if you and me could get the use o' that lad, we
would have a michty time. I would give my four rabbits and ... and my
skye terrier pup just for an hour of him." And although they had no hope
that circumstances would deal so kindly with them, yet they went on to
the platform to see the last of the two Bailies.

Under the influence of the senior Bailie's chastening conversation, who
at first reminded his brother of a drunkard's end, which had no effect,
and then threatened to cut off his modest weekly allowance, which had an
immediate effect, the figure consented to be taken along the platform,
and might even have been safely deposited in its carriage, had not the
word "Refreshment-room," printed in absurdly large type, attracted his
attention.

"Div ye see that, man?" said the figure, pointing jubilantly to the
board. "I declare it juist a Providence. It's no that I'm thirsty,
Bailie, and I canna bear drinkin'; that's never been a fault o' mine,
though I doubt ye're fallin' into the habit yirsel'. No, I'm no thirsty,
but I've a sinkin' at the heart. Ye'll come in, and we'll taste together
afore we part. I forgive ye onything ye said. I bear no grudge, and I'll
let ye pay, Bailie." And the figure had the Bailie almost at the door of
the refreshment-room before he could make a stand.

"Mair than I can carry already, Bailie, did ye say? Gude forgie ye. I
wonder ye're not black ashamed to say sic a word, and me draggin' ye
along the platform and holdin' ye up, juist to cover yir character.
Well, well, I canna fecht wi' ye, for I'm no the man I was once. The
fact is, I havna strength to go another step, and if ye'll no let me get
a cordial, I'll juist have to sit down on the platform." And the
horrified Bailie had to accept the assistance of a porter to support his
exhausted brother and to guide him to his carriage.

From an adjacent third class compartment, where Speug and Jock promptly
secreted themselves, they heard the senior Bailie's exhortation to his
frail kinsman--that he must on no account come out of the carriage; that
he must hold his tongue and not talk nonsense to his fellow travellers;
that he must not mention his--the Bailie's--name, nor claim to be
connected with him; and that he must not come back to Muirtown again
until the Bailie sent for him; and all this he must lay to heart as he
valued his weekly allowance. The Bailie also expressed his deep regret,
which, indeed, seemed to be very sincere, that he