"Yes, but not until I had first received your letter."
"Well, what did he say?"
"He seemed weighted with important news at first, but presently he talked of the most senseless matters."
"Ah," I said, and instantly I surmised what it meant. Uncle Anthony had guessed that I had penetrated his disguise, and had sent a message.
"Did you see him immediately on his arrival?"
"No, I had many things to occupy me, and I kept him waiting some time. Your letter prepared me for the foolish things he had to say."
"All your arrangements have been carried out then?"
"Yes; one thousand men lie in this wood and a thousand more on the other side of the valley. It was all I could raise on such short notice. But they are enough. The Pretender's friends have got wind of my prompt action. They have abandoned the idea of coming here. I am sorry, but it does not matter; the craft containing Charles is on its way, and he will be here in a few hours."
He tried to speak coolly, but I could see that he was excited beyond measure. His voice shook, and was fairly husky.
"How do you know that they have abandoned the idea of bringing their forces here?"