Produced by Al Haines. [Illustration: Cover art] *FARQUHARSON OF GLUNE* BY MAY BATEMAN AUTHOR OF ’THE ALTAR OF LIFE,’ ’THE GLOW-WORM,’ ETC. WARWICK COLONIAL LIBRARY Sole Agents for India and the British Colonies HODDER & STOUGHTON 1908 Dramatic and all other rights reserved RICHARD CLAY & SONS, LIMITED, BREAD STREET HILL, E.C., AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK. TO MRS. GEORGE ALEXANDER IN MEMORY OF NEVER-FAILING KINDNESS *CONTENTS* PART I THE GOAD PART II THE SPUR PART III THE BETRAYAL PART IV THE BESTOWAL PART V VICTORY *PART I* *THE GOAD* "I have not, as some do, bought penitence with pleasure!"—SHELLEY. "When the soul arms for battle she goes forth alone."—LYTTON. *FARQUHARSON OF GLUNE* *CHAPTER I* "The potter, also tempering soft earth, with labour fashioneth every vessel for our service, and of the same clay he maketh both vessels that are for clean uses, and likewise such as serve to the contrary; but what is the use of these, the potter is the judge."—_Wisdom_ (Douay Version). Two men, leisurely climbing a steep moor in the north of Perthshire, stopped near the summit to read a sign-post which pointed out the way to Glune. No one was in sight. Poverty held Glune in bondage, and such attractions as she yet could offer were not of the type which appeal to casual trippers and excursionists, eager for gossip and refreshment after a stiff walk up-hill. For a solitary shop, from which emerged the pervading smells of leather, peppermint and onions, represented all that local enterprise could compass, even at Bruchill, the nearest village. Cottage upon cottage was empty, and those that were still inhabited, showed evidence of neglect. Women standing at their doors, stared dully at the unaccustomed travellers; children playing in the ill-kept gardens were heavy-eyed and pallid. No joy of life, no hospitality was offered. The most persevering Bohemian or antiquarian, drawn to the desolate spot by love of adventure or tradition, was eventually pulled up short at sight of the empty lodge, the impenetrable castle gates, high and with narrow grilles, which shut in the vast wilderness of tangled growth and ruin.