son, a gigantic Highland
policeman, who controlled the traffic with incredible skill at a place
where several ways met. The said Hector stood beneath the shadow of a
great lamp-post, and whenever a vehicle drove past one side of him,
Hector relentlessly called it back and made it go on the other. Their
acquaintance began with the entire effacement of Robert's features by
the palm of Hector's hand, which was suddenly extended across the
thoroughfare for traffic-regulating purposes, with the result that
Robert, who was plunged in thought at the time, ran his nose right into
the centre of it. The ejaculation to which each gave vent at the moment
of impact revealed to both that they were from the same part of the
country, and thereafter Hector MacPherson became Robert's
adviser-in-chief throughout his stay in Edinburgh. Indeed, Robert used
Hector as the starting-point for all his excursions, and whenever he
became hopelessly lost in the wilds of the Grassmarket or the purlieus
of Morningside, he used to ask his way back to his mentor's pitch and
make a fresh start. We shall hear of Hector again.

The foolhardy feat of entering a shop Robert did not attempt until his
very last day in Edinburgh, and then only because he was absolutely
compelled to do so by the necessity of executing a commission for his
sister Margaret--the purchase of half a yard of ribbon.

It is true that the same ribbon could have been obtained at home from
Malcolm M'Whiston or a travelling packman, but Margaret was determined
to have it from Edinburgh; and she was particularly emphatic in her
injunctions to Robert to see that the folk in the shop stuck a label on
the parcel, "with their name printed on, and a picture of the shop and
a'."

On Saturday morning, then, Robert approached the establishment which he
had chosen for the purpose. After a careful reconnaissance he discovered
that it possessed several doors. Here was a poser. Which would be the
ribbon door? Supposing he entered the wrong one and found himself
compelled to purchase a roll of muslin or a wash-hand-stand? With
natural acumen he finally selected a door flanked by windows containing
lace and ribbon; and waiting for a moment when the surging crowd was
thickest, attempted to slip in with them. He got safely past a hero in a
medal-sown uniform, but immediately after this encountered an imposing
gentleman in a frock-coat, who asked his pleasure. Robert inquired
respectfully if the gentlem