Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-04

my heart was blhe enough for was I not
 back in my long drcamed-of native land; and I my own master for the first time in twenty years
 In St. Germains and Versailles, as you may guess lad in the Gendarmes Eeossais, with his mothers brother keeping guardians watch him the while, sips of liberty little that he scarce knows the taste of it upon his tongue. And further, if all had heard of him true, my noble father was little like to give me doucely the run of my youth once got be- meath those smoky rafters of Craigmalloch dmy recollected from the hours of childhood r.r ,.
 So this week which I allowed myself in Aud Reekie was stolen, as it were, from rightul authority all by the good fortune of marvellous favorable wind that ran us into Leith harbor so many days before our computation. 5..
 Now, says I to myself, shall break my fast in some merry tavern? and after that-why, I'll go with the wind. says l, just as gust caught me. @ Even as paused, a youth swung by me. He was followed at little distance by couple of serving men.
 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 eoquenty enough. I turned and stared after the three moment two and started in pur- suit, down the High Street once more. My lad of the rowan-sprg made straight course of it for while. Just before reaching the Neither Bow. he suddenly veered down wynd on the right, with his retainers in full tramp behind. I drew Up close and thought myself fortunate indeed when saw that the cellar entrance into which they presently plunged that of tavern; the sign was painted over the door "The Fox and Grapes" clattered down in my turn and swaggered into the house with as good imitation of my guides queting grace as I could muster in the uncertainty of my passage through unaccustomed gloom. A lusty wench that brought back memories of childhood and my Highland nurse, received me. She motioned me to a solitary table, and then requested my will. With the tail of my eye on Master Rowan-sprig I ordered at hazard the messes she suggested in her pretty, nsnuating way Meanwhile he, who was evil dcntly master of the establishment, burly elderly man. attended to the wants of his important patron But I, intent in watching. quick to appre bend that they conversed earnestly together, and that in the Gaelic, in which tongue not proficient as my uncle Cragmalloch would have wished. Thus. the drift of their speech escaped 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 sad
 And I have not forgotten your honor's liking" and caught up from cupboard, fagon. darkly in crusted and cobwebbed.
 "A man cannot have too good wine for a good toast" cried Master Rowan-sprg. His voice had bright imperious ring that echoed gratefully in my ear. Again he flung look at me, which returned as bravely and as invitngly as might I was burn ing to have my knees under the board and cnk glass with one who had taken my youthful fancy freshly as the spring wind
 And what wine will your honor wish" said the soft voice of the girl in my ear
 "I'l have" said I, starting round to her, "a bottle from the same bin as wonder gentleman"
 Her pale eyes grew round. She hestated, looked almost frightened. - "The old cary?" 'Why not my love?' and with the corner of my glance upon my hero, who sat, his hand encircing brimn1ing glass fixing now very steadily Why not if wine be measured here by toasts shall not my glass be of the best?
 T believe said he, 'the old elary is growing scarce And indeed when heads should be clear, 'tis better to share bottle than to drain it alone-however good-the toast!
 My answer need scarce be recorded. I made him my best French bow In twinkling my desire was accomplished stretching my legs under the same table as those arrogant limbs that had swung hs coat skirts as if they had been the free kilt was cnkng my glass-my hand trembled-with that held by his
 "Take my lads to the kitchen, Duncan" said the young cheftain, "and give them their due fill, but no more And as this gentleman and evidently have matters to talk over we will proht at once of your 4 empty hour" e - @ The 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. Gcrmains." said, Ito Hoyrood
 Hereupon the wachfu intensity, that sat so curiousiy on his boysh face vanished He drew deep breath.
 "So may it be- he cried solemny and realized that his toast was no other than proper, loyal one upon which none being more loyal than myself. thought myself bound to look mighty knowing, to echo, So may it be" ,
 You landed this morning." quered he ..
 Aye" quoth l. with modification, thinking must indeed bear foreigner stamped in my hair.
 You're before time" he added drawing his watch;
 Aye" said l. speaking of the fair winds; tis all a piece of mighty luck"
 - aLuck?" echoed he with quick frown, sTwould he dangerous comrade to trust, marked you, Sir, from the first in the Lawnmarket.
 And you, sir,' cried l. fattered out of my sus- ocions uttered a few words about the delay of my himself with an effort. he added:
 You are right to be cautious no doubt But surely" Again he paused. and leaned across to me aI)id aII 90 of well. Was the landing safe?
 .Why. doubtless laughed. since l am here
 And he.rAhis lips were nearly on my ear. :, aHe-r I echoed; and from sheer vagueness' hushsd sssis
 ..s s.s -rs