the man in the Gospel.
If he won't give us the horses for the asking we must weary him with
importunity."

It was ten o'clock when Donald and his nephew set out. The clouds were
blown away, and the sky clear. The moon rode high, and by its light they
caught glimpses from the road of the white foam of the sea breaking on
the dark strand below them. The roar of the waves came loud to them as
they walked. A quarter of an hour's quick walking brought them to their
destination.

"There's the house," said Neal.

"They are not in bed," said Donald, "I can see lights in the windows."

Neal led the way across a stile and over a field. Lights moved from
one window to another in the house. A sound of wailing rose! and fell,
mingling with the monotonous roar of the waves. The door stood wide
open. Within, a woman rocked herself to and fro on a low stool. Three
children clung to her petticoats and cried piteously. A farm labourer
stood, stupidly motionless, beside the dresser. A maid servant, with
a light in her hand, flitted restlessly in and out of the kitchen. Her
hair hung loose about her shoulders. She was but half dressed, like one
aroused suddenly from bed. A rush-light burned in an iron stand on
the floor, shedding a feeble light. Donald and Neal stood at the door
astonished.

"Our friends the yeomen have been here," said Donald. "I guess they
have taken the man of the house away with them. We've another account to
settle with James Finlay when we get him."

"Mistress MacClure," said Neal, "I've come to know if you will hire or
sell us two horses. We must be travelling to-morrow morn."

"Horses," cried the woman. "Who speaks o' horses? I wouldna care if ye
were to rive horse and beast and a' from me now. My man's gone. Oh, my
weans, my weans, who'll care for you now when they've kilt your da? Oh,
the bonny man, and the kind!"

"Is it you, Master Neal?" said the farm servant. "Will you no fetch the
minister till her?"

"I will, I will," said Neal, conscience-stricken at having mentioned his
own need in a home so sorely stricken with grief. He ran from the house
back to the manse.

Donald took the labourer outside the door and spoke to him. He explained
that he was the minister's brother. He said that he had pressing need of
the horses. He offered money. The man shook his head.

"They are no mine, and the mistress is in no way to bargain with you the
night."

"I want the horses," said Donald, "to ride after th