“And Aggy’s,” chimed in Eddie.
“Yes—no one must touch that,” said Junkie.
“Quite right, boys,” said Jackman; “besides, milk is not good for quenching thirst.”
On search being made, it was found that water had not been brought with them, so that the thirsty rowers had to rest content without it.
“Is that Eagle Cliff I see, just over the knoll there?” asked Barret.
“It is,” answered the laird; “don’t you see the eagle himself like a black speck hovering above it? My shepherd would gladly see the bird killed, for he and his wife make sad havoc among the lambs sometimes; but I can’t say that I sympathise with the shepherd. An eagle is a noble bird, and there are none too many of them now in this country.”
“I agree with you heartily,” said Barret; “and I would regard the man who should kill that eagle as little better than a murderer.”
“Quite as bad as a murderer!” said Milly with energy. “I am glad you speak out so clearly, Mr Barret; for I fear there are some among us who would not hesitate to shoot if the poor bird were to come within range.”
“Pray don’t look so pointedly at me, Miss Moss,” said Jackman; “I assure you I have no intention of attempting murder—at least not in that direction.”
“Och! an’ it’s murder enough you’ve done already for wan man,” said Quin in an undertone.