He began to find a new savour in existence.

The sense of his flat incompetence left him, and he found himself speaking heartily and laughing with zest.
"It's as I say," said the herd of the Redswirebead.

"I'm getting an auld man and a verra wise ane, and the graund owercome for the world is just 'Pay no attention.' Ye'll has heard how the word cam' to be.

It was Jock Linklater o' the Caulds wha was glen notice to quit by the laird, and a' the countryside was vexed to pairt wi' Jock, for he was a popular character.

But about a year after a friend meets him at Gledsmuir merkit as crouse as ever.