t what was the last thing, just
before he sent you off?"

"Ah let me zee. Oui--it was 'bout you'self. I tell him 'bout de
property--de Lock Doo vat you was--"

"Le Rue," exclaimed Redding, suddenly and very angrily, "you're a
consummate ass!"

"Vraiment," said Le Rue, with a slight shrug of his shoulders, "I am so
for remaining in de service of von goose!"

There was such good-humoured impudence in the man's face as he said this
that Redding laughed in spite of himself.

"Well," he said, "your readiness to talk has at all events caused bad
feeling between me and the McLeods. However, it don't matter. Ship
your oars again and give way with a will."

The men obeyed, and as Redding sat buried in meditation at the helm he
became convinced that McLeod's anger had been aroused by his silence in
regard to the purchase of Loch Dhu, for he himself had almost forgotten
that the sudden entrance of the Indian had checked the words which were
at the moment on his lips. When he thought of this, and of Flora, he
resolved to pull back and explain matters, but when he thought of
McLeod's tone and manner he determined to proceed to the fort. Then,
when he thought of Roderick's precarious state, his mind again wavered,
but, other thoughts and plans suggesting themselves, he finally decided
on returning home.

That night he encamped in the woods and continued to brood over the
camp-fire long after his men were asleep. Next day he reached the Cliff
Fort, when, after seeing to the welfare of the wrecked men, he informed
Bob Smart that he meant to absent himself for about a week, and to leave
him, Bob, in charge. He also gave orders that no one should quit the
post, or furnish any assistance to the McLeods.

"But, sir," said Bob Smart, in surprise, "they will be sure to starve."

"No fear of them," replied Redding, "Kenneth is young and active, and
they have plenty of ammunition."

"If report be true," returned Bob, "neither Kenneth nor any of his kin
can hit a sheep at twenty yards off. Bellew says they are as blind as
bats with the gun."

"No matter. They have a boat, and one of them can row back to Jenkins
Creek for fresh meat. Anyway, do as I bid you, and be very careful of
the wrecked men."

Smart, although fond of discussion, knew how to obey. He therefore said
no more, but bade Redding good-night and retired to his humble couch,
which, he was wont to say, was a fine example of compensation, inasmuch
as the f