“You know, Mac, your special calling, and not wholly unknown to me,—don’t be alarmed,—is the success which has followed your labours. Being under my protection, by being in my service, you may well look forward to still greater results. I need not say you are well aware that your present position is fraught with danger, and that one word from me would put a stop to your career. If your words be true, our interests clash. Besides, Mac, the stealthy and criminal vagabond, prowling about in search of prey, is in a very different position to Mac, the servant of the lord of Dunraven. With that sentiment you agree, do you not?”
“I must admit, my lord, you have put the case very clearly, and your reasons in favour of my accepting your offer are strong. I can’t withstand them, so I’ll say Aye to your proposal.”
“You have acted like a man of sense, Mac, as I always took you to be. To-night, work will have to be done; so go home and tell Molly, your wife, of your engagement, and don’t fail to meet me at the Watch Tower at four o’clock.”
No sooner had Mac left the castle to pay a visit to his wife, with a view to apprise her of his engagement, than Mr. Vaughan also took his departure, and immediately afterwards joined the watcher at the Tower, which was situate on the highest point of the promontory. On entering the observatory, he inquired for the result of the day’s observations, which, on being put into his hand, made him remark that matters did not look very bright.
“When things are at the worst,” replied the watcher, “they generally mend. I think we shall have some work to do before to-morrow morning.”
“Your reason for that opinion, my faithful Duncan.”
“You see yonder flag hoisted on St. Donat’s Watch Tower? That flag has never yet deceived me. Depend upon it, it is the harbinger of good news. The wind, too, blows hard from the south, and, if I’m not mistaken, there will be a fearful gale before midnight, and the ships coming down channel must necessarily be driven towards our coast.”
“Your information, my Duncan, is cheering: I, too, am bearer of good news to you. I have just engaged Mac the Devil, and shall appoint him to the office of captain of the beach and boatmen.”
“I’m so glad you’ve taken my cousin into your service. Mac is a smart man, he is well up in the trade, he is fearless, and, what is still more important, will not stick at trifles in obtaining his end.”
“You approve then, Duncan, of my arrangement?”