t in comparison with the
maintenance of her own dignity and authority!

But Jeff went brooding down the avenue with his books slung over his
back, and on his face there was a set look of despair, which boded no
good to Mr. Colquhoun's authority.

The week passed quietly, and without any further pleading on Jeff's
part; only, he was unusually quiet and thoughtful.

On the morning before the expected arrival of the steamer from India,
Jeff was missing from Loch Lossie. Brian came in hot haste to his
father, eager to inform him of the unwarranted disappearance. Brian
was fond of establishing his own virtue by declaring the faults of
others.

"Mr. M'Gregor must not be kept waiting, Brian. You go down to him at
once. Never mind your cousin." This was not what Brian had
anticipated, and he departed in great disgust.

"I do believe he's gone up on the moor," said this youngster
vindictively as a parting shot, sincerely hoping that Jeff might be
called to account for some serious delinquency. He had never forgiven
him for having been found out himself in a serious fault last year.
The recollection of Jeff's endurance under a false accusation was a
continual mortification to his small soul. He knew that his father had
never forgotten that episode, and from time to time regarded him with
suspicion of a new deception.

All that day till nightfall, though keepers and scouts were sent about
in all directions, no word came of the missing lad. Inquiry was made
in the nearest township and at Lossie Bridge station in vain. No
little traveller had been seen to arrive or depart. Late at night a
porter from the next station down the line came up to the house and
informed Mr. Colquhoun that a little boy answering to the description
of Jeff had taken that morning's mail to London from Drumrig.

It was too late for Mr. Colquhoun to set off in pursuit of the culprit
that night, but all preparations were made for his departure the next
morning.

Meanwhile Jeff had arrived in the great city, to which he was a
stranger, towards evening. A little waif and stray in London, with
only five shillings in his pocket! But no fears assailed him. He was
encouraged by the great hope of the meeting on the morrow. His heart
began beating at the very thought of the loving arms into which he
would nestle.

Naturally he was puzzled to know what to do with himself. It was more
than probable that the great hotel at the railway station wo