They instantly seized on his horse's bridle with many shouts of welcome, exclaiming (for he was well known to most of them) that they had often dined at his expense, and he must now stay and share their good cheer.

My ancestor was, a little alarmed, for, like the goodman of Lochside, he had more money about his person than he cared to risk in such society.

However, being naturally a bold, lively-spirited man, he entered into the humour of the thing and sate down to the feast, which consisted of all the varieties of game, poultry, pigs, and so forth that could be collected by a wide and indiscriminate system of plunder.

The dinner was a very merry one; but my relative got a hint from some of the older gipsies to retire just when-- The mirth and fun grew fast and furious, and, mounting his horse accordingly, he took a French leave of his entertainers, but without experiencing the least breach of hospitality.

I believe Jean Gordon was at this festival.'[Footnote: Blackwood's Magazine, vol.I, p.