s a year had brought about, Spiggot pondered sadly, and
was only roused from his dreamy mood by the sudden apparition of a
traveller on horseback standing before him; for so long and so soft was
the grass of the street that his approach had been unheard by the
dreamer, whose mind was wandering after the departed glories of the East
Neuk.

"A cold night, landlord, for such I take you to be," said the stranger,
in a bold and cheerful voice, as he dismounted.

"A cauld night and a dreary too," sighed poor Boniface, as he bowed, and
hastening to seize the stranger's bridle, buckled it to a ring at the
doorcheek; "but the sicht of a visitor does gude to my heart; step in,
sir. A warm posset that was simmering in the parlor for myself is at
your service, and I'll set the stall-boy to corn your beast and stable
it."

"I thank you, gudeman; but for unharnessing it matters not, as I must
ride onward; but I will take the posset with thanks, for I am chilled to
death by my long ride along this misty coast."

Spiggot looked intently at the traveller as he stooped, and entering the
low-arched door which was surmounted by an old monastic legend, trod
into the bar with a heavy clanking stride, for he was accoutred with
jack-boots and gilded spurs. His rocquelaure was of scarlet cloth,
warmly furred, and the long curls of his Ramillies wig flowed over it.
His beaver was looped upon three sides with something of a military air,
and one long white feather that adorned it, floated down his back, for
the dew was heavy on it. He was a handsome man, about forty years of
age, well sunburned, with a keen dark eye, and close-clipped moustache,
which indicated that he had served in foreign wars. He threw his hat and
long jewelled rapier aside, and on removing his rocquelaure, discovered
a white velvet coat more richly covered with lace than any that Spiggot
had ever seen even in the palmiest days of Crail.

According to the fashion of Queen Anne's courtiers, it was without a
collar, to display the long white cravat of point d'Espagne, without
cuffs, and edged from top to bottom with broad bars of lace, clasps and
buttons of silver the whole length; being compressed at the waist by a
very ornamental belt fastened by a large gold buckle.

"Your honor canna think of riding on to-night," urged Boniface; "and if
a Crail-capon done just to perfection, and a stoup of the best wine, at
least siccan wine as we get by the east seas, since that vile