"In safe keeping. There is no occasion to be uneasy about him! He shall have plenty to eat and drink, be well punished, and show the rest of the rascals the way out of the country!" "Then I must find him! You compel me!" So saying, the chief, with intent to begin his search at the top of the house in the hope of seeing Mercy, darted up the stair. She heard him coming, went a few steps higher, and waited. On the landing he saw her, white, with flashing eyes. Their hands clasped each other--for a moment only, but the moment was of eternity, not of time. "You will find Hector in the tool-house," she said aloud. "You shameless hussey!" cried her father, following the chief in a fury. Mercy ran up the stair. The chief turned and faced Mr. Palmer. "You have no business in my house!" "I have the right of a magistrate." "You have no right. Leave it at once." "Allow me to pass." "You ought to be ashamed of yourself--making a girl turn traitor to her own father!" "You ought to be proud of a daughter with the conscience and courage to turn against you!" The chief passed Mr. Palmer, and running down the stair, joined Rob of the Angels where he stood at the door in a group composed of the keepers and most of the servants. "Do you know the tool-house?" he said to Rob. "Yes, Macruadh." "Lead the way then. Your father is there." "On no account let them open the door," cried Mr. Palmer. "They may hold through it what communication they please." "You will not be saying much to a deaf man through inch boards!" remarked the clansman from the garden. Mr. Palmer hurried after them, and his men followed. Alister found the door fast and solid, without handle. He turned a look on his companion, and was about to run his weight against the lock. "It is too strong," said Rob. "Hector of the Stags must open it!" "But how? You cannot even let him know what you want!" Rob gave a smile, and going up to the door, laid himself against it, as close as he could stand, with his face upon it, and so stood silent. Mr. Palmer coming up with his attendants, all stood for a few moments in silence, wondering at Rob: he must be holding communication with his father--but how? Sounds began inside--first a tumbling of tools about, then an attack on the lock. "Come! come! this won't do!" said Mr. Palmer, approaching the door. "Prevent it then," said the chief. "Do what you will you cannot make him hear you, and while the door is between you, he cannot see you! If you do not open it, he will!" "Run," said Mr. Palmer to the butler; "you will find the key on my table! I don't want the lock ruined!" But there was no stopping the thing! Before the butler came back, the lock fell, the door opened, and out came Hector, wiping his brow with his sleeve, and looking as if he enjoyed the fun. The keepers darted forward. "Stand off!" said the chief stepping between. "I don't want to hurt you, but if you attempt to lay hands on him, I will."