The stranger was a pleasant fellow, and after a few words with the preacher he proposed that they should ride to Sinverness together.

John soon got to talking of Andrew and his lost son, and the stranger became greatly interested.

He said he should like to go up to Andrew's and get a description of Davie, adding that he travelled far and wide, and might happen to come across him.
The old man met them at the door.
"My sight fails, John," he said, "but I'd hae kent your step i' a thousand.

You too are welcome, sir, though I ken you not, and doubly welcome if you bring God's blessing wi' you." The stranger lifted his hat, and Andrew led the way into the house.
John had been expected, for haver bread and potted shrimps were on the table, and he helped himself without ceremony, taking up at the same time their last argument just where he had dropped it at the gate of the lower croft.

But it had a singular interruption.