"So far as I know and believe," said McTavish, "he was."
"Did you know that Colland McTavish should have been The McTavish?" asked Mr. Traquair.
"It never entered my head. Was he the oldest son?"
"He was," said Mr. Traquair solemnly, "until in the eyes of the law he ceased to exist."
"Then," said McTavish, "in every eye save that of the law I am The
McTavish."
Mr. Traquair bowed. "Miss McTavish," he said, "was for telling you at once; but she left the matter entirely to my discretion. I have thought best to tell you."
"Would the law," asked McTavish, "oust Miss McTavish and stand me in her shoes?"
"The law," said Traquair pointedly, "would not do the former, and," with a glance at McTavish's feet, "the Auld Nick could not do the latter."
McTavish laughed. "Then why have you told me?" he asked.
"Because," said Traquair grandly, "it is Miss McTavish's resolution to make no opposition to your claim."