‘Is that what he wanted me for?’ cried Gilbert.
‘Ay.’
Captain Somerville had dragged himself up from his chair.
‘But, God bless my sinful soul!’ he exclaimed, ‘why did you not tell us?’
Macquean grinned spasmodically.
‘I’m sure I couldna say,’ he replied.
Gilbert took him by the shoulders and pushed him out of his way, as he ran into the hall shouting for Jimmy; the boy was waiting outside for admittance, and he almost knocked him down.
‘It’s they deevils frae Blackport that’s to net the doo’cot o’ Morphie!’ began Jimmy breathlessly.
‘How do you know?’
‘I’m newly come from Blackport mysel’, an’ I heard it i’ the town.’