I neverunderstood why Mr Craw employed him. I mean
that by this time theyve all shifted their quarters, bagand baggage, to the Castle.
His voice was the sing-song of the Glasgow slums.
The people at theHydropathic would not stick at
trifles.
He nolonger felt that he had been too ingenious. I
neverunderstood why Mr Craw employed him. MrCraw is here at the Mains, being
lectured by Aunt Harriet. Hes rather a big man in his way, I believe.
Maybe you dont know what a Scotch election is
like,especially in the Canonry. Those words made all the difference to Jaikies
comfort.
The servants have left, but the gentry are
shiftingover to the Castle. Its a quicker way than goinground by Gledmouth and
Carlisle.
I am staying with some friends at the Hydropathic.
More important, how on earth was he to escape hisnotice at such close quarters? Its
a quicker way than goinground by Gledmouth and Carlisle. You see, Mr McCunns friend
has a reason forwanting to get away quietly. It all begins, said Jaikie, with the
man Allins.
At five minutes to tenhe turned up the hill towards
the Hydropathic.
It looks as if ye didnt believe me, he said, with
irritation inhis tone. Im just biding my timetill I can change to something more
congenial. She saw him in Portaway the other day,and was mad to buy him. They sat
down to supper, and Jaikie toyed with a plate of coldchicken and ham. Craw
isbelieved to be a bachelor, but maybe he has had a wife all the timeon the
sly.
Presently he reached a little colony of huts beside
the water.
The others drank champagne, but Jaikie chosebeer.
He might leave at anymoment, so there was no time to be lost.
It must be the last, allthe same, or Ill never get
out of this hotel.
I am very glad to see you, Mr Galt, said Mrs
Brisbane-Brown.
Mr McCunns not much of a shot, said Jaikie, and
just now he hasother things to think about. Craw isbelieved to be a bachelor, but
maybe he has had a wife all the timeon the sly. He said something to Allins
andAllins whispered a reply, which Jaikie caught.