DUNDAS'S BAILIFF 327 



into the glowing driftwood fire which blazed and crackled 

 cheerfully in the old-fashioned fireplace. 



" I'll get back to town and civilisation to-morrow, 

 and send McPhearson and his wife down to take the place 

 of that red-headed little beast and his delightful family." 



But to cut a long story short, we met young 

 Dundas in London a few weeks ago, and asked him how he 

 was getting on with his new property. 



" Oh ! hang the island ! I've let it to a local grazier 

 for £100 per annum, £52 of which sum I pay away in the 

 course of the year to that little brute, Thomas." 



" Do you mean to say that Rufus still reigns supreme 

 on the island ? " 



" Yes, worst luck. I've given him notice to quit at 

 least a dozen times, but he so frightens each man I send 

 down to take his place by tales of the sea-wall breaking 

 down; the sea flooding the island, and so forth, that 

 they all come back post-haste." 



" Has King Rufus planted those oats yet ? " we next 

 inquired. 



" Not a rod. The grey mare is dead — got cast in a 

 dyke, I believe. But, good-bye, you fellows, I've got a 

 most important appointment at twelve o'clock." 



Dundas hates discussing the merits of his bailiff. 



