Kings of Carrick

276 THE KINGS OF CARRICK.
When the bond had been signed and subscribed, the
Master rose to take leave of his brother.
" You had better," observed the Earl, " lose no time with
Auchendrane."
" Neither we will," replied the Master. " I know him of
old. I hope to be here again in forty-eight hours to claim the
first instalment of your money."
"I hope you may," returned the Earl; and with these
words the interview ceased.
The Master was not long in making his preparations. All
he had to do was to secure his two accomplices ; and these
were not hard to find. On the following evening he was
ready to set about the undertaking. He knew what Auchen-
drane's habits were, that he was not likely to find him abroad
by day, but that after nightfall it was the custom of the old
man to take exercise on horseback in the grounds surrounding
the Tower. He did not know, however, that Mure had been
so severely wounded by Kennedy of Garriehorne, and that he
was hardly able to walk, let alone ride.
The Master of Cassillis and his two accomplices reached
Auchendrane Tower after sundown, and concealed themselves
in such a fashion that " the old fox," as the Master dubbed
Mure, could not escape them were he to leave the house at
all. Shadowed by the trees, they took up their sentry duty,
and waited with all the patience at their command until he
should appear. Moments added upon one another became
minutes ; and the minutes lengthened out into hours. Still
he came not. The watchers grew impatient. The Master
had too much at stake, however, to desert his post, and he re-
mained where he was, watching the lighted window of the
room where Auchendrane was supposed to hold high carnival
with the powers of darkness, until midnight had gone.
" We may give it up now, I think," he said with an oath.
" He comes not forth to-night."
" Too busy with his devil's work, I expect," observed one