Macquean slid from the room. The two men talked on until they were again aware of his presence. He stood midway between Speid and the door, rubbing one foot against the other. ‘It’s Stirk,’ he said. ‘I am not ready to see him,’ replied Gilbert with some impatience; ‘I will ring when I am.’ When they had risen from the table and the sailor had settled himself in an armchair, Gilbert summoned Macquean. ‘What does young Stirk want with me?’ he inquired. Macquean cast a circular look into space, as though his master’s voice had come from some unexpected quarter. ‘It’s poachers,’ he said apologetically. ‘_What?_’ shouted Somerville. ‘Just poachers.’ ‘But where? What do you mean?’ cried Gilbert. ‘It’s poachers,’ said Macquean again. ‘Stirk’s come for you.’ ‘Where are they?’ ‘They’re awa west to net the doo’cot o’ Morphie; but they’ll likely be done by now,’ added Macquean. ‘Is that what he wanted me for?’ cried Gilbert. ‘Ay.’ Captain Somerville had dragged himself up from his chair. ‘But, God bless my sinful soul!’ he exclaimed, ‘why did you not tell us?’ Macquean grinned spasmodically. ‘I’m sure I couldna say,’ he replied. Gilbert took him by the shoulders and pushed him out of his way, as he ran into the hall shouting for Jimmy; the boy was waiting outside for admittance, and he almost knocked him down. ‘It’s they deevils frae Blackport that’s to net the doo’cot o’ Morphie!’ began Jimmy breathlessly. ‘How do you know?’ ‘I’m newly come from Blackport mysel’, an’ I heard it i’ the town.’ Speid’s eyes glittered. ‘Where is your cart? We will go, Jimmy.’ ‘It’s no here, sir; I ran.’ The sailor had come to the door, and was standing behind his friend. ‘My carriage is in the yard,’ he said. ‘Take it, Speid; it holds four. Are you going, boy?’ Jimmy did not think reply necessary. ‘Macquean, run to the farm, and get any men you can find. I will go to the stable, Captain Somerville, and order your phaeton; my own gig only holds two. Oh, if I had but known of this earlier! What it is to have a fool for a servant!’ ‘It is worse to have a stick for a leg,’ said Somerville; ‘but I am coming, for all that, Speid. Someone must drive, and someone must hold the horse.’ ‘Do, sir, do!’ cried Gilbert, as he disappeared into the darkness. With Jimmy’s help, he hurried one of his own horses into the shafts of the Captain’s carriage and led it to the doorstep. As the sailor gathered up the reins, Macquean returned breathless. ‘I didna see onybody,’ he explained; ‘they’re a’ bedded at the farm.’ An exclamation broke from Gilbert. ‘But you should have knocked them up, you numskull! What do you suppose I sent you for?’ Macquean shook his head with a pale smile of superiority. ‘They wadna rise for me,’ he said; ‘I kenned that when I went.’ ‘Then you shall come yourself!’ cried Speid. ‘Get in, I tell you! get in behind with Jimmy!’ Macquean shot a look of dismay at his master, and his mouth opened.