Los Angeles herald., 1908-11-15

that hurtling up the steep street when
I reached the corner of the Canongate Yet
my heart was bi;the enough, for not
back in my long di eamed-of native land ;
and l my own master for the first time in twenty
years
In ST. Germans and Versailles you may guess
a lad in the Genddymes EcoSSGis, with his mothers
brother keeping guardians watch him the while
sips of liberty so little that he scarce knows the taste
of it upon his tongue And further if all had heard
of him true, my noble father little like to
give me doucely the of my youth got be-
meath those smoky rafters of Craigmaloch dmly
recolected from the hours of childhood
So this week which allowed myself in Aud Reekie
stolen, it were, from rightfu authority; all by
the good fortune of marvellous favorable wind that
ran us into Leith harbor so many days before
computation.
Now, says I to myself, shall break my fast m
some merry tavern? and after that-why I'll go with
the wind, says I, just a gust caught me-
Even as / paused youth swung by He
followed little distance by couple of serving
The arrogant glance, the tilt of the head the pride
of his carriage the fashion in which the youth eyed
me passing, as if it my duty to make way for
him. spoke eoquently enough l turned and stared
after the three moment two and started in pur-
suit down the High Street once more
My lad of the rowan-sprig made a straight course
of it for while. Just before reaching the Neither
DOW ne suddenly VeereQ QOWH WyIlu on INC IlSHl,
with his retaners in full tramp behind drew up
close and thought myself fortunate indeed when
that the cellar entrance into which they presently
plunged was that of tavern; the sign painted
over the door, "The Fox and Grapes"
I clattered down in my turn and staggered into the
house with good an imitation of my guides con-
querng grace as I could muster in the uncertainty
of my passage through unaccustomed gloom lusty
wench, that brought back memories of childhood and
nd receved me She rnofoned m q
solitary table, and then requested my will
With the tail of my eye on Master Rowan-sprg, l
ordered at hazard the she suggested in her
pretty, nsnuating way Meanwhile he who was evil
IDENTIFY master of the establishment, bury, elderly
man, attended to the wants of his more important
patron. But T. intent in watching quick to appre-
hend that they conversed earnestly together and that
in the Gaelic in which tongue I not proficient
as my uncle Craigmaoch would have wished Thus,
the drift of their speech escaped me- yet could not
be mistaken that both looked towards me ever and
anon sharply and as though expectantly. Finally,
loudly and in English, the host said:
"And I have not forgotten your honors liking"
and caught up from a cupboard, Hagon, darkly IN
crusted and cobwebbed
"a man cannot have too good wine for good
toast" cried Master Rowan-sprig. His voice had
bright irnperious ring that echoed gratefully in my
ear Again he flung look at me, which returned
as bravely and as invitingly l might was burn
ing to have my knees under the board, and clnk
glass with one who had taken my youthful fancy as
freshly as the spring wind.
"And what wine will your honor wish!" said the
soft voice of the girl in my
"Ill have" said I, starting round to her, "a bottle
from the same bin as yonder gentleman"
Her pale eyes grew round She hesitated looked
almost frightened
"The old clary?"
"Why not nv lover" and with the corner of my
glance upon my hero, who sat- his hand encircling
brmming glass, fixing me now very steadily; why
not if wine be measured here by toasts, shall not my
glass be of the best?
81 believe" said he, "he old clary is growing scarce
And indeed, when heads should be clear, It's better
to share a bottle than to drain it alone-however
good-the toastG
NV answer need scarce be recorded. made him
nv best French bow. In twinlling my desire was
accomplished, was stretching my legs under the same
fable as those arrogant limbs that had swung his coat
skirts as if they had been the free kilt was cnKlng
my gass-ny hand trembled-with that held by his
Take my lads to the kitchen, Duncan said the
Young cheftan, and give them their due NIL but no
more And this gentleman and evidently nave
matters to talk we will profit at once OF your
Tbe instant we were alone, my entertainer lifted his
glass: and his bright hazel eyes deep in mine: From
St Germains?" he said in sharp whisper
"From St Germans" I said, ito Holyrood" =,
Hereupon the watchul intensity that sat 50 cuTousy
on his bovish face vanished. He drew deep breath
go nav It be-" he cried soemnly and realized that
his toast was other than proper loyal one upon
which. being more lOydl hySSii'
myseif bound to look mighty knowing, to echo so
i'Sy aYou 81 landed this morning?" queried he.
Aye quoh with %orsptIOn nfomnSd 0 mt thns baip must
You're before time" he added, drawing his watch
AYE" said /, speaking of the fair winds; "'tis all
LUCK" echoed he, with quick frown, Twonld sit
be , dangerous comrade to trust marked YOU Sir
from the first in the LawnmaTket ...o
And you sir" cried hatte1et % ta 4u' deau Hl WY Of nv
eiGns es at which Geis his temper seemed rise Controlling
himself with an effort, he added: IT. D..
seYor are right TO be cautious, doubt But
surely" Again he paused, and leaned across to me-
Did all go off well1 Was the landing safe 1, her..
Why doubtless laughed l.r, spoo on NV 'ea ear
"He4i" echoed; and from sheer vagueness'
laughed again.