They had sat so long over the meal that when the bailies entered John was only then reading the regular portion for the evening exercise.

All were a little amazed at the visit, but no one thought for a moment of interrupting the Scripture; and the two men sat down and listened attentively while John finished the chapter.
Bailie Tulloch then rose and went towards the dame.

He was a far-off cousin of the Sabays, and, though not on the best of terms with them, his relationship was considered to impose the duty particularly on him.
"Gude-e'en, if thou comes on a gude errand," said old Dame Alison, suspiciously; "but that's no thy custom, bailie." "I came, dame, to ask John anent Peter Fae." The dame laughed pleasantly.

"If thou had asked him anent Margaret Fae, he could tell thee more about it." "This is nae laughing matter, dame.

Peter Fae has been murdered--yes, murdered! An' he said, ere he died, that John Sabay did the deed." "Then Peter Fae died wi' a lie on his lips--tell them that, John," and the old woman's face was almost majestic in its defiance and anger.
"I hae not seen Peter Fae for a week," said John.