But the message seemed to sharpen his
exhilaration.
Here was his secret disclosed with avengeance, for
one of his own pupils shared it.
Theres more in the oath than secrecy, sir, he said;
theres apromise of mutual aid.
Theres plenty of wild countryfor hidyholes between
the Channel and the Pentland Firth. When he ate bread and cheese at midday in
avillage alehouse his head was brimming with fancies.
Whatevermoney you need will be at your
disposal.
His safety lay inthe Fishers Oath and also in the
character of the participant. Free him from the toils of that accursedbaggage. St
Andrews should not be shamed by herambassador. I place much on your wise tongueand
the old kindness between the two of you.
Follow me, fordinner is on the table, and the
cockie-leekie will be cooling. Ihope you are a claret-drinker, which every true Scot
should be. It goes back to myDysart boyhood, when I was never away from the
harbour-side. Maybe you lack something, but youare the best available. It prepares
the way for itsnobler brother, Professor, even as Saul preceded the Psalmist. For,
let me tell you, your young friend isploughing a dangerous rig. Simply that if he is
going to cast his glamour over Kirsty, Illhave him out by hook or by crook. He shook
himself with difficulty out of amood of diffidence.
Theres just the one duty before you, to get on to
his scent like ahound with a tod. I am obliged, and I will answer you, but my
knowledge stops shortfive years back. Maybe you lack something, but youare the best
available.
Have you become a Jacobin to rave against
rank?
I am obliged, and I will answer you, but my
knowledge stops shortfive years back. And that is not the worst of it, and here I
come to the gravamenof the business. No, but he has taken upwith more dangerous
pastimes.
But his head is a wasps byke for maggots. Its
nothing less thanthe credit of a noble family and the future of an unhappy youth.