Let me say tae ye if ony ill cames tae her, by the leevin' God above us he wull answer tae me." Hoarse, panting, his face that of a maniac, he stood glaring wild-eyed at the young man before him.

To say that Vic was shaken by this sudden and violent onslaught would be much within the truth.

Nevertheless he boldly faced the passion-distracted man.
"Look here! I don't know who you are or what you mean," he said, in as steady tones as he could summon, "but if you suggest that any girl will come to harm from Captain Maitland, then I say you are a liar and a fool." So speaking, little Vic set himself for the rush which he was firmly convinced would come.

McNish, however, stood still, fighting for control.

Then, between his deep-drawn breaths, he slowly spoke: "Ye may be richt.