at Cupar. The Society of Gentleman Golfers at Cupar presented him with an address; and at Edinburgh he was admitted Knight Companion of the Beggar's Benison, a social company, or (as I may say) crew, since defunct. A thin-faced man, sir. He wore a peculiar bonnet, if I may use the expression, very much cocked up behind. The shape became fashionable. He once pawned his watch with me, sir; that being my profession. I regret to say he redeemed it subsequently; otherwise I might have the pleasure of showing it to you. yes, the theory of ballooning has long been a passion with me. But in deference to Mrs. Sheepshanks I have abstained from the actual practice—until to-day. To tell you the truth, my wife believes me to be brushing off the cobwebs in the Kyles of Bute."
"Are there any cobwebs in the Kyles of Bute?" asked Dalmahoy, in a tone unnaturally calm.
"A figure of speech, sir—as one might say, holiday-keeping there. I paid Mr. Byfield five pounds in advance. I have his receipt. And the stipulation was that I should be concealed in the car and make the ascension with him alone."
"Are we then to take it, sir, that our company offends you?" I demanded.
He made haste to disclaim. "Not at all: decidedly not in the least. But the chances were for far less agreeable associates." I nodded. "And a bargain's a bargain," he wound up.
"So it is," said I, "Byfield, hand Mr. Sheepshanks back his five pounds."
"O, come now!" the aëronaut objected. "And who may you be to be ordering a man about?"
"I believe I have already answered that question twice in your hearing."
