"Then you must at once begin your preparations; we ought not to be in a hurry at the last."
An immediate stir, movement, bustle, followed. There was much talking, and many sunny faces, over which kept sweeping the clouds of sorrow.
The next morning the chief went to the New House, and desired to see Mr. Palmer. He was shown into what the new laird called his study. Mr. Palmer's first thought was that he had come to call him to account for firing at him. He neither spoke nor advanced a step to meet him. The chief stood still some yards from him, and said as pleasantly as he could,—
"You are surprised to see me, Mr. Palmer!"
"I am."
"I come to ask if you would like to buy my land?"
"Already!" said Mr. Palmer, cast on his enemy a glare of victory, and so stood regarding him. The chief did not reply.
"Well!" said Mr. Palmer.
"I wait your answer," returned the chief.
"Did it never strike you that insolence might be carried too far?"