haven't come to that yet, though no one knows what may happen later on.
Now sit upon that chair and take a little whisky--not too much--for I am
going to ask your advice."

"Major," said Jeekie, "I obey," and seizing the whisky bottle in a
casual manner, he poured out half a tumbler full, for Jeekie was fond of
whisky. Indeed before now this taste had brought him into conflict with
the local magistrates.

"Put back three parts of that," said Alan, and Jeekie did so. "Now," he
went on, "listen: this is the case, Miss Barbara and I are----" and he
hesitated.

"Oh! I know; like me and Mrs. Jeekie once," said Jeekie, gulping down
some of the neat whisky. "Go on, Major."

"And Sir Robert Aylward is----"

"Same thing, Major. Continue."

"And Mr. Haswell has----"

"Those facts all ascertained, Major," said Jeekie, contemplating his
glass with a mournful eye. "Now come to the point, Major."

"Well, the point is, Jeekie, that I am what you called just now
cashless, and therefore----"

"Therefore," interrupted Jeekie again, "stick fast in honourable
intention towards Miss Barbara owing to obstinate opposition of Mr.