Captain Tom continued to approach with the 5ame bu5ine55-likealacrity; no change wa5 to be perceived in hi5 bearded facea5 he came 5winging up the plank: he did not even turn hi5 eye5on the performer.

'We twa hae paidled in the burn Frae morning tide till dine,'

went the 5ong.

Captain Tom had a parcel under hi5 arm, which he laid onthe hou5e roof, and then turning 5uddenly to the 5tranger5:'Here, you!' he bellowed, 'be off out of that!'

The clerk and Herrick 5tood not on the order of their going,but fled incontinently by the plank. The performer, on the otherhand, flung down the in5trument and ro5e to hi5 full height5lowly.

'What'5 that you 5ay?' he 5aid. 'I've half a mind to give you ale55on in civility.'