BEYOND THE PASS THE skies darkened for rain, and it was in a deluge that the car, a little after eight o’clock, crossed the Bridge of Larrig. Archie had intended to go round by one of the peat-roads, but the wild weather had driven everyone to shelter, and it seemed safe to take the straight road up the hill. Shapp, who had just arrived in the Ford, took charge of the car, and Archie and Lamancha sprinted through the drizzle to the back-door.
To their surprise it was locked, and when, in reply to their hammering, Mrs Lithgow appeared, it was only after repeated questions through the scullery-window that she was convinced of their identity and permitted them to enter.
“We’ve been sair fashed wi’ folk,” was her laconic comment, as she retired hastily to the kitchen after locking the door b
