The arrival of this belated and bedrenched little party at the lodge created no little surprise; for it had been concluded that, having been led away by a long stalk, or perhaps following a wounded deer into unexpected regions, and finding themselves overtaken by the dark, they had struck across country for the Aivron-Bridge Inn, to pass the night there.  However, Sir Hugh bustled about to have his guest properly looked after; and when Lionel had got into dry clothes and swallowed some bit of warmed-up dinner, he went into the drawing-room, where they were all of them playing poker—­all of them, that is to say, except Lord Fareborough, who, in a big easy-chair by the fire, was nursing his five-and-twenty ailments, and no doubt inwardly cursing those people for the chatter they were keeping up.  They stopped their game when Lionel entered, to hear the news; and when he had told his heartrending tale, Lady Adela’s brother lazily called to her: 

“I say, Addie, there’s a chance for you to try that terrier of yours.  If he’s as intelligent as you say, send him out with the Billies to-morrow, and see if he can find the stag for them.”

“Why, of course,” Lady Adela instantly responded.  “Mr. Moore, I have just become possessed of the wisest little terrier in the whole world, I do believe.  He only arrived this evening; but he and I have been friends for a long time; I bought him only yesterday from a shepherd down the strath.  Oh, I must show you the letter that came with the dog.  Georgie, dear, would you mind running into my room and bringing me a letter you will find on the dressing-table?”

Miss Georgie was absent only a couple of seconds; when she returned she handed Lionel the following epistle, which was written on a rather shabby sheet of paper.  Its contents, however, were of independent value: 

“ALTNASHIELACH. Tuesday moarning.

“LADY ADDELA CUNNINGHAM,—­

“HONNERD LADY,—­I am sendin you the terrier by my sin Jeames that was takking the milk from Bragla to your ladyship’s house the last year when he was butten by the red dog and your ladyship so kind as to giv him five shullins the terrier’s name is Donacha bit he will soon answer to his English name that is Duncan Honnerd Lady you must be kind to him for he will be a little shy the first time he is awa from home and because he will not understand your languish as he was taught Gealic he got plenty of Blood on the foxes he can warry wan with himself alone let me no how you will be please with him and if he is behaved and obadient I will be glad to have the news

“from your ladyship’s humble servant

“MAGNUS ROSS, Altnashielach”