his five followers, rode down into Berkshire and took possession
of the estate, with which all were delighted. The troopers, instead
of accepting the house he offered them, preferred to remain in his
service, and Paolo was installed as majordomo of the household.
Six months later MacIntosh and his two comrades came over.

The former declined Hector's offer to take up his abode at the
house.

"No, colonel, I have an abundance for myself and my two comrades,
and would rather be near you, where we can live in our own fashion,
and give trouble to no one."

"Well, if you will not come here, MacIntosh, there is a house a
quarter of a mile away which will, I think, suit you well. It is
not a large place, but is a comfortable one, and has been used as
the house of the steward of the estate. As I shall be my own steward
it is vacant, and will, I think, suit you well. It is furnished,
so that you and your comrades can move in when you like, though
the longer you stay with us the better we shall be pleased."

A fortnight later MacIntosh and his comrades moved in, and there,
when not occupied with their duties, one or other of the troopers
was generally to be found. Hector often dropped in, and one day
laughingly said that the house ought to be renamed The Scottish
Soldier.

Until the Restoration Hector kept aloof from London, but when
Charles II mounted the throne of his fathers he went up, and was
presented at court by one of the many English gentlemen whom he