Part 11 (2/2)

'I'd catch some of the people'

'Well, Tricksy, and how?'

'I'd dig holes for theie uttered a conte holes for them, would you, Tricksy, said Allan; 'how could you tell whether you had caught the right one?'

'I'd catch theht one I'd , and then let the wrong one go'

No one had any reply to make

Tricksy looked extre to his feet, 'we aren't doing Neil any good by sitting here; let's go to Rob MacLean's cottage and see whether he can help us'

Rob MacLean was Neil's second cousin, and the proposition hlander orking in his garden, and careet his visitors with true Gaelic courtesy

'How do you do, young ladies and gentlemen?' he said; 'it iss ferry proud to see you that I am Come in, and it is ferry pleased that Mistress MacLean will pe'

In the dark, smoky hut the party were accommodated with seats, and Mrs

MacLean went to fetch hland ideas of hospitality

'You will pe out early,' said Rob MacLean 'Ferry fine day this, and exercise iss good for the health'

'Yes, Mr MacLean,' said Allan abruptly; 'we cahlander's countenance underwent a change

'You hev?' he said 'Poor Neil, it iss a ferry bad business whateffer; a ferry bad business for the puir lad'

'Yes,' replied Allan, 'of course we don't believe that Neil had anything to do with robbing the post-office'

'That iss right, Master Allan; that is right,' said the Highlander

'No, puir lad; no one ill pe knowing hi that of hiainst him at the trial, whateffer'

'Well, Mr MacLean, we came to see whether you could help us,' said Allan; 'we have made a compact, and promised not to rest until we have found out that Neil didn't really do it, and have hiain'

'Proud to hear you say so, Mr Allan;' broke out the Highlander; 'and hev you ahlladies too?'

'Yes,' replied Tricksy, di; 'we are all in it; Marjorie and I, and even Laddie--Down, Laddie; don't ju with an a up and put one paw on her knee

'Ferry proud indeed that you should hev done so,' repeated Mr

MacLean--'My tear,' he added, turning to his wife, who had re-entered the cottage with a pitcher ofa compact that they will help Neil, and prove that he hass not committed the robbery'