I make you my compliments, said
Alastair.
Then he took up a poker and stirred the logs.
Poets, many poets, have sung ofit, and I have had glimpses of it. Nay, I will keep
the thing to nurse my memory, he said.
I bade you call me to your aid, AlastairMaclean, if
all else failed you and your pride miscarried.
He purposes to keep me company, said Alastair, till
I havejoined the Prince. With this hells packafter him he will be smothered unless
he turn and tear them.
I am resolved to spend what days the Almightymay
still allot me on the broad highway of humanity.
If he catches you running away, hellbeat you half
to death. I cannot permit Mr Johnson tocross the Border. But I muststipulate that
the road you follow is not that of the Princesmarch. No time elapses between Acts
Two and Three. Iwill change my name to MacIan, and be as fierce as any Highlander. I
honour you, I love you,but I will not permit a futile sacrifice.
Johnson asked, his shortsighted eyes peering atthe
wide vista. It has beenmoved to its present site, and looks it. Just around the left
corner ofthe house, a flight of steps leads to the front door. Itsinside the door of
my room with your coat laid over it. Next day Alastair was sufficiently recovered to
travel, and the twoset out shortly after daylight. Alastair looked at the speaker
with eyes half affectionate, halfamused.