e brought back into good-humour; and
Jack was very glad when the tall, square tower of Saint Faith's church
rose up in sight above the dead flat of marshy country over which they
were travelling, which, however, was relieved by occasional groups of
tall beech and birch-trees, and lines of weeping ash, amid which in
spring and summer were happy birds singing all day, and some too even
during the night.

Saint Faith's, although but a small village, was just now crowded with
visitors, albeit rather of a rough description, being chiefly highland
drovers in plaid and kilt, or trowes, with daggers stuck in their belts,
carrying, however, long goads or staves in the place of broadsword and
targets. There were purchasers also of the cattle they came to dispose
of from all parts of the country, mostly as rough in their way as the
Scotchmen they came to meet. The accommodation which the inn afforded
was suitable to such characters as the visitors who frequented it.
Fortunately for Jack, their stay was to be short, as Brinsmead had
merely to make arrangements with certain drovers he expected to meet to
purchase cattle, which, instead of coming so far south, were to be
driven to Nottingham. Jack heard Brinsmead making inquiries about the
person he expected to meet, and seemed rather disappointed at not
finding him at the hostelry where he had arranged to come. On a second
visit, however, to the Black Bull, the landlord informed Brinsmead that
a Highlander had been inquiring for him, and was even now in the public
room awaiting his coming.

"There he is, Master Brinsmead!" said the landlord, pointing to a
strongly-built man in Highland dress, who was seated at a table, with a
huge tankard of ale before him. By his side, in rather incongruous
company, it appeared to Jack, was the reverend minister he had met at
Cambridge. The Scotchman rose as Brinsmead, conducted by the landlord,
approached him.

"If you are Master Brinsmead, as I have ne'er doobt is the case," he
said, "I have to tell you of a sad accident which occurred to our
respected friend, Jock McKillock, whom you expected to meet here: and,
seeing that he could not come himself, he deputed me to transact the
proposed business with you."

On saying this the speaker presented a letter to Brinsmead, which the
latter handed to Jack to read, observing, "You're a better scholar than
I am, Mr Deane, and I'll beg you just to see what friend McKillock has
to say."

Jack