Story of the Dominie 369

beach. It was long after this, when to me there
was still no other sound, that Margaret screamed,
and you hid behind her. Then I heard it.

“Gavin, Margaret said to me, ‘be a good
man all your life.’

“It was louder now, and then it stopped.
Above the wash of the sea we heard another
sound, —a sharp tap, tap. You said, ‘I know
what sound that is; it’s a man knocking the
ashes out of his pipe against his boot.’

“ Then the dog pushed the door off the latch,
and Adam lurched in. He was not drunk, but
he brought the smell of drink into the room with
him. He was grinning like one bringing rare
news, and before she could shrink back or I
could strike him he had Margaret in his arms.

“© Lord, lass,’ he said, with many jovial oaths,
to think I’m back again! There, she’s swounded.
What folks be women, to be sure.’

«< We thought you were dead, Adam,’ she said,
coming to.

«Bless your blue eyes,’ he answered, gleefully ;
‘often I says to myself, “ Meggy will be thinking
I’m with the fishes,” and then I chuckles.’

«Where have you been all this time?’ I de-
manded, sternly.

“¢ Gavin, he said, effusively, ‘your hand.
And don’t look so feared, man; I bear no
malice for what you’ve done. I heard all about
it at the Cross Anchors.’

«<< Where have you been these five years and a
half?’ I repeated.

<«¢ Where have I no been, lad?’ he replied.

“¢ At Harvie,’ I said.