Page:Lindigo.djvu/75

Rh Captain Campbell in a rage. This bravado was first considered by the Captain and Charlie as mere bounce, produced by disappointment and irratibilityirritability [sic]; but, on seeing John thoroughly bent upon the wager, the Captain took it up—the one laying his best horse against the other's. These conditions being settled, the party, after partaking of another tumbler, separated, the Captain and Charlie to meet next evening at the ball.

A select assembly congregated at the Advocate's on the appointed evening; Captain Campbell, who appeared in full regimentals, led the dance, with the heroine of the evening: all the party were in the height of enjoyment. In the first pause in the dance, and as the gallant Captain was conducting his partner to her seat, a servant entered the room with a small note for the host, who, upon reading it, sprung up somewhat agitated, and passed the letter to his daughter, saying, "I suppose you will understand who the writer of that is." Miss Forbes showed the note to the Captain, which ran as follows:—

Captain Campbell was greatly delighted when he found that the writer was the eccentric Captain John M'Donald, whom Charlie had described the previous evening.

The Advocate and his daughters smiled, and were consulting as to the best mode of receiving their wealthy Uncle, who might possibly improve their circumstances by leaving a portion of his wealth to them, if they should be fortunate enough to make a favorable impression.

They were not allowed much time for their deliberations, for the servant at the door called out "Captain John M'Donald, of the East India Company's Service," when a tall, gaunt, straight old gentleman, with long white hair, green spectacles, or goggles, shaven yellow face, black clothes, and a gold-headed cane, stalked into the room.