ed to see his
quarrel through at whatever consequences to himself. He knew the McRaes,
and knew well their reputation, but that only made it more impossible
for him to retreat. But Murdie knew better than to argue with him, so
he turned away from him with an indifferent air, saying: "Oh, very well.
Peter is willing to let it drop. You can do as you please, only I know
the minister's wife expects you to make it up."

"What did she say to you, then?" asked Ranald, fiercely.

"She said a number of things that you don't need to know, but she said
this, whatever, 'He will make it up for my sake, I know.'"

Ranald stood a moment silent, then said, suddenly: "I will, too," and
walking straight over to Peter, he offered his hand, saying, "I was too
quick, Peter, and I am willing to take as much as I gave. You can go
on."

But Peter was far too soft-hearted to accept that invitation, and
seizing Ranald's hand, said, heartily: "Never mind, Ranald, it was my
own fault. We will just say nothing more about it."

"There is the singing, boys," said Murdie. "Come away. Let us go in."

He was all the more anxious to get the boys into the church when he saw
Aleck making toward them. He hurried Peter in before him, well pleased
with himself and his success as peacemaker, but especially delighted
that he could now turn his face toward the minister's pew, without
shame. And as he took his place in the back seat, with Peter Ruagh
beside him, the glance of pride and gratitude that flashed across the
congregation to him from the gray-brown eyes made Murdie feel more
than ever pleased at what he had been able to do. But he was somewhat
disturbed to notice that neither Ranald nor Don nor Aleck had followed
him into the church, and he waited uneasily for their coming.

In the meantime Straight Rory was winding his sinuous way through
Coleshill, the Gaelic rhythm of the psalm allowing of quavers and turns
impossible in the English.

In the pause following the second verse, Murdie was startled at the
sound of angry voices from without. More than Murdie heard that sound.
As Murdie glanced toward the pulpit he saw that the minister had risen
and was listening intently.

"Behold--the--sparrow--findeth--out--" chanted the precentor.

"You are a liar!" The words, in Aleck's fiery voice outside, fell
distinctly upon Murdie's ear, though few in the congregation seemed to
have heard. But while Murdie was making up his mind to slip out, the
mini