against each other like pounds of flesh, but no such thought was in his mind: he wondered if perhaps Rankin might not want to be paid at once. In case of delay there were a hundred chances that the money might be procured somehow. He might even ask his father--or Mr. Rowland might make him a present. He had bought a great many things for Marion, who, being a lassie, could be gratified in that way more than was possible for a man. A man didn’t want silks and things, or even brooches and rings, though Archie would not have disliked a pin. What a man liked was manly things--maybe a bonnie little beast of a doug. What bonnie little beasties they were! and they would be capital watch-dogs when they grew up. Would it do if he were to ask papa? If May wanted such a thing, she would ask in a moment. She might perhaps do it on her own account if she took a fancy to little Light and little Dark. Poor Archie was so absorbed in this question that he did not know what Rankin said. He was roused by a sweep of the gamekeeper’s long arm, which swung over the bed for a moment, then suddenly came down upon one of the puppies and conveyed it swiftly away. Archie followed his movements with a gape of disappointment as he took up the coveted grey. He put out his hand to avert the second withdrawal. “Eh, man, leave the little beastie,” he said. “Would you like to have it? You have naething to do but to say sae.” “I have no money--with me--to pay for’t,” said Archie, with the profoundest sense of humiliation. He had come into his fortune, so to speak; but he had never felt so poor before. The gamekeeper answered with a laugh. “There’s plenty of time for ye to put your siller in your pouch, my young gentleman--for I’ll no send ane of them out for sax weeks to come--or maybe mair. Ye can come and see them when you like, but I’ll no risk my credit for a wheen pounds, me that never sends out a doug but in the best condition and able to fend for themselves. Will I keep the twa for ye? Ye maun speak now, or for ever hold your tongue, for every puppy I have is ordered long before it’s born.” Archie looked at his sister, endeavouring to catch her eye, but Marion refused him all help. She betook herself to the task of buttoning her glove, which required all her energies, and then she got up shaking out her skirts: “I’ll die,” she said, “if I stay longer here--it’s so hot, and there’s a smell of dougs. You can come when you’re ready. I want the fresh air.” “Dear me,” said Rankin with scorn; “this’ll be a very delicate Miss! and ower grand for the likes of us. Lady Jean never minded the smell of the dougs. Sandy, man, what made you bring such a grand lady here? Are ye for them, or are ye no for them?” he added, severely, turning to Archie. “It’s no of the least consequence to me--but you’ll have to say.”