which he was qualified; and, instead of the merriment and jocularity
that his wily by-hand ways used to cause among his neighbours, the
rising generation began to pick and dab at him, in such a manner,
that, had he been much longer spared, it is to be feared he would
not have been allowed to enjoy his earnings both with ease and
honour. However, he got out of the world with some respect, and the
matters of which I have now to speak, are exalted, both in method
and principle, far above the personal considerations that took
something from the public virtue of his day and generation.



CHAPTER XXIV--THE WINDY YULE



It was in the course of the winter, after the decease of Bailie
M'Lucre, that the great loss of lives took place, which every body
agreed was one of the most calamitous things that had for many a
year befallen the town.

Three or four vessels were coming with cargoes of grain from
Ireland; another from the Baltic with Norawa deals; and a third from
Bristol, where she had been on a charter for some Greenock
merchants.

It happened that, for a time, there had been contrary winds, against
which no vessel could enter the port, and the ships, whereof I have
been speaking, were all lying together at anchor in the bay, waiting
a change of weather. These five vessels were owned among ourselves,