But, just as he reached the hall, he heard the voice of the man in charge raised loudly, and, looking out, he saw the second man running along the natural rock terrace, below which lay the bathing cavern and the rugged platform from which they would take boat.
The next moment Scoodrach’s voice rose in shrill and angry tones, and he could see that Kenneth was holding him back.
Max ran down with his pulses throbbing, for he felt that something was very wrong.
“I’ll have the law of him,” the bailiff was saying, as Max ran up. “He struck me, and drew his knife on me. I’ll have him locked up before he knows where he is.”
“Let her go, let her go, Maister Ken!” yelled Scoodrach, struggling furiously. “She’ll hae her bluid! Let her go, and she’ll slit her weam!”
“Be quiet, Scood,” said Kenneth, holding the young gillie fast, but speaking in a low, despondent tone. “Here, Max, take the knife away from this mad fool.”
“Nay, nay,” cried Scoodrach; “if the Southron comes she’ll hae her bluid too.”
Instinctively grasping what was the matter, and with his cheeks flushed with indignation, Max dashed at Scoodrach, seized his wrist, and twisted the knife out of his hand.
“What does this mean?” he cried, turning angrily upon the bailiff.
“Mean, sir? My orders are to let nothing go off the premises, and this young gentleman comes doon wi’ this young Hieland wild cat, and tries to get oot the boat.”