arrogant Scot to carry off their
laurels when so many who might have been found to lower his crest are
allowed no share in their defense. The contest is one that concerns us
all alike. We at least can arbitrate in case of need."

"I care not for the honors of the university," rejoined one of the
Ecossais, or Scotch College, then existing in the Rue des Amandiers,
"but I care much for the glory of my countryman, and I would gladly have
witnessed the triumph of the disciples of Rutherford and of the classic
Buchanan. But if the arbitrament to which you would resort is to be that
of voices merely, I am glad the rector in his wisdom has thought fit to
keep you without, even though I myself be personally inconvenienced
by it."

"Name o' God! what fine talking is this?" retorted the Spaniard. "There
is little chance of the triumph you predicate for your countryman. Trust
me, we shall have to greet his departure from the debate with many
hisses and few cheers; and if we could penetrate through the plates of
yon iron door, and gaze into the court it conceals from our view, we
should find that the loftiness of his pretensions has been already
humbled, and his arguments graveled. _For la Litania de los Santos!_ to
think of comparing an obscure student of the pitiful College of Saint
Andrew with the erudite doctors of the most erudite university in the
world, always excepting those of Valencia and Salamanca. It needs all
thy country's assurance to keep the blush of shame from mantling in
thy cheeks."

"The seminary you revile," replied the Scot, haughtily, "has been the
nursery of our Scottish kings. Nay, the youthful James Stuart pursued
his studies under the same roof, beneath the same wise instruction, and
at the self-same time as our noble and gifted James Crichton, whom you
have falsely denominated an adventurer, but whose lineage is not less
distinguished than his learning. His renown has preceded him hither, and
he was not unknown to your doctors when he affixed his programme to
these college walls. Hark!" continued the speaker, exultingly, "and
listen to yon evidence of his triumph."

And as he spoke, a loud and continued clapping of hands proceeding from
within was distinctly heard above the roar of the students.

"That may be at his defeat," muttered the Spaniard, between his teeth.

"No such thing," replied the Scot. "I heard the name of Crichton mingled
with the plaudits."

"And who may be this Phoenix--this Ga