The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

A Strange Revenge. 723
John procured a candle and succeeded in spelling out
the short epistle, which we reproduce, as it throws some
light upon a mysterious character in our story, has already
had an effect in the working out of the plot, and gives a
hint as to further revelations. It was dated from New
York and signed " A. Z."
" Game up ! Net profits, two million dollars (about),
which are safe. As your last letter has not reached me,
you had better look sharp. Safest plan (and if you warKt
money) is to double upon them in disguise to this place.
Be well armed wherever you go, as I gave L. the slip
without a d d dollar, and he's wandering about the earth
with a butcher's cleaver and a six-shooter. Old diggings ;
' pill's ' the word."
CHAPTER XV.
A STARTLING EVENT.
David'.s private chamber in the Castle was in the corner of
the east wing, on the ground floor, its windows commanding
the lawn in two directions. It was the midnight hour, but
the solitary lamp continued to burn, and the recurring
shadow on the blinds would have indicated to the outside
observer that the occupant of the chamber was making a
weary patrol, with slow step and bent head. He was
selfish in his grief; or was it that he did not wish to meet
his father lest he might betray the real character of the
feeling which he entertained towards Miss Flora? At any-
rate, when summoned by the laird, he had pleaded excuse
till the morrow. Even when the post arrived, and a solitary
letter from Edinburgh, addressed in a strange handwriting,
caused him to speculate who the writer might be, he sent
John with
about it.
it to the laird, and troubled himself no more
As it proved, that missive contained the laird's death
warrant ; and
innocent as he was of any unfilial intention,