I have seen some pretty shooting in my day, but none like yours, young one.

What's your trade that ye've learned the pistol game so cleverly ?" Now I was flushed with pride, and in no mood for a stranger's patronage.

So I told him roundly that it was none of his business, and pushed by him to Parlane's back-door.

But my brusqueness gave no offence to this odd being.

He only laughed and cried after me that, if my manners were the equal of my marksmanship, I would be the best lad he had seen since his home-coming.
I had dinner with my uncle in the Candleriggs, and sat with him late afterwards casting up accounts, so it was not till nine o'clock that I set out on my way to my lodgings.