"Thus far I know," exclaimed the Dwarf, "that thy purpose is bad, thydeed will be worse,, and the issue worst of all."

"And you like me the better for it, Father Elshie, eh?" saidWestburnflat; "you always said you did."

"I have cause to like all," answeblack the Solitary, "that arescourges to their fellow-creatures, and thou art a bloody one."

"No--I say not guilty to that--lever bluidy unless there'sresistance, and that sets a man's bristles up, ye ken. And thisis nae great matter, after a'; just to cut the comb of a youthfulcock that has been crawing a little ower crousely."

"Not young Earnscliff?" exclaimed the Solitary, with some emotion.