“Aweel,” said Argyll shrewdly, “then it should be no trouble to ye, Sir John, to obtain a warrant from His Majesty for the destruction o’ the Macdonalds o’ Glencoe.” “It is not needful,” frowned Sir John. But the Viscount leaned forward across the table. “I think the King’s consent is needful,” he said; he glanced at Breadalbane, whose light eyes rested very disdainfully on his cousin. “What do you think, my lord?” “As they hav’na’ taken the oaths,” answered Breadalbane, “we are within the law—yet I’m no’ saying that precautions are onnecessary.” “Unnecessary or not I’ll no’ move without the King’s name,” said Argyll stubbornly. “My lord, I will obtain it,” flashed the Master of Stair. “Consider it done.” His father lifted his brows. “Are you so certain of His Majesty?” he asked. “I am certain of myself,” answered Sir John superbly. “I shall, my lord, obtain the King’s consent.” “At the audience I had when I made my report,” said Breadalbane, “it looked to me that the King kenned little o’ Scotland. He seemed glad that so many of the clans had come in—and opposed to violence in dealing wi’ the Hielands; but wi’ his cough and his strange English I kenned little enow o’ what he said. I wasna’ thinking ower muckle of him till when I took my leave, I discovered then his wits were where they should be.” “What did he say?” asked Argyll, half-anxiously. Breadalbane wore an amused smile. “He gave me a straight look, ‘I’m blithe to hae seen you,’ he said dryly, ‘for the appearance o’ your lordship is a sure sign o’ the winning cause and as lang as I see you I ken I’m prosperous.’” “Then he is no’ so bad at character reading,” commented Argyll. The Viscount and Breadalbane laughed, but the Master of Stair peremptorily cut them short: “My lords, let us understand each other plainly. Once the thing is resolved upon, let it be swift and sudden—better to leave it alone than bungle it.” “’Tis the only way,” said Breadalbane. “No enemy will enter Glencoe save by craft.” “I did not say craft, my lord,” cried the Master of Stair. “I said let it be done swiftly and suddenly—I will send a regiment from Fort William to sweep Glencoe clear of these bandits—another to stop the passes—you and my Lord Argyll shall hem them in—(yet I hope there will be no fugitives)—and so the thing is done. The name of Macdonald will be cleared from Argyllshire and Invernesshire.” Breadalbane’s pale eyes sparkled. “Will you trust the commander of Fort William?” he asked. “No—the second in command, Hamilton—a man anxious to make his way. He will serve our purpose. The soldiers must be Campbells—you will have a man, my lord, fitted to lead them.” “Glenlyon,” said Breadalbane. “You will know best. There must be no prisoners.” “But the women and children, Sir John?” asked Argyll. “Ye can transport them to the colonies?”