ddenly interrupted with an exclamation, "Losh keep us,
is yon the Schoolmaster come back?" Scotty came to the doorway with a
spring and met the outstretched hands of his friend. Monteith had
heard the boys were expected and had journeyed all the way from Barbay,
where he now resided, to bid his pupil welcome. Scotty was speechless
over this last greeting, for in the long warm handshake of his old
friend there was not the smallest hint of a past estrangement.

XVII

THE PROMISED LAND

Love and Hope and Truth and Duty
Guide the upward striving soul,
Still evolving higher beauty
As the ages onward roll.
--AGNES MAULE MACHAR.

The next day Scotty found that he was not yet through with his
lionising. With the morning sun up came Dan from the Flats with the
news that "the boys" were to meet at Store Thompson's that evening, and
they must both go down and show themselves. At first Scotty was for
refusing, but his grandfather decided for him. Big Malcolm, who was no
better at dissembling than his wife, suddenly remembered that he had
urgent reasons for going into the Glen that evening and promised that
he would bring his grandson with him.

So there was nothing for Scotty to do, as Monteith, who was still with
him, explained, but to be a real lion and roar properly. Granny made
them an early tea and, the schoolmaster accompanying them, they drove
off in the old buckboard.

On the way Big Malcolm regaled the two exiles with tales of the great
events that had transpired since their absence. The most important one
related to Store Thompson's latest achievement in the philological
field. This time he had routed completely young Mike Murphy. Mike had
never received anything through the post office in his life, but never
a day passed but he poked his head in at the little wicket and demanded
in a loud voice, "Anythin' for Murphy the day?" Store Thompson had
endured the youth's uncouthness with his usual serenity, but one day
Mike asked twice at the wicket. That was once too often, and Store
Thompson fell back on his reserve forces. "Murphy?" he queried.
"Young man, ye're jist ambeeguous like, aye, ye're jist ambeeguous."
Mike had never inquired for letters since. He retired in a rage, under
the impression that Store Thompson had called him some insulting name,
but, like many another brave man, overawed by the mystery of the
unknown. Ever since, Store Thompson had been free from his to