k took them on and on; Kenneth
growing so excited, as he felt that the end of the chase was near, that
he left Tavish and his father far in the rear.

Then Dirk dashed right away, and Kenneth was in turn left behind, till
he knew that the dog had found, for his loud baying came from away in
the darkness, as he stood barking over the spot where Max lay, half
asleep, half in a state of stupor, brought on by cold.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

INSTRUCTIONS FROM LONDON.

"There, you jolly old scaramouch!" cried Kenneth, laughing. "Now I can
serve you out."

"No, no, Kenneth; let me get up, please."

"Deal of mercy you had on me when I was ill. Now it's my turn, and I've
got you. I'll serve you out."

"But, indeed, I am well enough to get up."

"No, you're not. Tavvy says you are not to stir, and you must make the
best of it."

There was a scratching at the door just then, and Kenneth ran across the
carpet to admit Dirk, who gave a sharp bark, and bounded to the bed to
nuzzle his nose in Max's hand.

"Did you ever see such a dog as that, Maxy? There are not many that
would have hunted you out as he did."

"No, I suppose not," said Max sadly and wearily, as he lay there,
suffering from the chill brought on by his exposure upon the mountains
four nights before. "But it was a pity you brought me back."

"That's five times you've said that to-day," cried Kenneth. "Now, just
you say it once more, and I'll punch your head."

Max shook the threatened part of his person sadly, and then lay looking
wearily at the window.

"Look here, old chap!" said Kenneth suddenly; "father says if you are
not better by to-night, he shall send to Glasgow for a doctor to come
and stop with you, and write word to your governor in London."

"I'm--I'm much better," said Max hastily. "I shall not want a doctor;
and tell Mr Mackhai that I want to go home as soon as I can start."

"All right, Maxy, old chap," said Kenneth slowly and sadly; "but I say,
look here--"

He stopped short, and, in a quiet, methodical way, law his hand upon his
friend's brow.

"I say, how hot your head is! Wait a moment."

He placed one arm beneath his neck, lifted his head, turned the pillow,
and gently lowered Max back upon the cool, soft linen.

"That's comfortable, isn't it?"

"Yes; so cool and refreshing!"

"So it used to be when you nursed me."

There was a dead silence.

"I say, Maxy."

"Yes."

"I like you now."

"Do you?"

"Yes,