CHAPTER XXXIX.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 123, 17 November 1876, Page 7

CHAPTER XXXIX.

The carle he cam' owre the craft Wi' his beard new shaven. Old Song. After Factor A fleck's departure for Whinnyside, Mr Bacon employed himself busily in making preparations for his visit to Stiffrigg Mains up to the very hour appointed for setting off. He had just despatched Neddie for a supply of tobacco and otto of roses, and was standing before a cracked mirror, studying, for the last time, attitudes and fine speeches, intended to .captivate ' Saft Shusie,' when he heard a knock at the door. On answering the call himself, the Rev. Mr Aspen and ■ Mr M'Quirkie presented themselves, and intimated their desire to have a few words with him. He gave them a very cool reception, supposing their business to be something connected with the Church, for he had made up his mind to have no more to do with the subject. He, however, showed them into a room, and promised to attend to them shortly, but in the meantime left them and returned to his toilette and to complete his rehearsal of love-making. So completely did this occupation engross his attention, that he forgot alike his visitors and his messenger, and only ceased his sentimental exercise when he was again interrupted by a knocking at the door. The parties who now called on him were a deputation from almost the ! "whole of his tenants and neighbours at A uchterbarbie, consisting of John Braiden (now at Fat-holm) and two others, to consult him on a matter in which they wished to have his concurrence. This was nothiug less than concerning the propriety of giving' a call to Mr Duncanson to be their pastor. Though they had long been dissatisfied with Mr Smuggerly, they had never thought of leaving the Church for the sake of another minister ; but the Disruption having given a new impulse to Their minds, they had suddenly resolved to follow the movement of the day, and *'go out." Their choice of Mr Duncanson was suggested by the favourable impression he had made on them during his visit to Auchterbardie, and though they were aware he had not yet completed his studies or been licensed, they wished to secure him by an early application. Mr Bacon pursed his brow and stroked his beard, puzzled how to act in the case, and at length replied — v The fact is, my friends, I have resolved to meddle no more in Church matters. I have met with nothing but insult and black ingratitude for anyth'ng I have done already, and from henceforth for ever I shall interfere with nothing of the sort. But you m |)s r v. R r ig at enough in desirirg to iia\%>Mr Dunuanson for your minister. He is a very fine lad — an excellent young* man ; and if you can prevail on him to comply with your wishes, I'm sure I shall have no objections — none whatever. And if you wish me to introduce you to him, I will do so immediately, for I am just going to see him at any rate." This offer was thankfully accepted, and away went Mr Bacon with the deputation, and entirely forgot the other visitors in waiting for him. But he did not neglect to lock the door. Mr Aspen and Mr M'Quirkie were thus made prisoners. They discovered this to their consternation only after they had waited for an audience till their patience was exhausted. The errand they had come on entitled them, they conceived, to very different treatment. Accident had brought them together, and congeniality of disposition had made them in a short time very intimate. On comparing notes with each other on ell they had seen «,nd heard of Mr Bacon, they thought they could demonstrate to him that there was a plot hatching to inveigle him into a marriage beneath his rank, and to swindle him out of his property. They were dp.lighted to find a number ■of circumstances which gave some •colour of plausibility to this suspicion, and Dr Snapperdudgeon had prompted them well, but taken care not to come forward himself. The Rev. Mr Aspen's motives for thus acting the busybody were purely mercenery. He still hoped to gain some advantage by currying favour with the Laird of Auchterbardie. Mr M'Quirkie was actuated partly by the same motive and partly by spite, for he entertained that feeling towards Mr Bacon and his friends, and this was not the first time he had shown it. But calumnious tale-bearing is seldom a profitable trade, and in this case it ( yielded nothing but mortification. Mr Bacon picked up Neddie with his tobacco and rose water by the way, and proceeded in happy obliviousness of the two officious gentlemen he had unconsciously locked up. Th^y knocked and rapped and roared and pulled madly at the bell wires, all to no purpose. The noise they made was only replied to by dreary echoes from the empty passages and deserted rooms, and these they ranged through again and again, in the vain hope of finding an outlet. After they had spent several hours in fretting and expressing themselves as bitterly as the colour of their coats would permit, they at last came to the resolution of making known their situation to some of the passers by. For this purpose they threw up one of the front TB#*>dows, and addressed a policeman had been drawn to the spot by the

noise they had previously made. He looked at them with great suspicion, and asked what they were doing there. To this they replied by explaining that they had been locked in either by accident or a trick, and would thank him to assist them tv get out. The official shook his head incredulously at the explanation, and told them that he was not fool enough to believe such a story. He added that it' they spoke the truth, their best plan would be to wait patiently till those who locked them in should return and let them out. ' But we have been here three hours and more already 1 ", and can't remain longer,' they answered both at once. ' Very well, gentlemen,' said the policeman, 'if you insist upon breaking out, 3 t ou must come along with me, and answer for yourselves at the office.' It was in vain they told them their names and station in society. He gruffly replied — * That may be all true enough, but I know nothing about you, but must do my duty.' Seeing them inexorable, and feeling their position becoming every moment more awkward (for by t'lis time a crowd had begun to gather), they capitulated on his own terms, only stipulating that he should walk behind them, and allow them to go by the least frequented streets. This being agreed to, they, with some assistance, made a most undignified escape by the window, and escorted by the policeman and a dozen or two of hooting boys, proceeded to the office at double quick time. Here they were strictly interrogated, and the case being thought suspicious, they were only allowed to depart after giving ample security that they would appear again if called upon. The curtain must now be dropped on these two worthies, for we have nothing further to say of them. They struggled hard against the conflicting elements of the time to obtain an advantageous position, and up to our lajtest glimpse of them had gained nothing but mortification and disgrace. So much for the policy ot selfishness and double-dealing. Great was Mr Duncanson's surprise when he heard the errand of the deputies from Auchterbardie. He asked them it they fully understood the controversy which had led to the Disruption, and had made up their minds, after mature deliberation, to leave the Church ? ' Deed no, sir, 7 answered John Braiden lor himself and the others, c we are but simple country folks, and canna pretend to understannd a' the oots and ins o' the Kirk question, as it's cad, but we see brawly the evil o' pawtronage, and we're determined to submit to it no longer. The Laird here is the pawtron, he maun just excuse us for speaking sac plain. He had nae haund in putting in Mr Smuggerly, to be sure — it was his faither afore him that did that \ but bet ill ta'en cr weel ta'en, [ maun mak' bauld to say that we mean to pick our am minister noo, and for a' time coming.' ' You may choose whom you please/ said Mr Bacon, ' for anything 1 1 care. As I told you before, I will never after this interfere in Church matters either in one way or other. No, I've got enough of that, and only hope to live to see the day it will be regretted that my advice was not taken when it might have saved both the Church and the country from ruin. But you must remember that though you may choose a minister for yourselves, you cannot remove Mr Smuggerly from his present position.' ' That's true, Laird, and we're perfectly sensible o't. He can just work awa' the auld way — drinking a' the drink he can get, and keeping you and the hale parish in a steer about ougmentation of stipen, and unexhausted tiends. But for the time to come he maun preach his dry, fusionless, hechhow sermons to snivelling Davie the precentor, Tamas Rentoul the bellman, and his drunken cronies o' the session, for there's nae body else likely to gang near him.' 1 Then you only intend to leave the Church,' said Mr Duncanson, ' for the sake of being allowed to choose your own minister V * Preceesely ; we ettle at naething else.' * But have you made up your minds to join those who have just seceded on other grounds besides that of patronage, and formed what is called the Free Church o' Scotland V 'No just exactly. The fack is we havenathouchtmuckleo' the matter, and dinna weel understaund what, the Free Kirk is or what it's to be. Hitt if ye think its's a' richt, ye may be sure we'll mak' nae objection, for ye should ken for better about sic matters than the likes o' us.' * I cannot,' replied the student, ' approve of this mode of proceeding. You ought to consider fully what you are about before you fix on any individual as your minister. If you only take a ■, step on personal grounds you may be | led into very improper connection. For anything you can know of me, I may hold heretical doctrines, and, instead of a messenger of truth, might prove an apostle of error among you.' ' We'll risk you, sir,' answered John Braiden. * Just say ye're willing to be our minister, and we'll tak' our chance o' your doctrines. If yea aye preach the way ye did to the bairns in the Sabbath night school at Auchterbardie, there's nae fear o' your doctrine. And trowth, sir, our wife and the rest o' the women have settled a' the business already, and we only need your am

consent to say the bargain's made.' 'I am much gratified,' answered Mr Duncanson with unaffected feeling, ' to find that I have gained the good opinion of sq many worthy people, but it would be quite premature of me to enter at present into the engagement you propose. You are aware that 1 have not quite completed my studies yet, and perhaps I may not, after all, obtain a license.' ' Oh the fient a fear o' your leeshence, sir. We'll tak' our chance o' that, and be glad to wait on ye if yell just say we may count on ye when your ready. And trowth, Mr Duncanson, ye may be sure we'll do our best to make the place mair like the Fat-holm than the Baregang to you ; so keep your mind easy on that score. 7 1 Hooly, freends, hooty !' said Stiffriggs, who was present, and had heard all that passed with a strange mixture of satisfaction and uneasiness. £ Hooly, freends, hooly ! Ye maun a rin awa' wi' the harrows i' that way. By the time that Mr Jitnes here is ready for a kirk, he may have some ither offer that'll answer him better. I have mair than h'awf a guess that I'll get the feck o' my neighbours to join me in giein' him a call to his am native parish.' Here the modest student modestly interposed between the disputants, and sa i(i — « There need not be another word said at present on the subject. But if this will satisfy the good folks of Auchterbardie, I am willing to pledge my word that when I am licensed — if they still wish to have me as their minister, and find they can agree with me in all matters ,of importance — I will take their offer in preference to any other. And I say so with the fullest sense of the kindness and partiality of you, Mr Sticaperton, and my other friends at home ; but I feel bound to give my services, such as they may be, to those who have first applied for them. Besides, I think I could exert myself with more effect among strangers than among old neighbours and familiar acquaintances' This avowal was received ~vith great satisfaction by John Braiden and his friends, who departed highly pleased and expressing in warm terms their contentment. Mr Stiffriggs, however, seemed surprised and not a little disappointed at the decision of his young friend. After a little reflection, however, he admitted its propriety, and resumed his good humour. By this time Mr Bacon was impatient to take the road, and a 7 l the rest were ready. Into an open carriage, on the box of which Neddie was hoisted beside the driver, went Mrs Renshaw and Stiffriggs along with the Laird. Mr Calmsough also took his place in it, in order to make room for Mr Uuncanson in another — a six-seated coach, nlso open — in which were Mrs Calmsoua'h and Mr Montgomery and his daughter. . Awy they drove as merrily as a marriage party, with a sky over them of unclouded blue, and protected from the flaming- sunshine by a bright canopy of parasols. Mr Bacon was in full feather, and not a little proud of his appearance. Indeed so much was he improved, that Neddie often turned round to look at him as if to make sure of his identity. His nether-man was clothed in bright nankeens newly off the needle ; his hat — too small for him by far — was perched ou the very crown of bis head, and considerably to one sido; his green spectacles were discarded, and instead of them he used a pair of silver-mDimted old round gcggles ; and he carried with him as a present to " Saft Shusie " a massive copper ring set round with bits of crimson glass. This, however, was as good a love token as if it had been of gold and rubies, for he had paid almos.t the price of gold and rubies for it, and thought he had got a bargain. His mind was in a happy frame, and his enjoyment would have been snpreme had not all the wasps which happened to buzz about the carriage (and they were not few) made a point of settling on his nose. Mrs Renshaw whs amused by that circumstance, and delighted to believe that all the- butterflies found their way to her. She called the attention of Stiffriggs to the fact, hoping perhaps, that it would extract from him a compliment to herself, but she was disappointed. He only answered, ' I never kent yellow butterflies sac fond o' ocht as cabbage stocks.' On arriving at Mr Stimperton's farm, great was the surprise of all the party to see the style in which preparations had been made for them. The message which Factor Afleck had brought to Jean Brown from her mistress was that she had to go to Stiffrigg Mains as soon as she had some necessary household duties performed, and assist Miss Stimperton to prepare for the reception of Mr Bacon and the other friends who might be expected with her brother. Jean was also requested to take along with her from Whinnyside, any articles, such as plate, china, or crystal, which might be required at Stiffrigg Mains to make a display on the occasion ; and this discretionary power lost nothing in being communicated through such a messenger as Robin. The consequence was that nearly all Mrs Renshaw's precious movables were carried to the scene of action and turned to excellent account. Miss Stimperton and her femaledomestics, with the aid of Jean Brown's natural taste and cleverness, had made the most admirable arrangements which circumstances would permit, and all preparations for a rustic feast were complete when the party arrived. The

spence or parlour was the best apartment in the house, but it was too confined and too dark to be a pleasant summer banquet-room. The table was therefore spread in the inclosure behind, which included the bleaching green, garden and orchard, all surrounded by a tall, thick hedge, in which sweet-briar and honey-suckle were largely mixed with the protecting thorn. The apple and pear trees were numerous, and being in full blossom made the whole scene gay, and loaded the air with rich perfume. Under the shade the rustic feast was set forth. It consisted of curds and cream, and every other delicacy of dairy produce, besides hot pancakes, honey, and a due complement of viands more stimulating and substantial, and was succeeded shortly after by tea, when Mrs Renshaw's china came into requisition. But • Saft Shusie ' herself was more attractive than the delightful repast she had provided. Mr Bacon at any rate thought so, and he was not alone in admiring her appearance. In fact, she had never before looked so charming ; and even when contrasted with the surpassing loveliness of Miss Montgomery and the bright vivacity of Jean Brown, hr comeliness was undeniable. MiBacon was in. raptures, and felt his lairriship and the copper ring- to boot (precious as he thought it) all little enough for such a beauty. Mrs Renshaw herseli admitted that Shusie was * a braw lass,' and that Miss Montgomery and Jean Brown looked not amiss, but added, that, to her taste, not one of tnem was quite sonsy enough. she said this to Ringan, to remind him of somebody who had not the same fault, she plucked from him a bunch of bachelor's buttons which he had stuck in his waistcoat breast, playfully asking him if he was not ashamed to wear such a flower,, and replacing it with a sprig of the forget-me-not. The hilarity of the little party was kept up with unabated spirit till after the repast was over, and old Mr Montgomery, feeling himself fatigued, began to speak of going home. Just as the Burncrook people were about to take leave, an accident occurred which hastened their departure rather awkwardly. Mr Bacon, after having exhausted all his fine speeches to Miss Stimperton, was admiring her at a distance, and in a fit of absence sat down on a hive of bees. Scarcely had he taken his seat, when Out the angry legion sallied. This broke up the company immediately. Mr and Mrs Calmsough and the Montgomerys went off without any ceremonious delay, and Mr Duncanson desired to have the privilege of escorting them, and was not refused. Meantime, Mr Bacon was surrounded by a cloud of winged enemies, and ran like a man distracted from one corner of the garden to another, in the vain attempt to escape from their assaults. Stiffriggs, Mrs Renshaw, and Jean Brown were all so convulsed with laughter at his droll mishap that they could render him no assistance. Ih\t Miss Stimperton took the matter seriously, and heightened the absurdity of the scene by following her admirer with pitying looks and outstretched hands, to the no small danger of incurring' a share of his punishment. Robin Afleck, although himself unseen, was an enjoying witness of this farce and all that went before. He had stationed himself on the top of a high and steep wooded bank, which overhung and sheltered the garden and farm steading of Stiffrigg Mains, and from which a distinct view of Mrs Renshaw's house could also be obtained, for the farms were not far apart. His purpose was to gratify himself by watching, with a lover's eyes, the light step and graceful movements of bis Jean, as she tripped to and fro through through the festive scene, serving all, and observed by none but him ; and also to keep a striot look-out towards Whinnyside, which for the time, was left only in charge of the juvenile servants. Here he lay upon the grass, hidden by a leafy screen, and saw with delight all that passed in the garden beneath. He was laughing with uncontrolled glee at the hunt after Mr Bacon by the bees, when he happened to turn his eyes towards Whinnyside, and, to his horror, saw a dense cloud of smoke, mixed with flame, arising from the house. A suspicion of its origin flashed across his mind in a momenc He involuntary exclaimed ' that villain Rumplebane !' and shouted ' fire ! fire ! fire !' > with all his might. But his friends below were too distant or too much engrossed with I Mr .Bacon and the bees to notice his voice. Without taking time to sound any further alarm or to descend the bank on the Stiffriggs' side, he darted off by the nearest way to the scene of danger. Mother Meredith immediately afterwards apprised Stiffriggs and his guests of the disaster. She rushed into the garden at a pace much quicker than was usual with her, and abruptly addressing Mrs Renshaw in the midst of her merriment, she said sarcastically — ' Ay, rant awa' — laugh awa 7 and see hoo mony sticks o' your hoose will be standing when ye're dune ' 1 What div ye mean, auld wife V said the mistress of W^innyside, with a severe look and not in the mildest tone. ' I mean,' replied the aged vagrant, ' to do you a g-ood turn — no for your am sake, for ye've aye been harsh and close.handed to me and the like o' me — but for the sake o' the kind young man your nevoye. I warn ye then that ye're owre lang 1 here, for yev hoose is a-fire*'

'My hoose on iire ! O Ringan, Ringan !'• exclaimed Mrs Renshaw in a dreadful panic, * what shall I do, what shallldoV t Come awa' wi' me as fast as your feet can carry you/ was the only answer she received. A general cry of 'fire at Whinnyside ' burst from every mouth, and ere another moment, nobody remained at Stiffrigg Mains to prevent a similar calamity from happening there. ( To he concluded in ou?^ next.)