ministrations the while. Not a word passed on the subject again, for
in a few minutes the stranger had gained consciousness. He looked in a
puzzled way from one face to another, not realizing for the moment
where he was. Davie was the first to speak.

"The storm's bin ower muckle for ye, sir, I'm thinkin'," he said
kindly. "It's weel ye chanced to find y'r wye t' oor wee hoosachie.
It's nae muckle to be prood on; but it's better ner bein' ootside in
siclike weather, I doot!"

Bonar suddenly became aware of the identity of his hosts. He had no
doubt that this was Davie Forbes, whom he had come to spy upon and
denounce! But he was no coward, and quickly reassured himself that
duty alone had led him. Still, he was indebted to his enemies!

"I'm greatly obliged to you, indeed," he said with genuine gratitude.
"I probably owe my life to the good luck that led me to your door."

"Na, na, mon," replied Davie. "Ye've naething to thank us for. But
ye'll need a bit supper!" he added, as Bonar rose to his feet and
seemed about to prepare for departure. (He felt rather unsteady on his
legs, but go he must, as he assured himself resolutely.)

"Aye, sure!" cried Maggie Jean, seconding her father's hospitable
invitation. And without another word she produced from various hidden
receptacles tablecloth, knives and forks, bread, oatcake, butter,
cheese, and jam, with the rapidity of a conjurer--as the dazed Bonar
thought. Then down came a frying-pan, and she began to cook eggs and
ham over the bright fire.