I naturally have been interested in it, and have read
pretty well everything that has been written about second sight among
the Highlanders; and some of the incidents are so well authenticated
that I scarcely see how they can be denied. Of course, there is no
accounting for it, but it is possible that among what we may call
primitive people there are certain intuitions or instincts, call
them what you like, that have been lost by civilized people.
"The power of scent in a dog is something so vastly beyond anything
we can even imagine possible, that though we put it down to instinct,
it is really almost inexplicable. Take the case that dogs have
been known to be taken by railway journeys of many hundred miles
and to have found their way home again on foot. There is clearly
the possession of a power which is to us absolutely unaccountable.
"But here comes your uncle; he will think I have been preaching a
sermon to you if you look so grave."
But Major Hannay was too occupied with his own thoughts to notice
Isobel.
"Has anything gone wrong, Major?" the Doctor asked, as he saw his
face.
"I have just learnt," the Major said, "that some more chupaties
were brought last night. It is most annoying. I have questioned
several of the native officers, and they profess to have no idea
whence they came or what is the meaning of them. I wish we could
get to the bottom of this thing; it keeps the troops in a ferment.
If I could get hold of one of these messengers, I would get out of
him all he knew, even if I had to roast him to make him tell.
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