He was roused by a voice at his shoulder. I know it
is, but theres only one way out of it.
He suddenly sat up, and gazed intentlyat a ripple
on the dead surface. I seen you come doonfrae it yoursel this mornin.
A twinge of that beastly toothache, he explained in
reply to hiscompanions inquiry.
I fear the blame is mine, said the agreeable
tourist. Hang it, I dont know, for I dontlike interferin with your fathers
challenge.
Above all, you didnt see me come down from Crask
this morning. Wattie took me at a racing gallop about thirty miles over bogs and
crags.
I think he is a gentleman, but perhaps a little
mad. I only askedleave to enter the grounds, but the beauty of the scenery attracted
meto the river.
Now you grasp the problem, and youve got to pull up
your socks andthink it out. I know it is, but theres only one way out of it. It
looked athankless place for the angler.
I think I know a sportsman when I see him. No, but
I can tell the time braw and fine. The ardent eyes and the young grace of the girl
seemed marvellous thingsto Sir Archie. Do you mind going over to that corner and
shuffling these slips? We simply canthave you getting mixed up with the enemy,
especially the enemy women. His manners are very good, to judge by his
letter.
Above all, you didnt see me come down from Crask
this morning.
Weve got to find some way of shortenin the odds!
For an explanation of Sir Archiesconduct the chronicler must retrace his
steps.
I admit its a gamble, but I believe I cantrust the
child.