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Leadem, Christopher

"Highland Ballad"

" His father only struggled more fiercely, outraged
that anyone
should force on him such a condition.
But he found himself breathing too hard: his chest ached, and the
exertions of the day had begun to take their toll on him. He was
tired. He felt old.
Still, had the request not come from his son, and had he not already
been willing..... With a last sweep of his arm he broke free, and
relaxed his great limbs. Then looked his son full in the face.
"I will do it for you
, to show that I am not what you think. If you bring the girl to me,
tonight, I will drop all charges. And I never meant to harm her.....
"You accused me of many things last night. You are very naive. Since
your mother's death, it is true that I have not been kind. Kindness
gains a man nothing, nor does the illusion of love, as you will find.
Yes, I sent the MacCain woman away, as the scheming slut she was. But
I have no intention of hanging my own daughter. Perhaps you will not
believe it, but as much as anything..... I just want to see her." He
threw up his hands in disgust.


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