680 A TURBULENT YOUTH.

church to perform the functions of his office. Among the ringleaders on
this occasion were Alexander Selkirk and his elder brother, John. They
gained their end; the minister thought discretion the better part of valour,
and quietly retired.

Alexander’s wilfulness was more openly manifested every year; and in
1695 he subjected himself to ecclesiastical censure by “indecent conduct in
church.” To avoid a public reprimand, he went to sea; and for six years
wandered from one part of the world to another, acquiring a practical know-
ledge of seamanship, and gathering a considerable amount of curious
information. The sea, in those days, was no good school for the wayward
and restless ; and Selkirk returned to Largo in 1701 as incapable of leading
an orderly and quiet life as when he left it. The parish records of Largo,*
under the date of November 25, 1701, afford us a singular picture of the
manners of the time, and a vivid illustration of the recklessness and fitful
temper of young Alexander :—

“This day, John Seleraig, elder, being called [before the kirk-session, or
ruling body of the parish kirk], compeared, and being examined what was
the occasion of the tumult that was in his house, he said he knew not; but
that Andrew Selcraig having brought in a can full of salt water, of which
his brother Alexander did take a drink through mistake, and he laughing
at him for it. his brother Alexander came and beat him; upon which he ran
out of the house, and called his brother John.

“ John Selcraig, elder, being again questioned what made him to sit upon
the floor with his back at the door, he said it was to keep down his son
Alexander, who was seeking to go up to get down his pistol. And being
inquired what he was going to do with it? he said he could not tell.

“The same day, Alexander Selcraig, called, compeared not. He was at
Cupar. He is to be cited pro secundo against the next session.

“The same day, John Selcraig, younger, called, compeared, and being
questioned concerning the tumult that was in his father’s house of the 7th
November last, declared, that he, being called by his brother Andrew, came
to it; and when he entered the house, his mother went out; and he, seeing
his father sitting upon the floor with his brother at the door, was much
troubled, and offered to help him up, and to bring him to the floor; at which
time he did see his brother Alexander in the other end of the house, casting
off his coat, and coming towards him, did get betwixt them; but he knew
not what he did otherways, his head being borne down by his brother
Alexander ; but afterwards, being liberated by his wife, he made his escape.

‘Same day, Margaret Bell called, compeared, and being inquired what
was the occasion of the tumult which fell out in her father-in-law’s house on
the 7th November, she said, that Andrew Selcraig came running for her
husband John, and desiring him to go to his father’s house; which he doing,
the said Margaret did follow her husband, and, coming into the house, shé

* Howell, ‘‘ Life and Adventures of Alexander Selkirk” (ed. 1829), pp. 25-28.