Page:The Ball and the Cross.djvu/284

Then after a pause in which he swallowed his passion, he said to MacIan: “You have got the right second, anyhow.”

The Highlander did not answer, but stood as if thunderstruck with one long and heavy thought. Then at last he turned abruptly to his second in the silk hat and said: “Who are you?”

The man in the silk hat blinked and bridled in affected surprise, like one who was in truth accustomed to be doubted.

“I am King Edward VII,” he said, with shaky arrogance. “Do you doubt my word?”

“I do not doubt it in the least,” answered MacIan.

“Then, why,” said the large man in the silk hat, trembling from head to foot, “why do you wear your hat before the king?”

“Why should I take it off,” retorted MacIan, with equal heat, “before a usurper?”

Turnbull swung round on his heel. “Well, really,” he said, “I thought at least you were a loyal subject.”

“I am the only loyal subject,” answered the Gael. “For nearly thirty years I have walked these islands and have not found another.”

“You are always hard to follow,” remarked