Castleleathers played his last card.
"There are wheels within wheels," said he, "we know that this Muckle John has pledged his word to preserve the life of the boy. When we have the boy in our hands, for he will come home on receiving his pardon, we will have the bait for the catching of Muckle John. Two rebels will have gone, your Highness, and none the wiser. There are things this Muckle John could say that would sound badly in a trial...."
"I know, I know," said Cumberland, ill at ease, "but surely there are odder vays...."
Castleleathers shrugged his shoulders.
"It is all we have asked," he said, "and we are not a small clan."
The Duke noted the menace in his voice and controlled his anger with an effort.
"At anodder time," he said, "I would see you var enough, but I am sick to death of all this futile business and the wrangles of one clan with another. Have it as you will."
He strode to the table, took a piece of paper out of a drawer and began to write upon it.
"Here," he said crossly, "is ze pardon for Rob Fraser, and now let me hear no more of Muckle John."
"Your Highness has acted wisely," said Castleleathers smoothly, and a minute later took his leave.