"Armour was kidnapped, and the man whom Sir Simon was to see climbed in at the window, where stood the candle with the red handkerchief before it as a signal. Depend upon it your father knows."
"Where is he now?" asked Elspeth. "We might ask him."
"Pooh. He'll say only so much as suits his book. He went an hour ago to see Maud and claim his reward."
"You know. The five hundred pounds that she offered for my apprehension. He caught me, so he can claim it. The payment will make a large hole in Maud's reduced income of one thousand a year."
"I promised, if she saved you, Angus, that she should have half the fortune of her father."
"I know, but you are released from that promise. Maud did not save me. Your father did that. Unless I see some very strong reason I won't give Maud a penny."
"We must forgive our enemies," rebuked Elspeth.
"Quite so, but Maud sought my life to further her love-chase. I daresay in the end I'll help her, but she must suffer a trifle for her wickedness. Hullo, who is this. Browne come back?"
As Herries spoke the door opened, and a bulky gentleman entered, with a bulky lady behind him. Then a voice spoke, which was easily recognised, and a hand turned on the full glare of the electrics.
"Settin' in the twilight like turtle dooves," said Mr. Gowrie, "blind tae th' warld as ye micht say. Aye, young luve,--young luve." While the old tutor ran on in this jocular manner, the bulky lady advanced. She was clothed in black, and wore a large picture hat trimmed with large ostrich feathers. Her advance was like that of a tragedy queen, and she waved Gowrie aside, when he attempted to speak.
"Man," she said, grandly, "let me introduce myself. Mrs. Herries!" she bowed. "Mr. Herries!" she repeated the performance. "I am Mrs. Mountford, the companion of Miss Maud Tedder."
"Yes," said Angus rather coldly, "and may I ask why you have come here, Mrs. Mountford?"
"To appeal to you on behalf of your cousin. She has been wrongfully dispossessed by her father, and--"
"Pardon me, Mrs. Mountford, but I am unable to enter into this question at present. Until I discover who killed my uncle, I am not in possession of the property."
"And what if I can help you to discover the assassin?"