Reekie about the disturbed state of the land. Let him take care o' himsel!"
"Then it must be Hobbie of the Heughfoot. What harm has the lad done you?"
"Harm! nae great harm; but I hear he says I staid away from the Ba'-spiel on Fastern's E'en, for fear of him; and it was only for fear of the Country Keeper, for there was a warrant against me. I'll stand Hobbie's feud, and a' his clan's. But it's no so much for that, as to gi'e him a lesson no to let his tongue gallop ower freely about his betters. I trow he will hae lost the best pen-feather o' his wing before tomorrow morning._Farewell, Elshie; there's some canny boys waiting for me down amang the shaws, owerbye; I will see you as I come back, and bring ye a blythe tale in return for your leech-craft."
Ere the Dwarf could collect himself to reply, the Reiver of Westburnflat set spurs to his horse. The animal, starting at one of the stones which lay scattered about, flew from the path. The rider ex-
