“Keep your buts to yourself, Jack. Me mind’s made up.”

“And so is mine! I really cannot⁠—”

“Me good boy, ye are coming to stay with us until ye are recovered, if I have to knock ye senseless and then carry ye!”

The lightning smile flashed into Jack’s eyes.

“How ferocious! But pray do not be ridiculous over a mere scratch. Recovered, indeed!”

“Ye still look ill. Nay, Jack, take that frown off your face; ’tis of no avail, I am determined.”

The door closed softly behind Jim as Carstares shook his head.

“I can’t, Miles. You must see ’tis impossible.”

“Pooh! No one who comes to Thurze House knows ye or anything about ye. Ye need not see a soul, but come ye must!”