been in the market for some months. You say you've an idea it has
just been let. But my client is positive that you're mistaken, unless
the agreement was made this morning.... You'll inquire? Ah, I see.
The actual factoring is done by your local agent, Mr. James Loudon,
in Auchenlochan. You think my client had better get into touch with
him at once. Just wait a minute, please."

He put his hand over the receiver. "Usual Edinburgh way of doing
business," he observed caustically. "What do you want done?"

"I'll run down and see this Loudon. Tell Glendonan and Spiers to
advise him to expect me, for I'll go this very day."

Mr. Caw resumed his conversation. "My client would like a telegram
sent at once to Mr. Loudon introducing him. He's Mr. Dickson McCunn
of Mearns Street--the great provision merchant, you know. Oh, yes!
Good for any rent. Refer if you like to the Strathclyde Bank,
but you can take my word for it. Thank you. Then that's settled.
Good-bye."

Dickson's next visit was to a gunmaker who was a fellow-elder with
him in the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.

"I want a pistol and a lot of cartridges," he announced. "I'm not
caring what kind it is, so long as it is a good one and not too big."

"For yourself?" the gunmaker asked. "You must have a license,
I doubt, and there's a lot of new regulations."

"I can't wait on a license. It's for a cousin of mine who's