'I dauredna stay at hame for the constables,' replied the boy.

'And what have you been doing all this time?'

'Doing, sir? I dinna ken what ye ca' doing--I have been doing naething,' said Benjie; then seeing something in Redgauntlet's eye which was not to be trifled with, he added, 'Naething but waiting on Maister Cristal Nixon.'

'Hum!--aye--indeed?' muttered Redgauntlet. 'Must Master Nixon bring his own retinue into the field? This must be seen to.'

He was about to pursue his inquiry, when Nixon himself came to him with looks of anxious haste, 'The Father is come,' he whispered, 'and the gentlemen are getting together in the largest room of the house, and they desire to see you. Yonder is your nephew, too, making a noise like a man in Bedlam.'

'I will look to it all instantly,' said Redgauntlet. 'Is the Father lodged as I directed?'

'Now, then, for the final trial,' said Redgauntlet. He folded his hands--looked upwards--crossed himself--and after this act of devotion (almost the first which any one had observed him make use of) he commanded Nixon to keep good watch--have his horses and men ready for every emergence--look after the safe custody of the prisoners--but treat them at the same time well and civilly. And, these orders given, he darted hastily into the house.

Redgauntlet's first course was to the chamber of his nephew. He unlocked the door, entered the apartment, and asked what he wanted, that he made so much noise.