something like consternation filled the hearts of all within the walls
of Ben Nevis Hall and Prairie Cottage. Elspie appeared to feel less
than the others, but the truth was that she only controlled herself
better.

"He only wants to take us by surprise," she said, and, under the
strength of that opinion, she robed herself for the wedding. Only her
gravity and the pallor of her cheeks told of uneasiness in her mind.

"Muster Sutherland said he would come soon after breakfast," observed
old Duncan, uneasily. "He should hev been here now,--for we need his
advice sorely."

"Here he iss," exclaimed Fergus, starting up and hurrying forward to
welcome the good old Elder.

Mr Sutherland's advice was decided, and promptly given. Both weddings
should be deferred and all the young men must turn out in an organised
search without a moment's delay!

It was amazing to find that every one had been of exactly the same
opinion for some time past, but no one had dared to suggest a course of
action which implied a belief that Dan might be in imminent danger, if
not worse.

Now that the ice had been broken, however, all the youth of the
neighbourhood volunteered for service, and a plan of search was being
hastily formed under the direction of the Elder, when two men in a canoe
were seen to paddle very slowly to the landing-place at the foot of the
garden. After hauling the end of their canoe on shore, they walked, or
rather staggered, up towards the house.

One of them tripped and fell, and seemed from his motions as if he
thought it was not worth while to rise again. The other, paying no
attention to his companion, came on.

"Pless my soul!" exclaimed old McKay, "it iss Tan--or his ghost--
whatever!"

And so it was! Dirty, bruised, scratched, battered, and soaking wet,
Daniel Davidson appeared to claim his beautiful bride. And he did not
come in vain, for, regardless of propriety and everything else, Elspie
ran forward with a little shriek and flung herself into his arms.

"I have kept my promise, Elspie."

"I knew you would, Dan! I _said_ you would."

"Tan, you rascal! come here."

The youth obeyed, languidly, for it was evident that he was thoroughly
exhausted.

"My poy," said the Highlander, touched by Dan's appearance, "you hev
been in the watter!"

"Not exactly, father, but last night's thunderstorm caught us, and we
had no time to seek shelter."

"An' it iss fightin' you hev been?"

"With water and