morrow,
and see if he can find the stag for them."

"Why, of course," Lady Adela instantly responded. "Mr. Moore, I have
just become possessed of the wisest little terrier in the whole world, I
do believe. He only arrived this evening; but he and I have been friends
for a long time; I bought him only yesterday from a shepherd down the
strath. Oh, I must show you the letter that came with the dog. Georgie,
dear, would you mind running into my room and bringing me a letter you
will find on the dressing-table?"

Miss Georgie was absent only a couple of seconds; when she returned she
handed Lionel the following epistle, which was written on a rather
shabby sheet of paper. Its contents, however, were of independent value:

"ALTNASHIELACH. _Tuesday moarning._

"LADY ADDELA CUNNINGHAM,--

"HONNERD LADY,--I am sendin you the terrier by my sin Jeames that
was takking the milk from Bragla to your ladyship's house the last
year when he was butten by the red dog and your ladyship so kind as
to giv him five shullins the terrier's name is Donacha bit he will
soon answer to his English name that is Duncan Honnerd Lady you
must be kind to him for he will be a little shy the first time he
is awa from home and because he will not understand your languish
as he was taught Gealic he got plenty of Blood on the foxes he can
warry wan with himself alone let me no how you will be please with
him and if he is behaved and obadient I will be glad to have the
news

"from your ladyship's humble servant

"MAGNUS ROSS, _Altnashielach_"

"A wee terrier that can worry a fox all by himself must be a gallant
little beast, mustn't he?" said Lady Adela, who seemed quite proud of
her new acquisition. "And I know he will find that stag for you, Mr.
Moore, if he is to be found; for Donacha, or Duncan, is the wisest
little creature you ever saw, I wish I could talk Gaelic, just to make
him feel at home the first few days." Then she turned to her companions.
"Who began this round--Mr. Lestrange? Very well, when it comes to Sybil,
I propose we let you gentlemen go off to your cigars in the gun-room;
for poor Mr. Moore, I know, hasn't been allowed to smoke all day; and I
am sure he must be far too tired to think of playing poker. How many do
you want, Rose?"

When this round of poker was finished, the