"I fought at Prestonpans," he answered. He looked a youngish man, but very ragged and bemired. "On which side?" I said, as I rose up. Of course I was not going to refuse him food and drink, however that might be, but I dare say I should have made it a little more dainty for one of Prince Charlie's troops than for a Hanoverian, and I felt pretty sure he was the former from his accent. I fancied I saw a twinkle in his eyes. "The side you are on, Madam," said he. "How can you know which side I am on?" said I. "Come round to the back-door, friend, and I will find you a drink of whey." "I suppose," said my beggar, looking down at himself, "I don't look quite good enough for the front door. But I am an officer for all that, Madam." "Sir, I beg your pardon," I made answer. "I will let you in at the front,"--for when he spoke more, I heard the accent of a gentleman. "Pray don't give yourself that trouble, Cousin Cary." And to my utter amazement, the beggar jumped in at the window, which was low and easily scaled. "Angus!" I almost screamed. "At your service, Madam." "When did you leave France? Where are you come from? Have you been to Abbotscliff? Are--" "Halt! Can't fight more than three men at once. And I won't answer a question till I have had something to eat. Forgive me, Cary, but I am very nearly starving." I rushed into the kitchen, and astonished Caitlin by laying violent hands on a pan of broth which she was going to serve for supper. I don't know what I said to her. I hastily poured the broth into a basin, and seizing a loaf of bread and a knife, dashed back to Angus. "Eat that now, Angus. You shall have something better by-and-by." He ate like a man who was nearly starving, as he had said. When he had finished, he said,-- "Now! I left France a fortnight since. I have not been to Abbotscliff. I know nothing but the facts that you are married, and where you live, which I learned by accident, and I instantly thought that your house, if you would take me in, would be a safer refuge than either Brocklebank or Abbotscliff. Now tell me some thing in turn. Are my father and Flora well?" "Yes, for anything I know." "And all at Brocklebank?" "Quite." "And the Keiths? Has Annas bagged her pheasant?" "What do you mean, Angus?" "Why, is she Mrs Raymond? I saw all that. I suppose Duncan got away without any difficulty?" "Annas is Mr Raymond's wife," I said. "But, Angus, I cannot think how it is, but--I am afraid you do not understand." "Understand what?" "Is it possible you do not know what price was paid for your ransom?" Angus rose hastily, and laid his hand on my arm. "Speak out, Cary! What do I not know?" "Angus, Colonel Keith bought your life with his own."