“I’ve written a note warning them to flee. James Buchanan—that’s the lawyer—was going anyway on Saturday, but Alan Macmillan—that’s the poet—was going to camp on for another few days. But I don’t think it’s safe for him to stay around here. This is what I’ve written:

“Dear Mr Buchanan …”

“That’s the lawyer?” Myrtle interrupted.

“Yes”

“What’s the poet done that you don’t write to him?”

“Why, I think the lawyer will pay more attention to my warning. Lawyers are kind of practical folk compared with poets.”

“I see,” said Myrtle thoughtfully.

“Dear Mr Buchanan,” Carrie went on reading, “This is to introduce my sister-in-law Miss Myrtle Royde who will explain to you how very necessary it is for you and Mr Macmillan to leave Glenbristle at once.”

She broke off. “I thought you could explain better than by my trying to write all about Ben Nevis. They think he’s in a rut.”

“Oh, they think he’s in a rut, do they?”

“Yes, and you’ve got to convince them that he’s not.” Carrie went on reading—“to leave Glenbristle at once on account of the attitude of the owner towards camping …” She broke off again. “I think it’s wiser to concentrate on the camping side of it. I’m afraid if I make too much of a point about the political side of it they may feel bound to stay and fight it out.” She went on reading: “It is a great disappointment not to meet you and Mr Macmillan again but I have to drive over with my husband to inspect a property in the neighbourhood. Should we be lucky enough to secure it I need hardly say how glad we shall be to have you camp on our land whenever you feel inclined. Should you decide to make that visit to Canada which we discussed, be sure to write and let me know so that I can give you a few letters of introduction. Mrs Chester Royde Jr., 10, Green House, Park Lane, London, W.1, is my London address and letters will always be forwarded. But I hope to have an address in Scotland soon, and if you will give Miss Royde your address and Mr Macmillan’s I will write and let you know what that is….”

She stopped reading. “I think that says all I can say in a letter, but I’m relying on you, Myrtle, to impress on them how very fierce Ben Nevis can be. Chester told me his idea was to throw these young men into the nearest loch. Well, I believe he’s quite capable of doing it.”

“He certainly is,” Myrtle agreed.

“Then be an angel, Myrtle, and try to get that into their heads.”

“I’ll do my best.”