“I dinna see that this thaw should be any reason for your parading around before the night’s done,” he grumbled. “Were you so tired of a little useful work that ye maun greet a let-down with such early rising?”
Toppy sat down and proceeded to breakfast without venturing a reply. When they had finished the meal he pushed back his chair and looked across at Campbell. Huge and careless, he sprawled in his chair, the tension and uncertainty gone now that he had made his resolution; and Campbell, studying his face, sensed that something was up and leaned forward eagerly.
“I want to lay off to-day, Scotty,” said Toppy deliberately. “I’ve got a little business that I want to settle with Reivers.”
Old Campbell did not start nor in any way indicate surprise.
“Aye!” he said quietly after a pause. “I ha’ seen from the first it would have to be that in the end. Ye maun settle which is best man. But why to-day?”
“Because now that the thaw has spoiled the sleighing Reivers will have time for deviltry.” And Toppy went on and told all that he had heard from Tilly’s lips that morning. Campbell shook his head angrily as he heard.
“Many things has the Snow-Burner done ill,” he said, “and his sins against men and women cry for punishment; but that—to yon little lass—gi’n he did that, that would be worst of all. What are your plans, lad?”
“Nothing,” said Toppy. “I will go and find him, and we’ll have it out.”
“Not so,” said Campbell swiftly. “Gi’n you did that ‘twould cost you your life did you chance to win o’er him. Do you think those devils with the guns would not murder to win favour of the Snow-Burner, him holding the lives and liberty of all of them in his hands as he does? Nay, lad! Fight ye must; you’re both too big and spirited to meet without coming to grips; but you have aye the need of an old head on your side if you’re to stand up with Reivers on even terms.
“What think you he would fancy, did you go to him with a confident bold challenge as you suggest? That you had a trick up your sleeve, with the men in on it, perhaps; and he’d have the guards there with their guns to see he won as sure as we’re sitting here talking. No; I ha’ seen for weeks ’twas coming on, and I ha’ been using this auld head o’ mine. I may even say I ha’ been doing more than thinking; I ha’ been talking. I have told Reivers that you were becoming unbearable in this shop, and that I could not stand you much longer as my helper.”