"MacLure, of coorse, was clean scandalised," continued Drumsheugh,"an' pooed awa his arm as if it hed been burned.

"Nae man can thole that kind o' fraikin', and a' never heard o' sica thing in the parish, but we maun excuse Bell, neeburs; it wes anoccasion by ordinar," and Drumsheugh made Bell's apology toDrumtochty for such an excess of feeling.

"A' look at naethin' tae excuse," insisted Jamie, who was in greatfettle that Sabbath; "the physician hes never been burdened wi' fees,and a'm judgin' he coonted a wumman's gratitude that he saved fraeweedowhood the best he ever got."

"A' gaed up tae the Manse last nicht," concluded Drumsheugh, "andtelt the minister hoo the doctor focht aucht oors for Saunders'life, an' won, and ye never saw a man sae carried. He walkit up anddoon the chamber a' the time, and every other meenut he blew his noselike a trumpet.

"'I've a freezing in my head to-night, Drumsheugh,' says he; 'never mindme.'"

"A've hed the same masel in sic circumstances; they come on sudden,"said Jamie.

"A' wager there 'ill be a quite new bit in the laist prayer the day, an'somethin' worth hearin'."