etters of arrest to the place in vain. Now here's
my story. The MacNicolls of Elrig have joined cause with their cousins
and namesakes of Braleckan; there's a wheen of both to be in the town
at the market to-morrow, and if young Mac-Lachlan bides in this house of
yours overnight, Mistress Betty Brown, you'll maybe have broken delf and
worse ere the day daw."

Mistress Brown took it very coolly; and as for me, I was thinking of a
tiny brown mole-spot she used to have low on the white of her neck when
I put daisy-links on her on the summers we played on the green, and
wondering if it was still to the fore and hid below her collar. In by
the window came the saucy breeze and kissed her on a curl that danced
above her ear.

"I hope there will be no lawlessness here," said she: "whether he goes
or bides, surely the burghers of Inner-aora will not quietly see their
Provost's domicile invaded by brawlers."

"Exactly so," said John Splendid, drily. "Nothing may come of it, but
you might mention the affair to MacLachlan if you have the chance. For
me to tell him would be to put him in the humour for staying--dour fool
that he is--out of pure bravado and defiance. To tell the truth, I would
bide myself in such a case. 'Thole feud' is my motto. My granddad writ
it on his sword-blade in clear round print letters I've often marvelled
at the skill of. If it's your will, Elrigmore, we may be doing without
the brandy, and give the house-dame a call now."

We went in and paid our duties to the goodwife--a silver-haired dame
with a look of Betty in every smile.

CHAPTER IV.--A NIGHT ALARM.

Writing all this old ancient history down, I find it hard to riddle out
in my mind the things that have really direct and pregnant bearing on
the matter in hand. I am tempted to say a word or two anent my Lord
Marquis's visit to my father, and his vain trial to get me enlisted
into his corps for Lorn. Something seems due, also, to be said about the
kindness I found from all the old folks of Inneraora, ever proud to
see a lad of their own of some repute come back among them; and of my
father's grieving about his wae widowerhood: but these things must stand
by while I narrate how there arose a wild night in town Inneraora, with
the Highlandmen from the glens into it with dirk and sword and steel
Doune pistols, the flambeaux flaring against the tall lands, and the
Lowland burghers of the place standing up for peace and tranquil sleep.

The m