CHAPTER VI: MR CRATHIE


He was interrupted by the sudden opening of the door, and the voice
of the factor in exultant wrath.

"MacPhail!" it cried. "Come out with you. Don't think to sneak
there. I know you. What right have you to be on the premises? Didn't
I send you about your business this morning?"

"Ay, sir, but ye didna pay me my wages," said Malcolm, who had
sprung to the door and now stood holding it half shut, while Mr
Crathie pushed it half open.

"No matter. You're nothing better than a housebreaker if you enter
any building about the place."

"I brak nae lock," returned Malcolm. "I ha'e the key my lord gae
me to ilka place 'ithin the wa's excep' the strong room."

"Give it me directly. I'm master here now."

"'Deed, I s' du nae sic thing, sir. What he gae me I'll keep."

"Give up that key, or I'll go at once and get a warrant against
you for theft."

"Weel, we s' refar't to Maister Soutar."

"Damn your impudence--'at I sud say't!--what has he to do with