And then he happened to notice her.
'Well, lass, what is't ye want?'
'Come away at once!' she called, in not the most friendly way. 'The gentleman wants you to go down to the loch.'
But he was the most good-natured of all these young fellows; the lasses about ordered him this way or that just as they pleased.
'What!' he called to her, 'hasna Fraser come down from Tongue yet?'
'No, he has not.'
'Bless us; the whisky must have been strong,' said he, as he picked up his jacket. 'I'll be there in a minute, Nelly.'
And so it was that when Mr. Hodson went into the little front hall, he found everything in trim readiness for getting down to the loch—the proper minnows selected; traces tried; luncheon packed; and his heavy waterproof coat slung over Ronald's arm.
'Seems you think I can't carry my own coat?' Mr. Hodson said; for he did not like to see this man do anything in the shape of servant work; whereas Ronald performed these little offices quite naturally and as a matter of course.
'I'll take it, sir,' said he; 'and if you're ready now we'll be off. Come along, Duncan.'