tunity to raise the
fortunes of the house, and not less by the hope of paying off his
private liabilities, which were heavy beyond all opinion. As for Mr.
Henry, it appears he said little enough at first; his part came later
on. It took the three a whole day's disputation before they agreed to
steer a middle course, one son going forth to strike a blow for King
James, my lord and the other staying at home to keep in favour with King
George. Doubtless this was my lord's decision; and, as is well known, it
was the part played by many considerable families. But the one dispute
settled, another opened. For my lord, Miss Alison, and Mr. Henry all
held the one view: that it was the cadet's part to go out; and the
Master, what with restlessness and vanity, would at no rate consent to
stay at home. My lord pleaded, Miss Alison wept, Mr. Henry was very
plain spoken: all was of no avail.

"It is the direct heir of Durrisdeer that should ride by his King's
bridle," says the Master.

"If we were playing a manly part," says Mr. Henry, "there might be sense
in such talk. But what are we doing? Cheating at cards!"

"We are saving the house of Durrisdeer, Henry," his father said.

"And see, James," said Mr. Henry, "if I go, and the Prince has the upper
hand, it will be easy to make your peace with King James. But if you go,
and the expedition fails, we divide the right and the title. And what
shall I be then?"

"You will be Lord Durrisdeer," said the Master. "I put all I have upon
the table."

"I play at no such game," cries Mr. Henry. "I shall be left in such a
situation as no man of sense and honour could endure. I shall be neither
fish nor flesh!" he cried. And a little after he had another
expression, plainer perhaps than he intended. "It is your duty to be
here with my father," said he. "You know well enough you are the
favourite."

"Ay?" said the Master. "And there spoke Envy! Would you trip up my
heels--Jacob?" said he, and dwelled upon the name maliciously.

Mr. Henry went and walked at the low end of the hall without reply; for
he had an excellent gift of silence. Presently he came back.

"I am the cadet, and I _should_ go," said he. "And my lord here is the
master, and he says I _shall_ go. What say ye to that, my brother?"

"I say this, Harry," returned the Master, "that when very obstinate folk
are met, there are only two ways out: Blows--and I think none of us
could care to go so far; or the arbitrament of chan