He left me instantly, and made for the cottage. Turkey drew back and
let him enter, then closed the door, and held it.
"Get away a bit, Ranald. I can run faster than Willie. You'll be out
of sight in a few yards."
But instead of coming after us, Wandering Willie began playing a most
triumphant tune upon his darling bagpipes. How the poor old woman
enjoyed it, I do not know. Perhaps she liked it. For us, we set off to
outstrip the Kelpie. It did not matter to Turkey, but she might lock
me out again. I was almost in bed before I heard her come in. She went
straight to her own room.
CHAPTER XXIX
A Double Exposure
Whether the Kelpie had recognized us I could not tell, but not much of
the next morning passed before my doubt was over. When she had set our
porridge on the table, she stood up, and, with her fists in her sides,
addressed my father:
"I'm very sorry, sir, to have to make complaints. It's a thing I don't
like, and I'm not given to. I'm sure I try to do my duty by Master
Ranald as well as everyone else in this house."
I felt a little confused, for I now saw clearly enough that my father
could not approve of our proceedings. I whispered to Allister--
"Run and fetch Turkey. Tell him to come directly."
Allister always did whatever I asked him. He set off at once. The
Kelpie looked suspicious as he left the room, but she had no pretext
for interference.
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