He came back to his seat, frowning.
“But I am sorry Keppoch and Glengarry are safe,” he added.
“Weel, they’re no’ so bad as the Macdonalds,” returned Breadalbane.
“Pardon me, my lord; you mean they do not cumber your estates, or thieve your cattle—” answered the Master. “But they prey on Scotland as much as do the Macdonalds.”
The secretary entered:
“Bring me those maps of the Highlands,” said Sir John.
Argyll drummed his fingers on the table; his eyes traveled uneasily round the gorgeous flamboyant room, in an attempt to avoid the cold glance of his cousin opposite.
“The Jacobites will try to warn the Macdonalds,” he said.
“They will not know that we have determined on severity,” answered Sir John. “Doubtless they consider the Macdonalds came in with the rest.”
“And if they do not,” smiled the Viscount, “I think few Jacobites would be devoted enough to journey in this weather to the Highlands with a warning.”