I am blithe to see your father's son on the causeway of our ancient burgh, Mr.Alan Fairford.

Were you a twelve-month aulder, we would make a burgess of you, man.

I hope you will come and dine with me before you go away.

What think you of to-day at two o'clock--just a roasted chucky and a drappit egg ?' Alan Fairford resolved that his friend's hospitality should not, as it seemed the inviter intended, put a stop to his queries.

'I must delay you for a moment,' he said, 'Mr.Crosbie; this is a serious affair; a young gentleman of high hopes, my own dearest friend, is missing--you cannot think it will be passed over slightly, if a man of your high character and known zeal for the government do not make some active inquiry.