sharp instructions; instead he found himself faced with a jovial,
virile figure which certainly did not suggest incompetence. It has
been mentioned already that he had always great difficulty in looking
any one in the face, and this difficulty was intensified when he
found himself confronted with bold and candid eyes. He felt abashed
and a little nervous.

"I've come to see you about Huntingtower House," he began.

"I know, so Glendonans informed me. Well, I'm very glad to hear it.
The place has been standing empty far too long, and that is worse for
a new house than an old house. There's not much money to spend on it
either, unless we can make sure of a good tenant. How did you hear
about it?"

"I was taking a bit holiday and I spent a night at Dalquharter with
an old auntie of mine. You must understand I've just retired from
business, and I'm thinking of finding a country place. I used to
have the provision shop in Mearns Street--now the United Supply Stores,
Limited. You've maybe heard of it?"

The other bowed and smiled. "Who hasn't? The name of Dickson McCunn
is known far beyond the city of Glasgow."

Dickson was not insensible of the flattery, and he continued with
more freedom. "I took a walk and got a glisk of the House, and I liked
the look of it. You see, I want a quiet bit a good long way from a town,
and at the same time a house with all modern conveniences. I suppose
Huntingtower has that?"