The sound was harsh and gibing, but not menacing.

"You need not be afraid," he said.

"I do not want the feel of a rope around my neck,--though God knows why I should care! Here is no clansman of mine, and no cursed Campbell either, to see my end!" "I am not afraid," Haward answered calmly.

Walking to the shelf that held an array of drinking vessels, he took two cups, filled them with wine, and going back to his former station, set one upon the cask beside the storekeeper.

"The wine is good," he said.