybest，butbeforeGod，Idon’tunderstandthis。””Now，Mr。Allan，”continuedthelawyer，tappingthedesksharply，”herearetwochequesforfiftypounds，bothdrawnbyyourfather，bothendorsedbyyou，oneapparentlycashedbyMr。Potts，onebyyourself。Whatdoyouknowaboutthis？””Mr。Rae，”repliedtheyoungman，hisvoicetremblingandhusky，”I
tellyouIcan’tunderstandthis。IoughttosaythatforthelasttwoweeksIhaven’tbeenquitemyself，andwhiskeyalwaysmakesmeforget。Icanwalkaroundsteadilyenough，butIdon’talwaysknowwhatIamdoing——””That’sso，Sir，”saidDunnquickly，”I’veseenhim。””——AndjustwhathappenedwiththesechequesIdonotknow。Thischeque，”pickinguptheoneendorsedtoPotts，”IremembergivingtoPotts。TheonlyotherchequeIrememberisafive-poundone。””Doyouremembercashingthatfive-poundcheque？”inquiredMr。Rae。”Icarrieditaboutforsomedays。Irememberthat，becauseIonceofferedittoPottsinpartpayment，andhesaid——”thewhitefacesuddenlyflushedadeepred。”Well，Mr。Allan，whatdidhesay？””Itdoesn’tmatter，”saidCameron。”Itmayanditmaynot，”saidMr。Raesharply。”Itisyourdutytotellus。””Outwithit，”saidhisfatherangrily。”Yousurelyoweittome，tousall，toletushaveeveryassistance。”
Cameronpaidnoattentiontohisfather’swords。”Ithasreallynobearing，Sir，butIremembersayingasIofferedafive-poundcheque，’Iwishitwasfifty。’””AndwhatreplydidMr。Pottsmake？”saidMr。Rae，withquietindifference，asifhehadlostinterestinthisparticularfeatureofthecase。
AgainCameronhesitated。”Come，outwithit！”saidhisfatherimpatiently。
Hissonclosedhislipsasifinafirmresolve。”Itreallyhasnothingwhatevertodowiththecase。””Playthegame，oldman，”saidDunnquietly。”Oh，allright！”saidCameron。”Itmakesnodifferenceanyway。Hesaidinajoke，’Youcouldeasilymakethisfifty；itissuchmightypoorwriting。’”
StillMr。Raeshowednosignofinterest。”Hesuggestedinajoke，Iunderstand，thatthefive-poundchequecouldeasilybechangedintofiftypounds。ThatwasamerepleasantryofMr。Potts’，doubtless。Howdidthesuggestionstrikeyou，Mr。Allan？”
Allanlookedathiminsilence。
