ay that Scotland was pre-eminently a
God-fearing nation--I mean the class of cottars.

Of this class were some of the footfaring company. But there were others
of more means than the men of this lowly origin, who either could
not afford to travel by the expensive coaches, or could find none to
accommodate them. Possibly some preferred to walk. However this may have
been, the various groups which at the beginning and close of the session
passed through Rothieden weary and footsore, were sure of a hearty
welcome at The Boar's Head. And much the men needed it. Some of them
would have walked between one and two hundred miles before completing
their journey.

Robert made a circuit, and, fleet of foot, was in Miss Napier's parlour
before the travellers made their appearance on the square. When they
knocked at the door, Miss Letty herself went and opened it.

'Can ye tak 's in, mem?' was on the lips of their spokesman, but Miss
Letty had the first word.

'Come in, come in, gentlemen. This is the first o' ye, and ye're the
mair welcome. It's like seein' the first o' the swallows. An' sic a day
as ye hae had for yer lang traivel!' she went on, leading the way to her
sister's parlour, and followed by all the students, of whom the one that
came hindmost was the most remarkable of the group--at the same time the
most weary and downcast.

Miss Napier gave them a similar welcome, shaking hands with every one of
them. She knew them all but the last. To him she involuntarily showed a
more formal respect, partly from his appearance, and partly that she
had never seen him before. The whisky-bottle was brought out, and all
partook, save still the last. Miss Lizzie went to order their supper.

'Noo, gentlemen,' said Miss Letty, 'wad ony o' ye like to gang an'
change yer hose, and pit on a pair o' slippers?'

Several declined, saying they would wait until they had had their
supper; the roads had been quite dry, &c., &c. One said he would, and
another said his feet were blistered.

'Hoot awa'!' [2] exclaimed Miss Letty.--'Here, Peggy!' she cried, going to
the door; 'tak a pail o' het watter up to the chackit room. Jist ye gang
up, Mr. Cameron, and Peggy 'll see to yer feet.--Noo, sir, will ye gang
to yer room an' mak yersel' comfortable?--jist as gin ye war at hame,
for sae ye are.'

She addressed the stranger thus. He replied in a low indifferent tone,

'No, thank you; I must be off again directly.'

He was from Caithness, and