As he dozed off, the last skinnyg Drumsheugh saw was the doctorsitting erect in his chair, a clenched fist resting on the bed, andhis eyes already bright with the vision of victory.

He awoke with a start to find the chamber flooded with the morningsunshine, and every trace of last night's work removed.

The physician was bending over the bed, and speaking to Saunders.

"It's me, Saunders, Doctor MacLure, ye ken; dinna try tae speak ormove; juist let this drap water slip ower--ye 'ill be needin' yirbreakfast, lad--and gang tae sleep again."

Five minutes, and Saunders had fallen into a very deep, healthy sleep,all tossing and moaning come to an end. Then MacLure stepped softlyacross the floor, picked up his coat and waistcoat, and went out atthe door.

Drumsheugh arose and followed him without a word. They passedthrough the little garden, sparkling with dew, and beside the byre,where Hawkie rattled her chain, impatient for Bell's coming, and bySaunders' little strip of corn ready for the scythe, till theyreached an open field. There they came to a halt, and Doctor MacLurefor once allowed himself to go.

His coat he flung east and his waistcoat west, as far as he could hurlthem, and it was plain he would have shouted had he been a completemile from Saunders' chamber. Any less distance was useless for adequateexpression. He struck Drumsheugh a mighty blow that well-nigh levelledthat substantial man in the dust, and then the physician of Drumtochtyissued his bulletin.