human
Perhaps you, sir, can tell me the purport of all this display.
gpt
Assuredly, answered the king with a trace of sternness in his tone that had hitherto been absent in his converse with his gaoler.
human
The fleet comes at the command of the king to take away your prisoners, if they are unharmed, or to batter down your castle if they have been molested.
gpt
I suppose then I should be thankful they are unharmed?
human
You have reason,
gpt
His majesty must set great value on your heads if he sends his whole fleet to succour you.
human
He does.
gpt
How did he know you were here if you did not break your parole and communicate with Stirling?
human
The king knows there is more going on in Skye than the making of strong drink. I did not break my parole, neither did MacDonald.
gpt
In spite of what you said to me, you must have told the king before you left Stirling where you were going.
human
I did not.
gpt
Then word must have been brought to him from Skye?
human
It was not.
gpt
In that case the only conclusion I can come to is that the king is unaware of your presence here.
human
He is well aware of it.
gpt
You speak in riddles, my friend. However, I had no real wish to detain you, and you might have gone where you pleased any time this fortnight or more.
human
So you say now.
gpt
It's true enough, and if you wish to visit the fleet one of my boats will be ready to carry you the moment you give the order. I told you the first day that if you were a friend of the king's, or an emissary of his, you could go on your way unchecked. Did I not, MacDonald?
human
You said something of that sort, sir.
gpt
You denied being a friend of the king's, persisted MacLeod,
human
I deny yet that I am a friend of the king. On the contrary, I don't mind confessing to you that I am the greatest enemy he has in the world, and it's well he knows it.
gpt
You amaze me. Then you do not wish to meet the fleet.
human
On the contrary, I do, and I ask you to order a suitable boat for me.
gpt
You shall have the best boat in my possession,
human
They are ready for you, said MacLeod with an effort at geniality, which gave a most sinister effect to his face.
gpt
I am sorry to bid you good-bye, but I hope you bear away with you no ill will against Dunvegan.
human
Sir, said the king ignoring his compliments,
gpt
It is the best I have,
human
The boat you must bring to the landing is the twenty-six oared barge, which Malcolm MacLeod builded so well.
gpt
That boat is for the king,
human
Yes, it is for the king, therefore the king demands it. Give the order instantly that it be brought to the landing, well manned with twenty-six rowers.
gpt
Is this true?
human
Yes, answered MacDonald,