Agent now of high Jacobite interests, shuttle sent from conspirers in France to chiefs in Scotland, on the eve of a departure in disguise, he had broken old nest and old relations, and was now as a stranger in a city that he knew well, and where by not a few he was known.

The room that he turned into had little sign of old, well-liked occupancy; the servant who at his call entered from a smaller chamber was not the man to whom he was used, but a Highlander sent him by a Gordon then in Paris.
"I am back, Donal!" said Ian, and threw himself into a chair by the table.

"Come, give an account of your errands!" Donal, middle-aged, faithful, dour and sagacious, and years away from loch and mountain, gave account.

Horses, weapons, clothing, all correct for Dr.Robert Bonshaw and his servant, riding under high protection from Paris to Dunkirk, where a well-captained merchant-vessel stayed for them in port.

Ian nodded approval.
"I'm indebted, Donal, to my cousin Gordon!" Donal let a smile come to within a league of the surface.