Part 40 (1/2)

”Be silent! you blasphemer,” commanded the frail but plucky olddown a judght! Andrew,--I'll be back to-ly recoet down on your knees and pray to your Maker”

This proved almost too much for Andrew

”Willuh the door

”What is it?” asked the ht nor bed here, and I'ht and earthen floors are softer bedding than you will have in the place you are hastening to if you do not repent and talk to Margaret”

There was a spell of silence again

”Willum!--Willum! Are ye there?”

”Yes! Andrew”

”Could I ha'e my pipe and tobacco and a puckle matches? They're on the kitchen mantel-piece”

”Unless it is a drink of water, not a thing shall pass through this doorway to you till you pledge aret, as you did before you took your devil's vow”

The dour oldai' ye,--for it'll be a long time, Willum Auld The snaill be fallin' blue frae the Heavens”

We went back to the cottage and gave iaret and Rita how they were to handle the prisoner Neither of them was in an easy frame of mind, and I feared considerably for their ability to stand the test and keep away fro hut But thethe place doould let Andrew Clark out

Next day, late in the afternoon, the minister called in for h sorely teiously away from her husband; but, already, she had a variety of foodstuffs cooked and waiting his anticipated release

We went over to the barn and the minister rapped on the door

”Are you there, Andrew?”

No answer

”Andrew Clark,--are you there?”

Still no response

I looked though the boardedThe old Scot was standing with his back to us in a studied attitude

Once more the minister spoke, but still he received no answer

The wo anxiously, and keen was their disappointment when they heard that another day would have to pass ere the head of their house could be released

”God forgive ,” exclaimed William Auld to me, ”but I ah, I shall not turn back”