As a sort of payment for the amusement I have derived from your book, I shall give one or two." He sends the two following:-- "Shortly after Mr.Kay had been inducted schoolmaster of Carluke (1790), the bederal called at the school, verbally announcing, proclamation-ways, that Mrs.So-and-So's funeral would be on Fuirsday.
'At what hour ?' asked the dominie.

'Ou, ony time atween ten and twa.' At two o'clock of the day fixed, Mr.Kay--quite a stranger to the customs of the district--arrived at the place, and was astonished to find a crowd of men and lads, standing here and there, some smoking, and all _arglebargling_[167] as if at the end of a fair.

He was instantly, but mysteriously, approached, and touched on the arm by a red-faced bareheaded man, who seemed to be in authority, and was beckoned to follow.

On entering the barn, which was seated all round, he found numbers sitting, each with the head bent down, and each with his hat between his knees--all gravity and silence.

Anon a voice was heard issuing from the far end, and a long prayer was uttered.