Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 5

BEEMOKD. 65
else but the command of liis liege lord, a ten-times stronger storm would
never have kept him back."
" True, true in a sense," said Lorn, annoyed at the obstinacy of the
chieftain, " but Cyril of Eathland first, the Bruce afterwards. Brian can
attend to both of them, and trust me he will, and that faithfully."
" Assure yourself less strongly," said Sir Guilbert,
"For what reason, Sir Knight?" enquired Lorn rather sharply.
" Nay ; I mecely warn you. Far be it from my intention to do more."
" Come, Sir," said Lorn with evident irritation, " I will hear the
reasons for your distrust. Brian of Dunkerlyne is a good and brave man,
and one whom I greatly value. If you have aught of evil to say against
him let me hear it."
" Fly not up in this fashion, my lord," returned the knight with a
calmness of demeanour which contrasted strongly with the turbulence of
the Islesman. " Had I known you should have resented my warning I
would willingly have withheld it. My ignorance of the customs in the
West here, coupled with my nationality, can be the only excuse for my
indiscretion in referring to a matter which I considered it my duty to
mention."
" You misunderstand me, good sir," said Lorn suppressing his passion.
" I was merely annoyed at the thought of having so faithful a servant
suspected."
" So faithful a servant!" exclaimed Macnab. " Have you forgotten
everything, my lord? If this be so, we that have served you so well
have little thanks or encouragement for our devotedness."
" I am misinterpreted on all hands," said Lorn knitting his brow at
the recollection of Brian's former escapades. " The viking has been so
very faithful of late I had almost forgotten his former treachery. 'Tis
better, however, it should be forgotten. Besides, methinks he is much
more settled now, and there is less fear of his bursting the bonds of fealty
that bind him."
" You have said well, my good father," said Nora. " It is unjust to
be raking up memories ^phich should have perished long ago. Brian
of Dunkerlyne, viking and robber though he be, is a faithful vassal and a
noble chief. We have heard enow of his treachery which was no more
than the infatuation of a stubborn and fiery youth. You must also re-
member that he has a son whom I have no doubt will some day succeed in
restoring the honour and fortunes of his family."
" Ay, sweet Nora, he has a son," returned the islesman. " That may
have something to do with the sentiments you have just given expres-
sion to."
" You wrong me," said Nora leaping from her seat, her face suffused
with blushes. " I will not bear to be thus openly insulted even by my
father."
" So saying she left the hall followed by Bertha who exclaimed as she
rose to go, " Cowardly insinuator, you shall yet be called to make good
your words."
At the same time a vivid flash of lightning lit up the angry faces of
tihe guests, a peal of thunder went rumbling over head, and a wild gust
of wind made the towers and battlements of Dunolly quiver to their founda-
tions. A grim aspect was now given to the festivities, and it was somia tirne