Ian forestalled Alexander, riding to Glenfernie House the morning after his arrival at Black Hill.

"Let us go," he said, "where we can talk at ease! The old, alchemical room ?" They crossed the grass-grown court to the keep, entered and went up the broken stair to the stone-walled chamber that took up the second floor, that looked out of loophole windows north, south, east, and west.

The day was high summer, bright and hot.

Strong light and less strong light came in beams from the four quarters and made in the large place a conflict of light and shadow.

The fireplace was great enough for Gog and Magog to have warmed themselves thereby.