But, for all that, he went over everything that had happened in Carrick, with a clearness most like that of a lawyer when he sets in order his case before the judge. Then he sat a long while silent, with his finger tips drumming idly upon his writing.
'So Bargany is dead,' he said at last. 'He was the only considerable man of his own faction. Who is there to succeed him?'
'But a child!' said I, 'one that plays with puppets.'
'As do we all, Launcelot,' said Maister Bruce, smiling on me.
'And after him in that faction, of his own house and kin who comes—?' he asked.
'There are none besides the Tutor's murderer, Thomas of Drummurchie, and Benane his brother, but he is a deboshed man and of no account,' I made answer, not seeing his drift.
'Who leads them then—?'
'John Mure of Auchendrayne is their only considerable man, and he has waxen great and greater within these months.'
The minister nodded his head and sat still as one that considers all sides of a question.
'And of you that stand by the gold and blue—who remains?' he went on.