"It wesna easy for me tae get tae kirk, but a' cud hae managed wi' astretch, an' a' used langidge a' sudna, an' a' micht hae beengentler, and no been so short in the temper. A' see't a' noo.

"It's ower late tae mend, but ye 'ill perhaps juist say to the foukthat I wes sorry, an' a'm houpin' that the Almichty 'ill hae mercyon me.

"Cud ye ... pit up a bit prayer, Paitrick?"

"A' haena the words," said Drumsheugh in great distress; "wud yelike's tae send for the minister?"

"It's no the time for that noo, an' a' wud rather hae yersel'--juistwhat's in yir heart, Paitrick: the Almichty 'ill ken the lave (rest)Himsel'."

So Drumsheugh knelt and prayed with many pauses.

"Almichty God ... dinna be hard on Weelum MacLure, for he's no beenhard wi' onybody in Drumtochty.... Be kind tae him as he's been taeus a' for forty year.... We're a' sinners afore Thee.... Forgive himwhat he's dune wrang, an' dinna cuist it up tae him.... Mind thefouk he's helpit ... the weemen an' bairnies ... an' gie him awelcome name, for he's sair needin't after a' his wark.... Amen."