were going, and could not survey who were dealing them."

"Peace, neighbour Proudfute--I prithee, peace," said Craigdallie,
who was obviously tired of the tuneless screeching of the worthy
deacon.

"There is something mysterious here," said the bailie; "but I think
I spy the secret. Our friend Simon is, as you all know, a peaceful
man, and one that will rather sit down with wrong than put a friend,
or say a neighbourhood, in danger to seek his redress. Thou, Henry,
who art never wanting where the burgh needs a defender, tell us
what thou knowest of this matter."

Our smith told his story to the same purpose which we have already
related; and the meddling maker of bonnets added as before, "And
thou sawest me there, honest smith, didst thou not?"

"Not I, in good faith, neighbour," answered Henry; "but you are a
little man, you know, and I might overlook you."

This reply produced a laugh at Oliver's expense, who laughed for
company, but added doggedly, "I was one of the foremost to the
rescue for all that."

"Why, where wert thou, then, neighbour?" said the smith; "for I
saw you not, and I would have given the worth of the best suit of
armour I ever wrought to have seen as stout a fellow as thou at my
elbow."

"I was no farther off, however, honest smith; and whilst thou wert