“I’m not in a chatting mood at the moment,” I said warily. “I’ve just woken up.”

“I wanted to get you to myself,” he said, “and now seems like a good time. There are always so many bally people around.”

He came over toward my bed. I sat up hastily, drawing my covers around me in a good display of maidenly effrontery. “Mr. Beasley-Bottome, this is my bedroom and I certainly didn’t invite you in.”

At that a smile flashed across his face. “A chap has to take whatever opportunity he can in this life. That’s what they taught us at school, don’t y’know?”

“Please leave,” I said.

“Hold on a jiffy, old bean. I said I only wanted a chat. I’m not intending to ravish you on the spot, although I must say the idea is tempting. . . .” He paused. “I don’t quite know how to put this but I think you’d want to know . . .”

At that moment the door burst open and Lachan stood there, giving a good imitation of an avenging relative. “What do you think you’re doing in here?” he demanded. “Out, this minute. Can’t you see the wee lassie needs her rest and quiet?”

“I only wanted a few words with her,” Hugo said.

“Do you want a few words with yon boy?” Lachan demanded.

“I really don’t at the moment,” I said.

“Then out.” He made a grab for Hugo, who took the hint and headed for the door.

“And just in case there are any more interruptions, I think I’ll set up camp outside your door tonight,” he said.

“Lachan, you really don’t have to guard my honor.” I didn’t know whether to laugh or not.

He went across to the door and closed it. “It’s not that. I took a good look at yon rope. It didn’t seem to have broken because it was worn. It looked more like a clean cut to me. Someone had cut almost through it and left the last strands to break.”

“I see.” I took a deep breath. “And how do I know that you weren’t that person, playing one of your famous jokes?”

“Some joke, wee Georgie. You’d have fallen on your head from a great height and we’d currently be holding your wake.” He leaned closer. “That’s why I’ve been keeping an eye on yon Hugo person. How did he arrive so quickly on the scene, that’s what I’d like to know. He was no climbing with you, was he?”

“No, I hadn’t seen him all morning.”

“Then what was he doing in such a convenient spot as to be offering help when you were stuck up there, unless he knew what was going to happen to you?”