"Who goes there?" cried the sentry.
Quite quietly Muckle John thrust a hand into his great-coat pocket.
"Here is my passport," he replied, "and this is my guide. I am Captain Strange, on special duty in the west," and he handed over a document to the man, who read it slowly, and then saluting, stood at attention until they had passed.
When they were about twenty yards distant, however, Muckle John spoke in a low voice to Rob.
"Look up the hill," he said, "and tell me if Macaulay is coming down."
But there was no one to be seen, and on learning that, Muckle John gave a great sigh as though he were vastly relieved.
They neared the tents and were walking on, when an officer rose to his feet and stopped them.
"Who are you?" he asked, "and what kind of Highland wild-cat is that?" pointing with the end of his sword at Rob.
"I am Captain Strange," said Muckle John.
"Strange," echoed the man, who seemed a good-humoured fellow, greatly bored with sitting among the hills. "Oh yes, I ken ye by name, and I am Captain Campbell, at your service. Come and have a crack inside," and he made to enter his tent.