accident, I think, like pig what find pearl in muck-heap."

"Hold your tongue, Jeekie," said Alan. "I do not intend to kill you,
Lord Aylward, or to do you any harm----"

"Nor I neither," broke in Jeekie, "all I do to my Lord just for my
Lord's good; who Jeekie that he wish to hurt noble British 'ristocrat?"

"But I do intend that it shall be impossible that Miss Champers should
be forced to listen to more of your insults," went on Alan, "and to make
sure that your gun does not go off again as it did this morning. So,
Lord Aylward, until we have settled what we are going to do, I must keep
you under arrest. Take him to his tent, Jeekie, and put a guard over
him."

"Yes, Major, certainly, Major. Right turn, march! my Lord, and quick,
please, since poor, common Jeekie not want dirty his black finger
touching you."

Aylward obeyed, but at the door of the tent swung round and favoured
Alan with a very evil look.

"Luck is with you for the moment, Major Vernon," he said, "but if you
are wise you will remember that you never have been and never will be
my match. It will turn again, I have no doubt, and then you may look to
yourself, for I warn you I am a bad enemy."

Alan did not answer, but for the first time Barbara sprang to her feet
and spoke.