were to happen, as I did when my own dear father and mother died; and oh,
Sir! that was a dreadful time." "I hope, my little fellow, there will be
no such bad doings as that;" answered Mr. Armstrong, "at least, we must
try all we can to prevent it; so do you come down to me when the
evening-service is over, and I will have every thing ready, that you may
not be detained. He makes a better messenger," continued he, turning to
Mr. Martin, "than Archie Kerr, who has not yet returned from Langholm,
though Mr. Scott sent him off yesterday morning. I suppose I shall meet
him on the road as I ride down, for he will be sure to be home in time for
his work to-morrow morning. To do him justice, he seldom forgets that;
though, when he can find an excuse to leave it, he is a sad tippling
fellow."

The family now went to dinner, which on Sunday seldom consists of any
thing but eggs, bread and cheese, and such cold meat as may be in the
house. When they had finished their simple meal, Mr. Martin and the
servants returned to evening-service; but Helen's illness prevented her
mother from leaving her. When the service was over, John set out to
Langholm, promising to make all the haste in his power back to the Manse.

He soon arrived at Mr. Armstrong's, and receiving the medicine, set off on
his return home. He walked very quick till he got upon the green holm, not
having met a single creature the whole way; for walking is considered a
very improper way of spending the Sabbath evening, unless when going upon
necessary business, as that is the greatest portion of time the peasantry
can bestow on catechising their children, and reading portions of
Scripture to their families. John was, therefore, rather surprised to see
a man walking before him, at a distance. As he himself went quick, he soon
came near enough to perceive that the person, whoever he was, instead of
going straight forward, kept moving from side to side of the road, in a