What could he do to any man with blood in his veins ?" "He could give him a dose of physic," answered the smith drily.
They had no time for further colloquy, for Bailie Craigdallie called to them to take the road to Kinfauns, and himself showed the example.

As they advanced at a leisurely pace, the discourse turned on the reception which they were to expect from their provost, and the interest which he was likely to take in the aggression which they complained of.

The glover seemed particularly desponding, and talked more than once in a manner which implied a wish that they would yet consent to let the matter rest.

He did not speak out very plainly, however, fearful, perhaps, of the malignant interpretation which might be derived from any appearance of his flinching from the assertion of his daughter's reputation.

Dwining seemed to agree with him in opinion, but spoke more cautiously than in the morning.
"After all," said the bailie, "when I think of all the propines and good gifts which have passed from the good town to my Lord Provost's, I cannot think he will be backward to show himself.