I had at first intended to take Macleod into the castle with me, but a better thought came to me as we rode. Long before we reached the house I drew rein and, to Macleod's great and overwhelming disappointment, I outlined exactly what I wished him to do. "Upon second thoughts," I said, "I will not take you with me further. Do you go back to the village and get a boat, a wherry that two of us can row and yet one that you can manage yourself on a pinch, and bring it to the river-bank under the walls of the castle yonder." "But Lord Stenwold, sir," protested the worthy Scotsman, who evidently would fain play a bolder part. "I'll take care of him," I replied. "I would like it well," persisted my attendant stoutly, "if I could take the payment for that kiss myself." "Do not fear, man," said I, "I'll take payment for us both, and, unless I blunder strangely, he will never live to kiss another woman after this night. You could not do any special good with me in the castle. The two of us could not take the place by force, and, for strategy, one is as good as two or a thousand--ay, better. You can serve us all, and your revenge, best by providing the means of escape. I am like to need it both sorely and quickly to-night." "Yonder's our ship, sir," he said, silenced by my emphasis. "Yes, I have marked her." We both stared seaward at the lights. I was sorry that I had not arranged some method of signalling the Earl, but none that I could have thought of would have been practicable and, indeed, any attempt at it would infallibly have betrayed us. "Am I to rent, borrow, or steal a boat, your honour?" asked Macleod, appreciating the fact that my decision, which was only common-sense, was unalterable. "You are to be here within the hour with the boat. I care not how you get it. That's your own lookout, but get it. Don't fail me; remember your wife is on that ship; and it might be convenient for you to bear in mind that Lord Jeffreys has had ample opportunity to familiarise himself with your face and figure as well as with mine, and I would not give a penny for your life if you are in England when he gets loose." "I shall be there within an hour," answered the Scotsman stoutly. "This horse, sir?" "You can't take him aboard ship," I replied; "you must leave him behind." "Very good, sir." He half-wheeled his horse and then stopped. "You are going on a desperate venture for your wife," said he; "if a poor man might be so bold..." His hand went out toward me rather tentatively in the darkness. I waived the difference in rank at once--for that matter, I have ever been willing to shake hands with honest men, even those of low degree. "Good luck and God bless you, sir," he said earnestly. "Thank you," said I. "Don't fail me," I repeated again. "I will meet your honour in an hour, yonder," he replied.