And all through that night of age-long agony the gray figure stood,
still as a statue, at the foot of the stairs. Only, when, with the first
chill breath of the morning, a dry, quick-quenched sob of a strong
man sorrowing for the helpmeet of a score of years, and a tiny cry
of a new-born child wailing because its mother was not, came
down to his ears, the Gray Watchman dropped his head upon his
bosom, and, with a little whimpering note, crept back to his
blanket.

A little later the door above opened, and James Moore tramped
down the stairs. He looked taller and gaunter than his wont, but
there was no trace of emotion on his face.

At the foot of the stairs Owd Bob stole out to meet him. He came
crouching up, head

-and tail down, in a manner no man ever saw before or since. At
his master's feet he stopped

Then, for one short moment, James Moore's whole face quivered.

"Well, lad," he said, quite low, and his voice broke; "she's awa'!"

That was all; for they were an undemonstrative couple.

Then they turned and went out together into the bleak morning.

Chapter VIII. M'ADAM AND HIS COAT

To David M'Adam. the loss of gentle Elizabeth Moore was as