that
given as an explanation. Of course he's not a teetotaler--"

"Oh, none ever insinuated that," put in the other, with the air of one
who desired to do justice even to the most erring.

"On the other hand, he's ay had the name of being one of the most
respectable men in the town, just an example, they've always told me."

"I knew him fine myself, in a business way, and that's just the
expression I'd have used--an Example."

"Respected by all."

"An elder, and what not."

"A fine business, he has."

"His daughter married a Ramornie of Pettigrew."

They shook their heads again, if possible more gravely than before.

"He must be going off his head."

"He must be gone, I'd say."

"Yon speech he made was an outrage to common sense and decency!"

"And about his son's marriage!"

"That's Andrew Walkingshaw--his partner?"

"Aye."

"Oh, you've heard the story, then? I wonder is it true?"

"I had it on the best authority."

They pursed their lips solemnly.

"The man's mad!"

"But think of letting him loose to make a public exhibition of himself!
It's an awfu' end to a respected career--in fact, it's positively
discouraging."

"You're right: you're right. If as respectable a liver as him ends that
way--well, well!"

In this strain and with such comments (exceedingly natural under the
circumstances) did his fellow-citizens discuss the remarkable thing that
befell Mr. Walkingshaw. And yet they could see only the outward symptoms
or manifestations of this thing. Now that the full circumstances are
made public, it will be generally conceded that few well-authenticated
occurrences have ever at first sight seemed less probable. This has
actually been advanced as an argument for their suppression; but since
enough has already leaked out to whet the public curiosity, and indeed
to lead to damaging misconceptions in a city so unused to phenomena
other than meteorological, it is considered wisest that the unvarnished
facts should be placed in the hands of a scrupulous editor and allowed
to speak for themselves.

PART I

THE PRODIGAL FATHER

CHAPTER I

At a certain windy corner in the famous city of Edinburgh, a number of
brass plates were affixed to the framework of a door. On the largest and
brightest of them appeared the legend "Walkingshaw & Gilliflower, W.S.";
and on no other sheet of brass in Scotland were more respectable names
inscribed. For the benefit of the Sassenach and o