endurance,
and because Bauldie's handkerchief served many a purpose in the course
of the day. The maiden ladies were anxious that he should rest in their
house, but Speug indicated that he preferred to be taken home, where he
could break the news himself to his anxious father. And so an impressive
procession was formed, with so many boys in front to clear the way, and
then Speug, upheld on the one hand by Nestie, and on the other by Jock,
while Bauldie commanded the rearguard and kept the message-boys at a
distance, in order to secure due respect for the sufferer. It was with
difficulty that Speug could sustain his _role_ until he and his friends
got safely within the shelter of the stable-yard, when they plunged into
a straw-shed and rolled together in one heap of triumphant mischief.

"You're a g-genius, Peter," said Nestie, "and it would be pure waste for
you to be a h-horsedealer. You must go on the st-stage. The way you came
whack on the pavement was j-just immense; and do you know, Peter, you
looked quite nice when you lay f-fainting. One lady called you a pretty
boy, and I was quite sorry you were unconscious."

"Ye're a disgustin' liar, Nestie, besides being an impident young brat.
I heard every word, and she never said 'pretty'; but," and Speug looked
round thoughtfully, "if I knew which o' ye emptied the water down my
breast, I'd give him something to remember. I'm wet to the skin," and
Speug made a drive at Bauldie, who caught Howieson by the leg, who
pulled down Nestie by the hair of the head, and they all fought together
in high glee. Speug extricated himself and demanded news of the Bailie.
Then the three told Speug the story together in bits, one beginning
where another left off.

"He was that astonished when ye coupit over that he couldna speak, and
Jock cried, 'The Bailie has killed Speug.'" "He was wantin' to lift ye
up, but Bauldie gets in afore him and dares him to strike ye a second
time." "It would have done you good, Peter, to see the Bailie walking
along to his house, just like an ordinary man, all the s-starch out of
him, and taking a look back to see what was h-happening." "Aye, and he
stoppit opposite the lade to get another look, and if Cosh didna empty a
cupful of water on his legs by mistake! I didna think Cosh had the
spirit." "He was ashamed to stand at the w-window, but I saw him
p-peeping out behind the curtains, just to find out whether you were
living." "If his servant lass didna fo