It made no change in
him; and it was in his old spirit of mockery and daffing that he
began the interview.
"A braw good day to ye again, Mr. Drummond," said he. "What'll yon
business of yours be just about?"
"Why, the thing being private, and rather of a long story," says
James, "I think it will keep very well till we have eaten."
"I'm none so sure of that," said Alan. "It sticks in my mind it's
either now or never; for the fact is me and Mr. Balfour here have
gotten a line, and we're thinking of the road."
I saw a little surprise in James's eye; but he held himself
stoutly.
"I have but the one word to say to cure you of that," said he, "and
that is the name of my business."
"Say it then," says Alan. "Hout! wha minds for Davie?"
"It is a matter that would make us both rich men," said James.
"Do you tell me that?" cries Alan.
"I do, sir," said James. "The plain fact is that it is Cluny's
Treasure."
"No!" cried Alan. "Have ye got word of it?"
"I ken the place, Mr. Stewart, and can take you there," said James.
"This crowns all!" says Alan.
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