"MacLeod of Skye," he cried, "this discussion and beating about the
bush is interesting, but nothing at all to the purpose. You are
hinting that we two are spies, and I tell you there are no spies, and
can be no spies on this island."

"I have only your word to set against my own doubts," said the
MacLeod.

"My word and your doubts are both aside from the purpose. Your mind
has become confused. Unless you are at war with James of Scotland,
there can be spies neither in the domain you hold under his hand, nor
in the kingdom over which he rules. Are you a rebel against your king,
MacLeod of Skye?"

"That I am not," answered Allaster hastily, and with evident
discomposure.

"Very well then. You see the absurdity of an argument on espionage.
MacDonald and I have as much right on the island of Skye as you have,
because it is part of the Kingdom of Scotland, and we are loyal, if
humble subjects of his majesty."

"You are not come here then to report on the condition of Skye?"

"We came here of our own free will; the messengers of no man, and we
are to report to no man. If the king should ask me any question
regarding my visit to Skye, I would answer him, that I had met with
the utmost courtesy, except from its chief. I would say that MacLeod
of MacLeod was so ignorant regarding the usages of good society that
he received us sitting down, and never asked us to be seated, an error
in politeness which I was myself forced to amend. MacDonald, plant
yourself on that chair beside you. I will take this one."

MacDonald promptly obeyed the command, and the king seated himself,
throwing one leg over the other and leaning back in comfort.

"Now, my Lord of Skye," he said, "have you any further questions to
ask, or any additional hints to bestow upon your guests, at present in
your sullen presence upon your own invitation?"

The chieftain regarded the king in silence for a few moments, then
said without change of countenance,--

"By God! you may be a small farmer, but you are a brave man. You are
the first who has questioned the authority of the MacLeod on his own
ground. So the case being without precedent, one has to be made, and
that will require some thought. We will postpone the question until
later. I trust you will both honour me with your presence at dinner
this evening, but if you prefer it, you may sup alone in your own
apartments."

"We are sociable travellers," said the king rising, for the laird's
words h