If you attempt to leave the room, I'll send a bullet after you .-- God have mercy! what's that at my feet ?" "It is only my son," replied the laird gently.

"We have been with you all night--since you were taken ill, that is." "When was that?
What do you mean by that ?" he said, looking up sharply, with a face of more intelligence than he had yet shown.
"Your lordship had some sort of fit in the night, and if you do not compose yourself, I dread a return of it." "You well may, if I stop here," he returned--then, after a pause, "Did I talk ?" he asked.
"Yes, my lord--a good deal." "What did I say ?" "Nothing I could understand, my lord." "And you did your best, I don't doubt!" rejoined his lordship with a sneer.

"But you know nothing is to be made of what a man says in a fit." "I have told your lordship I heard nothing." "No matter; I don't sleep another night under your roof." "That will be as it may, my lord." "What do you mean ?" "Look at the weather, my lord .-- Cosmo!" The boy was still asleep, but at the sound of his name from his father's lips, he started at once to his feet.
"Go and wake Grizzie," said the laird, "and tell her to get breakfast ready as fast as she can.

Then bring some peat for the fire, and some hot water for his lordship." Cosmo ran to obey.

Grizzie had been up for more than an hour, and was going about with the look of one absorbed in a tale of magic and devilry.