Los Angeles herald., 1908-11-15

my heart was blithe enough, for was not
back in my long dreamed-of native land
and my own master for the first time in twenty
years
In ST. Germans and Versailles, as you may guess,
lad in the GeNddymes Ecossdis with his mothers
brother keeping guardians watch him the while,
sips of liberty little that he 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 run of my youth once got be-
meath those smoky rafters of Craigmalloch / dimly
recollected from the hours of childhood
So this week which allowed myself in Aud Reekie
stolen, it were from rghtfu authority; all by
the good fortune of marvellous favorable wind that
ran us into Leith harbor SO many days before our
computation.
Now, says to myself, shall break my fast m
some merry tavern? and after that-why I'll 60 with
the wind, says l, just a gust caught me-
Even paused youth swung by He was
followed at 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 eloquently enough l turned and stared
after the three moment or two and started in pur-
suit, down the High Street more.
My lad of the rowan-sprig made straight course
Of it for a while Just before reaching the Neither
Bow, he suddenly veered down wynd on the right,
with his retainers in full tramp behind drew up
that the cellar entrance into which they presently
plunged that of tavern; the sign painted
the door, "The Fox and Grapes"
clattered down in my turn and staggered into the
house with as good an imitation of my guides
quering grace as l could muster in the uncertainty
of my passage through unaccustomed gloom. lusty
wench that brought back memories of childhood and
my Highland nurse, received me. She motioned me to
q solitary table, and then requested my will
falo of Mast a0rio
ordered at hazard the messes she suggested in her
pretty insnuatng way. Meanwhile he, who was evi-
IDENTIFY master of the establishment, burly 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 not as proficient
as my uncle Craigmalloch 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 though expectantly. Finally
loudly and in English, the host said:
"And l 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 good
toast" cried Master Rowan-sprig His voice had
bright imperious ring that echoed gratefully in my
ear Again he flung look at me, which | returned
as bravely and as invitingly as might l burn
ing to have my knees under the board and clink
- glass with one who had taken my youthful fancy as
feshly as the spring wind.
"And what wine will your honor wish" said the
soft voice of the girl in my
"I 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.
..Why nc not, nv love?' and with the corner of my
glance upon my hero who sat- his hand esncircling,
brimming glass fixing me now very steadily. why
not win he
glass be of the bestF
q believe" said he the old cary is growing scarce
And, indeed, when heads should be clear us better
TO share a bottle than to drain it alone-however
good-the toastl"
My answer need scarce be recorded. / made him
my best French bow. In a twinklng my desire was
accomplished 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 cnking
my glass-my hand trembled-wth that held by MS
FAKE INV lads to the kitchen Duncan" said the
young chieftain, and give them their due NIL but no
more And this gentleman and evidently have
matters to talk over will profit at once of your
The instant we were alone my entertainer lifted his
glass; and his bright hazel eyes deep in mine From
= From From st. Germans said TO Holyrood"
on his boyish face vanished He drew deep breath.
NAV it be-" he cried solemny and realized that
his toast was no other than proper oyai qnf upGH
myself bound TO look mighty knowing, to ecno, 30
you landed this morning?" queried 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 |, speaking of the fair winds; It's all
piece of mighty luck" r \,
"Iuck?" echoed he, with quick trowr wouio
he dangerous comrade TO trust marked YOU oi''
from the FIRST in the Lawnmarket"
"And you. sir" cried l. Aattered out OF Of my sus-
pcions | uttered few words about the delay % OF my
meal at which his temper seemed to rise Controlling
himself with an effort, he added: -
"You are right to be cautious, no doubt but
surely" Again he paused. and leaned across to me.
did all 60 off wellS Was the landing safe
Why doubtless.'' laughed since ! am mere
eAnd he ?g-his lips nearly on my ear,
"Ie-7" I echoed; and from sheer vagueness'
laughed again