ss," shouted the farmer, "and I'll be after ye, and
though I ransack Muirtown I'll find ye out. Ye're a gey like spectacle
to go back to the town. Ye'll no escape me this time, whoever ye be,"
and the farmer hurried down the island to his boat, which he had loosely
fastened to one of the trees. When he reached the spot it was not to be
found, but he could see his boat lying in its accustomed place on the
other side, chained and padlocked. For the other three trappers had
gathered all their possessions and clothed themselves like gentlemen,
and taking Speug's clothes with them, ferried themselves across with
rapidity and dignity. Once more Speug bade the farmer good-night,
extending both hands to him in farewell, but now the one hand was in
front of the other, and the thumb of the inner hand attached to Speug's
nose. He thoughtfully offered to take any message to Muirtown gaol or
to the Provost that the farmer desired, and departed, wishing him a
pleasant night and telling him where he would find the shank of a ham.
As Peter dressed himself, his friends could only look at him in silent
admiration, till at the thought of the renegade trapped so neatly and
confined for at least a night on his own island, Howieson slapped his
legs and triumphed aloud. And the four returned to Muirtown and to
civilisation full of joy.

GUERILLA WARFARE

XII

There is no person in a Scots country town to be compared with a Bailie
for authority and dignity, and Bailie MacConachie, of Muirtown, was a
glory to his order. Provosts might come and go--creatures of three
years--but this man remained in office for ever, and so towered above
his brethren of the same kind, that the definite article was attached to
his title, and to quote "the Bailie" without his name was the recognised
form and an end to all controversy. Nature had been kind to him, and,
entering into the designs of Providence, had given him a bodily
appearance corresponding to his judicial position. He stood six feet in
his boots, and his erect carriage conveyed the impression of six inches
more. His waistband passed forty-eight inches; but, to do the great man
justice, his chest measure was forty-two. His chin rested in folds upon
his stock, and his broad, clean-shaven, solemn, immovable countenance
suggested unfathomable depths of wisdom. His voice was deep and husky,
and the clearance of his throat with which he emphasised his
deliverances could be heard half a street aw