The Night-Watchers 29

oursels. I should tell you, too, that three o’
them is no Auld Lichts.”

“Tet that make no difference,’ Gavin said,
grandly, but Jean changed his message to: “A
bowlful apiece to Auld Lichts; all other denom-
inations one cupful.”

“ Ay, ay,” said Snecky Hobart, letting down
the bucket, “and we'll include atheists among

other denominations.” The conversation came
to Gavin and Margaret through the kitchen
doorway.

“ Dinna class Jo Cruickshanks wi’ me,” said
Sam’] Langlands the U. P.

“Na, na,’ said Cruickshanks the atheist,
“’m ower independent to be religious. I
dinna gang to the kirk to cry, ‘Oh, Lord, gie,
Gieweie.

“Take tent o’ yoursel’, my man,” said Lang
Tammas, sternly, “or you’ll soon be whaur you
would neifer the warld for a cup o’ that cauld
water.”

“ Maybe you’ve ower keen an interest in the
devil, Tammas,” retorted the atheist; “‘ but, ony
way, if it’s heaven for climate, it’s hell for com-

any.”

“Lads,” said Snecky, sitting down on the
bucket, “we'll send Mr. Dishart to Jo. He'll
make another Rob Dow o’ him.”

“Speak mair reverently o’ your minister,”
said the precentor. “He has the gift.”

“] hinna naturally your solemn rasping word,
Tammas, but in the heart I speak in all rever-
ence. Lads, the minister has a word! I tell you
he prays near like one giving orders.”