“But you forget the authorities,” said I.
“The authorities!” she repeated, with a kind of a tremble at the very sound of the word.
“Yes, they may be angry, and you know the anger of the authorities is very different from that of Donald M‘Leod.”
“Very true,” replied she.
And bringing the pen and ink I got her name to every note. I was now satisfied, and taking the direction of Queen Street, arrived at the Club, where I saw Mr Ellis.
“How much money was taken altogether?” inquired I.
“Why,” said he, “I collected the different complaints, and adding up the sums found they amounted to £180.”
“The Highlanders are a very careful people,” said I. “The sum I have recovered, and which is tied up in this handkerchief, is just £180.”
“Recovered!” said he, in astonishment. “Why, I thought it was a forlorn hope. Where in all the earth did you get it; or rather, I should ask, how?”
“Just by means of the old newspaper with the name of the Club upon it. I think I told you that if I took my own way, and not yours, I would get the cash.”