But he realized that it made his continued stay in the cottage undesirable.
He was now the focus of all suspicion, and the innkeeper would be as good as his word and try to drive him out of the place by force.
Kidnapping, most likely, and that would be highly unpleasant, besides putting an end to his usefulness.

Clearly he must join the others.

The soul of Dickson hungered at the moment for human companionship.

He felt that his courage would be sufficient for any team-work, but might waver again if he were left to play a lone hand.
He lunched nobly off three plates of Mrs.Morran's kail--an early lunch, for that lady, having breakfasted at five, partook of the midday meal about eleven.

Then he explored her library, and settled himself by the fire with a volume of Covenanting tales, entitled GLEANINGS AMONG THE MOUNTAINS.