,
where they were admitted, after some show of delay. It is rumoured that
thou, Henry Smith, sawest our unhappy fellow citizen after he had been
in the hands of these revellers. What is the truth of the matter?"

"He came to my house in the wynd," said Henry, "about half an hour
before midnight; and I admitted him, something unwillingly, as he had
been keeping carnival while I remained at home; and 'There is ill talk,'
says the proverb, 'betwixt a full man and a fasting.'"

"And in which plight seemed he when thou didst admit him?" said the
provost.

"He seemed," answered the smith, "out of breath, and talked repeatedly
of having been endangered by revellers. I paid but small regard, for he
was ever a timorous, chicken spirited, though well meaning, man, and
I held that he was speaking more from fancy than reality. But I shall
always account it for foul offence in myself that I did not give him my
company, which he requested; and if I live, I will found masses for his
soul, in expiation of my guilt."

"Did he describe those from whom he received the injury?" said the
provost.

"Revellers in masking habits," replied Henry.

"And did he intimate his fear of having to do with them on his return?"
again demanded Sir Patrick.

"He alluded particularly to his being waylaid, which I treated as
visionary, having been able to see no one in the lane."

"Had he then no help from thee of any kind whatsoever?" said the
provost.

"Yes, worshipful," replied the smith; "he exchanged his morrice dress
for my head piece, buff coat, and target, which I hear were found upon
his body; and I have at home his morrice cap and bells, with the jerkin
and other things pertaining. He was to return my garb of fence, and get
back his own masking suit this day, had the saints so permitted."

"You saw him not then afterwards?"

"Never, my lord."

"One word more," said the provost. "Have you any reason to think that
the blow which slew Oliver Proudfute was meant for another man?"

"I have," answered the smith; "but it is doubtful, and may be dangerous
to add such a conjecture, which is besides only a supposition."

"Speak it out, on your burgher faith and oath. For whom, think you, was
the blow meant?"

"If I must speak," replied Henry, "I believe Oliver Proudfute received
the fate which was designed for myself; the rather that, in his folly,
Oliver spoke of trying to assume my manner of walking, as well as my
dress."

"Have you f