it is my best point: I am a strong dog in the loins. But did they
all see it?"

"All as much as I," said the smith, smothering an inclination to
laughter.

"But thou wilt remind them of it?"

"Be assured I will," answered Henry, "and of thy desperate rally
even now. Mark what I say to Bailie Craigdallie, and make the best
of it."

"It is not that I require any evidence in thy favour, for I am as
brave by nature as most men in Perth; but only--" Here the man of
valour paused.

"But only what?" inquired the stout armourer.

"But only I am afraid of being killed. To leave my pretty wife and
my young family, you know, would be a sad change, Smith. You will
know this when it is your own case, and will feel abated in courage."

"It is like that I may," said the armourer, musing.

"Then I am so accustomed to the use of arms, and so well breathed,
that few men can match me. It's all here," said the little man,
expanding his breast like a trussed fowl, and patting himself with
his hands--"here is room for all the wind machinery."

"I dare say you are long breathed--long winded; at least your