Even Kirsty was
gracious to the handsome youth, and poor Jimmie nearly twisted his neck
out of joint in his jealous efforts to do something commendable in her
sight.

But all sounds were suddenly hushed, for Praying Donald was rising to
announce the first psalm:

"I waited for the Lord my God,
And patiently did bear,
At length to me He did incline
My voice and cry to hear."

His deep, rumbling voice had just completed the first few lines when he
was interrupted by a clatter of bells. The door swung suddenly open,
and, to the amazement of all the assembled Scots, in stalked Tom
Caldwell with his wife and family!

The appearance of the leader of Methodism in the stronghold of the
Presbyterians was naturally unexpected; but Tom Caldwell had been very
friendly with the MacDonalds since the day they "cleared the Glen of
Popery," as he said, and hearing that they were about to imitate the
Flats in having a season of prayer, had journeyed all the way to the
Oa, resolved to give the neighbours a helping hand in the good work,
and infuse a little life and fire into the dead bones of
Presbyterianism.

The leaders arose and shook hands with the newcomer solemnly, but
heartily; while Long Lauchie's wife and daughters welcomed the family.

"Sure, it's the right track ye're on, Donald!" cried Tom Caldwell
heartily, as he seated himself and gazed happily about him; "the Glen's
gettin' to be like Sodom, that's what it is, an' it's mesilf that
couldn't be lettin' the matin' pass widout comin' up an' givin' ye a
helpin' hand. We'll bring down a blessin', glory be; so let's jist
fire ahead an' have a rousin' time!"

The MacDonald brethren looked at each other rather aghast. Tom
Caldwell's fervour, though well-meant, was a foreign element, savouring
of irreverence and Methodistic confusion; but his hearty good will was
irresistible; Long Lauchie gave him the place of honour next to the
leader, and the meeting commenced.

Scotty scarcely heard the words of the psalm, for to his delight he
found that Nancy had come, too, and was there seated beside her mother.
In spite of the fact that Nancy was Irish and tainted with Orange
sentiments, Scotty had found it impossible to tear her from his heart.
He had long since made up his mind that when he grew big he would go to
see her instead of Betty in the evenings. He wondered what Callum
would think of her, and glanced up to see that young man staring with
all his might at