The San Francisco call., 1904-06-26
.ConyrIght leo4l

y ATE evening had fallen on the
gray walls OF Stirring Castle. and
dark night on the town itself
With some suggestion Of stealth
in his movements. a young man picked
his wav through the thickening gloom
Of the streets. There was still light
enough TO show that. judging by his
costume. he was of the well-to-do
farmer class. The youth descended and
descended until he came to the lower
part Of the town. where turning aside
up narrow lane. he knocked at the
door Of q closed and shuttered build
Ing, evidently an abiding place of the
poorer inhabitants of Stirling. With
some degree Of caution the door was
slightly opened: but when the occupant
saw 10y the flash Of light that came
from within who his visitor was. he
threw the .ortal wide and warmly well
coined the newcomer.
Hey. guidman," he cried. ''ye're late
The night in Stirling
Yes" said the young man. stepping
inside, but the farm viii see nothing
Of me tin the morning. Tve friend in
town who gives me bed for myself
and staH for my horse. and gets the
same in return when he pays a visit to
the country"
A fair exchange" replied the host,
as he closed and barred the door
The lol room in which the. stranger
found himself was palpably 4 cobblers
shop.
Well" said the shoemaker with a
laugh, what's wing with you?"
Wrong with me- Nothing. Why
DO you think zhere is anything amiss?"
You are flushed in the face: your
breath comes quick. as if you had been
running. and there's d set about your
lips that spells anger"
You are a very observing man,
Flemming." replied he of the plaid. Il
had q fight up the street One of those
young court sDrigs riding to the castle
tried TO tramDle me under the feet of
his horse and struck at me with his
whip for getting into his road, so had
just 10 plaster my back against some
bOdy's front door and keep out of the
way"
Its easv TO see that you live in the
country, Ballengeich.' replied the cob
oler' or you would never get red in
the face over little thing like that"
had some thought of pulling him
on his horse. nevertheless. said the
Laird Of Ballengeich. whose brow
wrinkled into frown at the thought
Of the indignity he had suffered.
1t was just as well you left him
alone" commented the cobbIer. for an
: ma
those court gallants think fit to offer.
ana. II wise, he keeps the gap in his
lace shut, for fear he gets a bigger
gap opened in his head Still. 1 am
speaking rather freely, and doubtless
you are a firm friend Of the new
king2' and the shoemaker cast
cautious sicelong glance at his visitor.
A friend Of the King? / wonder TO
hear you. / doubt II he has a greater
enemy than myself in all Scotland"
Do you mean that. Ballengeich?"
inquired the shoemaker. with more in
terest than the subject appeared to
demand. laying down his hammer as he
spoke. and looking intentIy at his
guest.
I'd never say it if it wasn't true"
replied the laird.
You are not a married man tbinl.
you told me?"
NO. 1 am not There's time enougb
for that yet" returned the other with
smile. You see, / am new to INV
situation OF responsibility, and it's as
well not to take in the wife TIL Won
are sure YOU can support her.S
What like house have you got
and how far is it from StirIing?"
The house is well enough in its
way; there's more room in il than 7
care 10 occupy. It's strongly built of
stone. and could stand a siege If neces-
sary. as very likely it had done in
days long past. for it's a stout old
mansion. It's near enough 10 Stirling
for me TO come in and see my friend
the cobbler in the evening. and sleep
IN my own bed that night, if 1 care TO
do so"
rs il I'm lonely placer"
Il can hardly say that It is at the
top Of a bit hill, yet there's room
enough to give you rest and retire
ment from the busy world of the
town. What's you mind, Flem-
ming? Are you swithering whether
you'll turn farmer or no2 Let me in
form you that it's poor occupation"
"Tll tell you what's on my mind,
Ballengeich, If you'll swear piously
10 keep il a secret"
Indeed, I'll do nothing of the
sort" replied the young man de-
cisiyely. An honest mans bare word