"Not he, but he was sair put about."
Rob went over to the window, and laid his head upon his arm. A deep despondency had suddenly fallen upon him. That Muckle John was only interested in the suppositious plan of the treasure seemed only too apparent. It was to obtain this that he schemed and planned. His own safety and life were trifles in comparison. Enemies within and enemies without, and all fashed about a plan that did not exist.
A sudden determination came to him.
Taking a pencil from his pocket, he took up Muckle John's letter, tore off the part which contained the reference to the treasure and wrote upon the back:
"This to tell you that what you seek has fallen into the hands of the Duke."
Then folding it up, he handed it to his aunt.
"Give that to Muckle John," he said.
Miss Macpherson scrutinized his face closely.
"Rob," she asked, "ye will do what the letter tells ye? This is no enviable position for any Highland woman, Rob, and I took for granted that no false pride would prevent you from making good your escape."
"I have not refused," he replied.