told--that particular cask contained the store of whiskey which Davie
had been carefully preserving for his last act of hospitality; it was
for the entertainment of those who would attend his funeral. Who,
indeed, was able to provide refreshment for the crowd of mourners who
would surely assemble on such an occasion, if not Davie, whose
"whuskey" was renowned in the whole countryside?

Bonar had the good sense to keep from every one the actual date of his
intended visit, lest tidings should reach the Forbes. He fixed upon a
night when there would be an early rising moon to light him. On the
morning of the day he made all his preparations very carefully. In
view of an absence of some hours, he provided himself with a good
packet of sandwiches and a flask of spirits. He then set out for
Fouranbuie Inn, a dreary hostel about four miles distant from the foot
of the mountain. There he made a substantial meal, and about four in
the afternoon started on his quest. He had resolved to ride off from
the inn on his bicycle, ostensibly toward a village farther on; then to
dismount at the foot of Ben Sgurrach, and, hiding his machine in some
bushes, to start the climb as dusk fell. Jock, as he had found out,
was accustomed to approach from another direction when returning from
work.

The January day was already closing when Bonar began the ascent. The
climb was decidedly pleasant; the wintry air, the excitement coming
from the spirit of adventure, the vigorous exercise--all tended to
raise the young man's ardor, and he trod the upward path with the
steady, swinging pace of a Highlander.

The moon had scarcely risen when clouds began to drift across the sky,
and the wind became more boisterous. The darkness increased, and soon