"Zey are both dangerous Jacobites," he said, "and there are reasons vy zis Muckle John should not stand 'is trial in London. He knows too much, Mr. Mackenzie. There are things we vish to keep to ourselves for a little—you understand?"
Castleleathers bowed his head.
"There is the boy too," he said.
Cumberland shrugged his shoulders.
"Now that Lovat is taken, I care no dings for 'im. But he vill serve to put you on the trail of the other."
"He is elusive, your Highness—there is no telling how we can lay hands on him unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Your Highness could appear to have pity on his youth and issue a pardon. It would be an act of clemency and what followed would only point to clan jealousy."
Cumberland frowned. He was a straight-forward man with an aversion for subterfuge.
"I do nod like your Highland vays," he said grumpily, "why not hang the boy in the ordinary vay? Muckle John is a different matter. I see no reason for this pardon."