Ye are ane like the elder brother; ye hae 'served him many years and transgressed not at any time his commandment;' but this dear lad is his younger son--still his son, mind ye--and he'll win hame again to his Father's house.

What for not?
He's the bairn o' many prayers.

Gae awa to your ain room, deacon; I'll keep the watch wi' him.

He'd rather see me nor you when he comes to himsel'." Alas! the watch begun that night was one Jenny had very often to keep afterwards.

David's troubles gathered closer and closer round him, and the more trouble he had the deeper he drank.