" Seeing that my father
did not answer, he asked: "Have you joined the Highlanders? You were
always for fighting."
"I'm to be at Cherokee Ford on the twentieth," said my father. "We're to
scalp the redskins and Cameron, though 'tis not known."
"Cameron!" shrieked the gentleman. "But that's the other side, man!
Against his Majesty?"
"One side or t'other," said my father, "'tis all one against Alec
Cameron."
The gentleman looked at my father with something like terror in his eyes.
"You'll never forgive Cameron," he said.
"I'll no forgive anybody who does me a wrong," said my father.
"And where have you been all these years, Alec?" he asked presently.
"Since you went off with--"
"I've been in the mountains, leading a pure life," said my father. "And
we'll speak of nothing, if you please, that's gone by."
"And what will you have me do?" said the gentleman, helplessly.
"Little enough," said my father. "Keep the lad till I come again. He's
quiet. He'll no trouble you greatly. Davy, this is Mr. Temple. You're
to stay with him till I come again."
"Come here, lad," said the gentleman, and he peered into my face.
"You'll not resemble your mother."
"He'll resemble no one," said my father, shortly.
"Good-by, Davy. Keep this till I come again." And he gave me the parcel
made of my mother's gown.
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