“As Lord President of the Court of Session I could suppress this,” he said. “And you as Prime Minister for Scotland should be able to accomplish the rest.”
“Yes,” answered the Master. “I must write to Hill who commands in Fort William—he must be removed—the second in command, Hamilton, is an able man.”
“But first you must see Breadalbane,” said the Viscount. “Better go carefully.”
Sir John lifted his shoulders with a magnificent gesture of disregard.
“I have put myself above caution, my lord,” he said. “Give me the letter—” He took it eagerly from his father. “This must be shown to the King?” he questioned.
“Yes.”
“Lend me your pen, my lord.”
The Viscount handed him the quill, and Sir John dashed it through the passage relating to the Macdonalds.
“If it become necessary to show this paper your lordship can do so,” he said. “And I will do the same for the minutes that are to go before the Council at Edinburgh.”
His father laughed.