hardly know; my spirit is too great, and my fortune too small, for me to follow the example of the doughty bridegroom. It is not in my nature, and it is hardly worth my while."
"Well, then, disperse your men, and remain quiet, and this will be overlooked, as there has been no overt act."
"Hout, ay," said Elliot, "just let byganes be byganes, and a' friends again; de'il ane I bear malice at but Westburn-flat, and I hae gi'en him baith a het skin and a cauld ane. I hadna changed three blows of the broadsword wi' him before he lap the window into the castle-moat, and swattered through it like a wild-duck. He's a clever fallow, indeed! maun kilt awa wi' ae bonnie lass in the morning, and another at night, less wadna serve him I but if he doesna kilt himsel out o' the country I'se kilt him wi' a tow, for the Castleton meeting's clean blawn ower; his friends will no countenance him."
