"Come—none of that," said Stair, "at least, have the courage of your rascality. I shall like you none the worse. Where have you been all this time?"
"Well," said the man, "that's telling. But I know you, Stair Garland, and I have confidence in the man I am talking to—"
"If you abuse that confidence you are good enough to profess in me," said Stair with biting irony, "I beg you to remember that it will be at a price!"
"I know—I know, sir," the man from Stonykirk moaned, "I should not dream of deceiving you."
"Better not," said Stair, "you are on our side, you say. Take care and do not forget again, or the next time you will not be missed. I shall go spy-hunting myself."
"I swear to you—" he began, gasping at the thought.
"Do not swear—I would not believe you if you swore on a pile of Bibles as high as Criffel!"
"But you would believe my uncle Kennedy on his bare word—"
"What uncle?" queried Stair, sharply. "D'ye mean Kennedy McClure of Supsorrow?"
"The same, sir—you would believe him if he spoke a good word for me?"