“I think not, considering how the parties stand to each other: but I am sure if I had thought you would have taken offence, I would have told you long ago.” “And pray how long has it all been settled?” “Since the autumn.” “From the very time you landed?” “From the very day after.”—Looks more fierce than ever. “And pray how was your proposal received?” “Nay,” cried Angus, now angry in his turn, “you push me too far. I have been meek enough while your questions and your sneers regarded only myself. I shall not satisfy your curiosity further, and I am sorry I have borne so much. You may well laugh at delicacy, for you do not know what it is.” So saying he took a rope with him and went out to war against the eagle, intending to ask Fergus to accompany him with his gun and to remain out the whole day as the best means of avoiding deadly feuds. He left the Murdochs wondering that, after bearing quietly so much reproach and contempt, he should fly off at last through delicacy to Mr. Callum. Never was misunderstanding more complete. Ella was in the field when Angus appeared on the height. She saw by his step that something had ruffled him, and she hastened towards him to know what had happened. His first words were,— “Where is Fergus? can he go with me eagle-nesting?” “How happens it that you have time for sport?” replied Ella. “I thought the season would be too short for your tasks at the farm.” “Our poultry suffers,” replied Angus. “We must demolish the eyrie.” “That is not your only reason, I am sure. Tell me what has happened.—The laird says rightly that neighbours who ought to be the more friendly because they are few, are often the first to quarrel; but you would not quarrel, especially with the Murdochs, and less than ever now?” “I would not willingly. I tried all I could. But, Ella, when did you tell them of our plans?” “Never,” said Ella, colouring; “nor did I mean it till summer.” “Somebody has told, however.” “Impossible; nobody knows it but the two boys; and they might be trusted as if they were dumb.” Angus explained, and both conjectured, and the two lads passed their word that they had never told. There was no catching the little bird that had carried the matter; so the two sportsmen set out in chase of the great bird which was their further aim. “O, Angus,” said Ella; “are ye certain your eye is as steady and your foot as sure as when this was your daily sport?” “Fear nothing,” said Angus, smiling. “I long to be dangling over the surf again, with the sea fowl flapping and screaming about me, and I feeling myself lord, like a lion in a wood of chattering monkeys. You see we take heed to stake and rope, and that done, all is safe. I will bring you home an egg that shall beat all that Archie ever gave you.”