"Pit doon oor ain lot first. Mysel', you, Hairry, the blacks, Denny, the bullock driver, the ration carrier, Redgate and Broon from the oot-station, Joe, Tom, N-eville—I suppose. Hoo mony's that?"
"Thirteen."
"So mony's that? At that rate we'll hae ower a score. Weel, that's a' the better. Let's see, noo: pit doun the Gill lot, that's three more. Then there's Captain White. Old Dumaresque says he'll be along, but I dinna reckon on him, so you needna coont him in. White's going to bring twa men wi' him. And, m-yes, there's Davison o' the bank, and Dickson the lawyer. Told 'em the other day I'd let 'em know. They'll need to be here the nicht, too. We'd better send Willy in wi' a message at once. That's a' noo I think. Hoo mony does that tot up?"
"Twenty-one not counting the Colonel."
"Weel, I hope they'll turn up, that's a'."
"I say, father, could Jimmy Flynn an' Yellow Billy come?"
"Eh? Weel, I—I dinna ken. Can they ride?"
"Ride? Listen to him! Why, Yellow Billy's the boss rider among the boys. You know his steer——"
"Ah weel," said Mr. M'Intyre laughingly, "we'll hae 'em. Send word by the boy."
Accordingly, the invitation was taken to the four Tareelians. Gill and party turned up about dark, and shortly after them the town lot, all of whom were welcomed by their hospitable host.