hout, keeping his crew so well in hand that they
dared not give expression to their natural emotions.

"As you are aware, Mr. Sandys," McLean began solemnly, "I have come
here to sue for pardon. It is not yours to give, you reply, the Queen
alone can pardon, and I grant it; but, sir, is it not well known to all
of us that you can get anything out of her you like?"

Tommy's eyes roved suspiciously, but the suppliant proceeded in the same
tone. "What are my offences? The first is that I have been bearing arms
(unwittingly) against the Throne; the second, that I have brought
trouble to the lady by my side, who has the proud privilege of calling
you her friend. But, Sandys, such amends as can come from an erring man
I now offer to make most contritely. Intercede with Her Majesty on my
behalf, and on my part I promise to war against her no more. I am
willing to settle down in the neighboring town as a law-abiding citizen,
whom you can watch with eagle eye. Say, what more wouldst thou of the
unhappy Stuart?"

But Tommy would say nothing, he only looked doubtfully at Miss Ailie,
and that set McLean off again. "You ask what reparation I shall make to
this lady? Sandys, I tell thee that here also thou hast proved too
strong for me. In the hope that she would plead for me with you, I have
been driven to offer her my hand in marriage, and she is willing to take
me if thou grantest thy consent."

At this Gavinia jumped with joy, and then cried, "Up wi' her!" words
whose bearing the school-mistress fortunately did not understand. All
save Tommy looked at Miss Ailie, and she put her arm on Mr. McLean's,
and, yes, it was obvious, Miss Ailie was a lover at the Cuttle Well at
last, like so many others. She had often said that the Den parade was
vulgar, but she never said it again.

It was unexpected news to Tommy, but that was not what lowered his head
in humiliation now. In the general rejoicing he had been nigh forgotten;
even Elspeth was hanging on Miss Ailie's skirts, Gavinia had eyes for
none but lovers, Corp was rapturously examining five half-crowns that
had been dropped into his hands for distribution. Had Tommy given an
order now, who would have obeyed it? His power was gone, his crew would
not listen to another word against Mr. McLean.

"Tommy thought Mr. McLean hated you!" said Elspeth to Miss Ailie.

"It was queer you made sic a mistake!" said Corp to Tommy.

"Oh, the tattie-doolie!" cried Gavinia.

So they knew th