on. He explained
during the other Bailie's brief absence, to all who were willing to
listen, in a style that was rather suggestive than exhaustive, that he
had been paying a visit to Muirtown for the good of his health, and that
he felt better--in fact, very much better; that where he lived the
supply of liquid refreshment was limited, and that in consequence he had
suffered through weakness of the heart; that he had intended to stay
longer in a place where there was every comfort of life, and that
nothing would have induced him to leave but the immoral conduct of his
twin brother; that Bailie MacConachie, he was sorry to say, being his
brother, was fearfully given to drink, and that he, James MacConachie,
could no longer stay with him; that he, his brother, was not fit to be a
Bailie, and that he was a hypocrite whose judgment would not tarry, and
indeed, according to his language, was already pronounced. He also gave
a certificate of character to the refreshment to be obtained at the
_Black Bull_, Muirtown, and cheerfully invited any person who had a
friendly heart to go with him there and then to drink the Queen's
health. On seeing his brother returning, the figure concluded his
address--which had been mightily enjoyed by three porters, a couple of
Highland drovers, a Perth loafer, who had once passed through the
police-court when the Bailie was on the Bench, and an elderly lady, who
was anxious that a doctor should be sent for--by explaining once more
that his brother was a gentleman beside whom the Pharisees were
straightforward and honourable members of society.

As the procession was again re-formed, and the two Bailies left the
ticket-office together, one of them waving a regretful farewell to his
sympathetic congregation, the boys executed a war-dance of triumph; for
the contrast between the twin brethren afforded just that kind of comedy
which appeals to a boy's heart, and because they had an instinct that
the incident would be of service in the war between the Bailie and the
Seminary, which had gone on for a year and showed no signs of closing.

"The Bailie keeps him oot o' sight somewhere in the country, I'll
warrant," said Speug to Jock, in great spirits, "and there's naebody in
Muirtown kens he's got a twin brother. Dod, Jock, he's juist the very
eemage of him, and he's got a suit o' his auld clothes on. It would
take Dr. Manley himself or the Chief Constable to tell the one from the
ither. Jock Howieson,