"And perhaps that is your opinion, too," said Fred Stanley, regarding him.
"Oh, no, sir, not that at ahl," the keeper answered, simply enough. "But such things get into their heads, and sometimes they will be reading it from a newspaper, and the one talking to the other about what the Land League was saying at the meetings. The young lads they speak about new things nowadays amongst themselves."
"And I suppose they want to have the shooting, too?" Fred Stanley continued; "and if we don't give them the shooting they will go up the hill in the spring and trample the eggs?"
"Oh, no, sir, the shepherds are friendly with us," said Hector.
Mary interposed; for this badgering seemed to lead to nothing.
"Couldn't you get some old man to act as water-bailiff, Hector?—some old man to whom a small weekly wage would be a consideration."
"Oh, yes, mem, I could do that," said the keeper.
"And if there are any of those mischievous lads about, why, if he were to catch one of them, a little trip across to Dingwall might frighten the others, wouldn't it?"
"Just that, mem."
"There is old John at the inn—he seems to do nothing—does he know anything about the river?"