allation, which is both the envy and
the desire of every other landowner for miles around."

"And why the envy, may I ask?"

"Because the fortunes of many are lower than ours. The Duggans were
always the wealthiest clan in this part of the country. The other clans
were poor. They are still poor. And we, too, are poorer than we were.
The land takes nearly all our income to wrest something from its
wildness besides the heather and the stretches of gorse-covered moor. We
herd the flocks on those parts, Mr. Deland, but cultivation of the rest
is very difficult. It is too wild, too barren. And the other big houses
are indeed envious of our wonderful lighting arrangements. It has been
the root of much friendly quarrelling among us. But the villagers are
_terrified_!"

"I can well understand that--in this uncivilized quarter," put in Cleek
with a smile. "Many, I have no doubt, still use the old rushlight of
former days.... Ah, here is the village. My man and I had better put up
at the local hotel, Miss Duggan, as a couple of fishermen-- I'll be
bound your salmon is wonderful in these parts, and I for one love the
sport--and then we can effect an introduction by the aid of our mutual
friend, Miss Lorne, and perhaps to-morrow I might be permitted to call
upon you. How does that satisfy your mind?"

She put out a hand to him with an impetuosity that was foreign to her.

"It satisfies me splendidly. You are more than kind to take such an
interest. Put up at the Three Fishers, by all means, Mr. Deland. The
landlord is a kindly soul, and will give you every attention, I know.
And then, if you will be good enough, call to-morrow morning--unless I
have to send for you before then. And if so, how shall I do that?"

The hack drew up in front of the Inn of the Three Fishers and Cleek and
Dollops dismounted, the latter entering the inn with their baggage,
while Cleek stood at the side of the carriage, leaning over the edge of
it to speak to its sole occupant. Beyond him, directly opposite to them,
the village street broke off into a slope that led down into the valley,
rock-bound and lichened over with heather-bells and the outstretched
arms of prickly gorse-bushes. While on an adjacent hill directly in
front and rising out of the valley itself up a steep mountainside stood
Aygon Castle, its many windows commanding a distant view of the village,
and practically upon a level with it, so that some of those same
windows faced upon thos