’First-rate,’ he answered, and he went to the small aneroid and tapped it lightly. ’It was given me by a gentleman that shot his first stag up here. I think he would have given me his head, he was so pleased. Well, no, Miss Hodson, there’s not much sign of a change. But I’ll tell ye what we’ll do, if you’re tired of the loch, we’ll try one or two of the pools on the Mudal.’ ’You mean the river down there?’ ’There’s not much hope there either—for the water’s low the now; but we might by chance get a little wind, or there are some broken bits in the stream— ’But you mean with a fly—how could I throw a fly?’ she exclaimed. ’Ye’ll never learn younger,’ was the quiet answer. ’It there’s no change to-morrow I’ll take ye up the river myself—and at least ye can get some practice in casting——’ ’Oh no, no,’ said she hurriedly, ’thank you very much, but I must not take up your time——’ ’I’m no so busy that I cannot leave the house for an hour or two,’ said he—and she understood by his manner that he was ’putting his foot down,’ in which case she knew she might just as well give in at once. ’But I warn ye that it’s a dour river at the best, and not likely to be in good ply; however, we might just happen on one.’ And then he added, by way of explanation, ’If we should, it will have to be sent to Lord Ailine, ye understand.’ ’Why?’ ’Because the river doesna belong to your fishing; it goes with the shooting.’ ’Oh,’ said she, somewhat coldly. ’And so, when Lord Ailine gives any one a day’s fishing he claims whatever fish they may catch?’ ’When his lordship gives a day’s fishing he does not; but when the keeper does—that’s different,’ was the perfectly simple and respectful answer. ’Oh, I beg your pardon,’ said she hastily, and sincerely hoping she had said nothing to wound his feelings. Apparently she had not, for he proceeded to warn her about the necessity of her putting on a thick pair of boots; and he also gently hinted that she might wear on her head something less conspicuous than the bright orange Tam o’ Shanter of which she seemed rather fond. Accordingly, next morning, instead of sending him a message that she was ready, she walked along to the cottage, accoutred for a thorough stiff day’s work. The outer door was open, so she entered without ceremony; and then tapped at the door of the little parlour, which she proceeded to open also. She then found that Ronald was not alone; there was a young man sitting there, who instantly rose as she made her appearance. She had but a momentary glimpse of him, but she came to the conclusion that the gamekeepers in this part of the world were a good-looking race, for this was a strongly-built young fellow, keen and active, apparently, with a rather pink and white complexion, closely-cropped head, bright yellow moustache, and singularly clear blue eyes. He wore a plain tweed suit; and as he rose he picked up a billycock hat that was lying on the table.