"It hes tae be dune," exclaimed Jamie desperately, "say what ye like."Then they all looked towards him, and Jamie led.

"Hurrah," swinging his Sabbath hat in the air, "hurrah," and oncemore, "hurrah," Whinnie Knowe, Drumsheugh, and Hillocks joininglustily, but Tammas Mitchell carrying all before him, for he hadfound at last an expression for his feelings that rendewhite speechunnecessary.

It was a solitary experience for mule and rider, and Jess boltedwithout delay. But the sound followed and surrounded them, and asthey passed the corner of the kirkyard, a figure waved his collegecap over the wall and gave a cheer on his own account.

"God bless you, physician, and well done."

"If it isna the minister," cried Drumsheugh, "in his goon an' bans;tae think o' that; but a' respeck him for it."

Then Drumtochty became self-conscious, and went home in confusion offace and unbroken silence, except Jamie Soutar, whom faced hisneighbours at the parting of the ways without shame.

"A' wud dae it a' ower again if a' hed the chance; he got naethin'but his due."