GREYFRIARSBOBBYbyEleanorAtkinson

I.

WhenthetimegunboomedfromEdinburghCastle,Bobbygaveastartledyelp.HewasonlyalittlecountrydogtheveryyoungestandsmallestandshaggiestofSkyeterriers-bredonaheatheryslopeofthePentlandhills,wheretheloudestsoundwasthebarkofacollieorthetinkleofasheep-bell.ThatmorninghehadcometotheweeklymarketwithAuldJock,afarmlaborer,andtheGrassmarketoftheScottishcapitallayinthenarrowvalleyatthesouthernbaseofCastleCrag.Twohundredfeetaboveitthetimegunwasmountedinthehalf-moonbatteryonanoverhanging,crescent-shapedledgeofrock.Inanypartofthecitythereportoftheone-oclockgunwassufficientlyalarming,butintheGrassmarketitwasanearth-rendingexplosiondirectlyoverhead.Itneededtobeheardbutoncetheretoberegisteredonevenalittledogsbrain.Bobbyhadhearditmanytimes,andheneverfailedtoyelpasharpprotestattheoutragetohisears;but,asthegunshotwasalwaysfollowedbyacertainhappyevent,itstartedinhisactivelittlemindatrainofpleasantassociations.

InBobbysdayofyouth,andthatwasin1858,whenQueenVictoriawasahappywifeandmother,withallherbairnsaboutherkneesinWindsororBalmoral,theGrassmarketofEdinburghwasstillabitoftheMiddleAges,aspicturesquelydecayingandGothicasGermanNuremberg.Besidetheclassiccornexchange,ithadnomodernbuildings.Northandsouth,alongitsgreatestlength,thesunkenquadranglewasfacedbytall,old,timber-frontedhousesofstone,plasteredlikeswallowsneststotherockyslopesbehindthem.

Acrosstheeasternend,wherethevalleysuddenlynarrowedtotheravine-likestreetoftheCowgate,themarketwasspannedbythelofty,crowdedarchesofGeorgeIVBridge.Thishigh-hung,viaductthoroughfare,thatcarriedadoublelineofbuildingswithinitsparapet,leapedthegorge,fromthetall,old,GothicrookeriesonHighStreetridge,justbelowtheCastleesplanade.Itclearedtheroofsofthetallest,oldesthousesthatswarmedupthesteepbanksfromtheCowgate,andranon,byeasydescent,tothemaingatewayofGreyfriarskirkyardatthelowertopofthesouthernrise.

Greyfriarstwokirksformedtogether,underonecontinuousroof,along,low,buttressedbuildingwithouttowerorspire.ThenewkirkwasofQueenAnnesday,buttheoldkirkwasbuiltbeforeeverthePilgrimssetsailforAmerica.Ithadbeenbutoneofseveralsacredbuildings,setinamonasterygardenthatslopedpleasantlytotheopenvalleyoftheGrassmarket,andlookeduptheCastleheightsunhindered.InBobbysdaythisgardenhadshrunktoalong,narrow,high-piledburying-ground,thatextendedfromtherearofthelineofbuildingsthatfrontedonthemarket,uptheslope,acrossthehilltop,andtowherethelandbegantofallawayagain,downtheBurghmuir.FromtheGrassmarket,kirkandkirkyardlayhiddenbehindandabovethecrumblinggrandeurofnoblehallsandmansionsthathadfallentothegrimiesttenementsofEdinburghsslums.Fromtheendofthebridgeapproachtherewasaglimpseofmassivewalls,ofpointedwindows,andofmonumentaltombsthroughadouble-leafedgateofwroughtiron,thatwasalcovedandwedgedinbetweentheancientguildhallofthecandlemakersandarowofprosperouslittleshopsinGreyfriarsPlace.

Arock-rimmedquarrypit,intheveryheartofOldEdinburgh,theGrassmarketwasaplaceofhistoricechoes.Theyelpofalittledogtherewouldscarceseemworthyofrecord.Moreinharmonywithitsstirringhistorywasthereportofthetimegun.Atoneoclockeveryday,therewasapuffof

smokehighupintheblueorgrayorsquallysky,thenadeafeningcrashandabackfirefusilladeofechoes.Theoldestfrequenterofthemarketnevergotusedtoit.OnWednesday,astheshotbrokeacrossthebabelofshrillbargaining,everymanintheplacejumped,andnotonewasquickerofrecoverythanweeBobby.Instantlyashamed,asanintelligentlittledogwhoknewtheimportofthegunshouldbe,Bobbydeniedhisalarminatinypinkyawnofboredom.ThenhewentbrisklyabouthisurgentbusinessoffindingAuldJock.

Themarketwasclosed.InfiveminutesthegreatopenspacewasasemptyoflivingmenasGreyfriarskirkyardonaweek-day.DroversandhostlersdisappearedatonceintothecheapandnoisyentertainmentoftheWhiteHartInnthatfrontedthemarketandsetitssqualidbackagainstCastleRock.Farmersrapidlydeserteditforthecleancountry.Dwellersinthetenementsdartedupwyndsandblindcloses,climbedtwistingturnpikestairstowindyroostsunderthegables,ortheyscuttledthroughnobledoorsintofoulcourtsandhallways.Beggarsandpickpocketsswarmedunderthearchesofthebridge,toswelltheevilsmellinghumanriverthatflowedatthedarkandslimybottomoftheCowgate.

AchillNovemberwindtoreatthecreakingironcrossoftheKnightsofSt.John,onthehighestgableoftheTempletenements,thatturneditsdecayingbackonthekirkyardoftheGreyfriars.LowcloudsweretangledandtornontheCastlebattlements.Afewhorsesstoodabout,munchingoatsfromfeed-boxes.Flocksofsparrowsfluttereddownfromtimberedgalleriesandrockyledgestofeastonscatteredgrain.Swallowswheeledinwide,descendingspiralsfrommudvillagesunderthecornicestocatchflies.Ratsscurriedoutofholesandgleanedinthedesertedcornexchange.Androundandroundtheemptymarket-placeracedthefranticlittleterrierinsearchofAuldJock.

Bobbyknew,aswellasanyman,thatitwasthedinnerhour.WiththetimegunitwasAuldJockscustomtogouptoasnuglittlerestaurant;thatwaspatronizedchieflybythedecentpoorsmallshopkeepers,clerks,tenantfarmers,andmedicalstudentslivingincheaplodgingsinGreyfriarsPlace.There,inYeOldeGreyfriarsDiningRooms,ownedbyMr.JohnTraill,andfourdoorsbeyondthekirkyardgate,wasacozylittleinglenookthatAuldJockandBobbyhadcometolookuponastheirown.Atitsback,abovearecessedoakensettleandatable,atinypanedwindowlookedupandoveraretainingwallintotheancientplaceofthedead.

Theviewoftheheaped-upandcrowdedmoundsandthicketsofoldslabsandthroughstones,girtallaboutbytimestainedmonumentsandvaults,andshutinonthenorthandeastbythebacksofshopsandloftyslumtenements,couldnotbesaidtobecheerful.ItsuitedAuldJock,however,forwhatmindhehadwasofamelancholyturn.Fromhisplaceonthefloor,betweenhismaster shob-nailedboots,Bobbycouldnotseethekirkyard,butitwouldnot,inanycase,havedepressedhisspirits.Hedidnotknowthefaceofdeathand,amerrylittleruffianofaterrier,hewasreadyforanyadventure.

OnthestonegatepillarwasanoticeinplainEnglishthatnodogswerepermittedinGreyfriars.Aswellasifhecouldread,Bobbyknewthatthekirkyardwasforbiddenground.Hehadlearnedthatbybitterexperience.Once,whenthelittlewicketgatethatheldthetwotallleavesajarbyday,chancedtobeopen,hehadjoyouslychasedacatacrossthegravesandoverthewesternwallontothebroadgreenlawnofHeriotsHospital.

Therethelittledogsescapadebredothermischief,forHeriotsHospitalwasnotahospitalatall,inthemodernEnglishsenseofbeingarefugeforthesick.BuiltandchristenedinadaywhenaStuartkingreignedinHolyroodPalace,andFrenchwasspokenintheScottishcourt,Heriotswasa

splendidpileofacharityschool,alltowersandbattlements,andcheerfulcolor,andcountlessbeautifulwindows.Endowedbyaberuffedanddoubletedgoldsmith,JinglinGeordieHeriot,whohadnaebraveladdieohisain,itwasdevotedtothecareandeducationofpuirorphananfaderlessboys.Thereithadstoodformorethantwocenturies,inaspaciouspark,likethecountry-seatofaLowlandlaird,buthemmedinbysordidmarketsandswarmingslums.Theregionroundaboutfurnishedanunfailingsupplyofpuirorphananfaderlessboyswhowereaslight-heartedandirresponsibleasBobby.

HundredsoftheHeriotladdieswereoutinthenoonrecess,playingcricketandleap-frog,whenBobbychasedthatunluckycatoverthekirkyardwall.Hecouldgonofartherhimself,buttheladdiestookupthepursuit,yellinglikeHighlandclansofoldinaforayacrosstheborder.Theunholydindisturbedthesacredpeaceofthekirkyard.Bobbydashedback,barkingfuriously,inpureexuberanceofspirits.Hetumbledgailyovergrassyhummocks,friskedsaucilyaroundterrifyingoldmausoleums,wriggledunderthemostenticingoflow-settabletombsandsprawled,exhausted,butstillhappyandnoisy,atAuldJocksfeet.

Itwasascandalousthingtohappeninanykirkyard!TheangrycaretakerwasinstantlyoutofhislittlestonelodgebythegateandtakingAuldJocksharplytotaskforBobbysmisbehavior.Thepiousoldshepherd,shockedhimselfandpubliclydisgraced,stood,bonnetinhand,humblyapologetic.Seeingthathismasterwasgettingtheworstofit,Bobbyrushedintothefray,ananimatedlittlemuffofpluckandfury,andnippedthecaretaker sshins.Therewasahowlofpain,andamaistmichtywordthatmadetheancienttombsstandaghast.Masteranddogwerehustledoutsidethegateandintoarabbleofjeeringslumgamin.

Whatato-doaboutamiserablecat!ToBobbytherewasnologicatallinthedenouementtothisswift,excitingdrama.ButheunderstoodAuldJocksshameanddispleasureperfectly.Good-temperedashewasgayandclever,thelittledogtookhispunishmentmeekly,andherememberedit.Thereafter,hepassedthekirkyardgatedecorously.Ifhesawacatthatneededharryinghemerelylickedhislittleredchopstheoutwardsignofadesperateself-control.And,atruesport,heborenomalicetowardthecaretaker.

DuringthatfirstsummerofhislifeBobbylearnedmanythings.Helearnedthathemightchaserabbits,squirrelsandmoor-fowl,andsea-gullsandwhaupsthatcameuptofeedinplowedfields.Ratsandmicearoundbyreanddairywerelegitimateprey;buthelearnedthathemustnotannoysheepandsheepdogs,norcattle,horsesandchickens.Andhediscoveredthat,unlesshehungclosetoAuldJocksheels,hisfreedomwasindangerfromaweelassiewhoadoredhim.Hewasnoladyslap-dog.FromthebairniessoftcossetingheayefledtoAuldJockandtheroughhospitalityofthesheepfold.Beingexactoppositesintemperaments,butalikeintastes,BobbyandAuldJockwereinseparable.InthequietcornerofMr.Traillscrowdeddiningroomtheyspenttheoneidlehouroftheweektogether,happily.Bobbyhadtheleavingsofaherringorhaddie,foraroughlittleSkyewilleatanythingfromsmokedfishtomoor-fowleggs,andhehadthetidbitofafarthingbonetoworryathisleisure.AuldJocksmokedhiscuttypipe,gazedatthefireorintothekirkyard,andmeditatedonnothinginparticular.

Insomestrangewaythatnodogcouldunderstand,BobbyhadbeenseparatedfromAuldJockthatNovembermorning.ThetenantofCauldbraefarmhaddriventhecartin,himself,andthatwasunusual.Immediatelyhehaddrivenoutagain,leavingAuldJockbehind,andthatwasquiteoutside

Bobbysbriefexperienceoflife.Beguiledtotheloftyandcoveteddriver sseatwhere,withlollingtongue,hecouldviewthisinterestingworldbetweenthehorsesears,Bobbyhadbeenspiritedoutofthecityandcarriedallthewaydownanduptothehilltoptoll-barofFairmilehead.Itcouldnotoccurtohisloyallittleheartthatthistreacherywasplannednor,stanchlittledemocratthathewas,thatthefarmerwasreallyhisowner,andthathecouldnotfollowahumblermasterofhisownchoosing.Hemighthavebeencarriedtothedistantfarm,andshutsafelyinthebyrewiththecowsforthenight,butforanincautiousremarkofthefarmer.Withthefirstscentofthenativeheatherthehorsequickenedhispace,and,atsightofthepurpleslopesofthePentlandsloominghomeward,afondthoughtatthebackofthemansmindverynaturallytookshapeinspeech.

Eh,Bobby;theweelassiewullbeatthetapothebraetoraceyehame.

Bobbyprickedhisdropears.Withinanarrowlimit,andconcerningfamiliarthings,theunderstandingofhumanspeechbytheseintelligentlittleterriersisverytrulyremarkable.Atmentionoftheweelassiehelookedbehindforhisrougholdfriendandunfailingrefuge.AuldJocksabsencediscovered,Bobbypromptlydroppedfromtheseatofhonorandfromthecarttail,sniffedthesmokeofEdinborotownandfacedrightabout.Tothefarmer speremptorycallhereturnedthespicyreparteeofacheerfulbark.Itwasasmuchastosay:

Dinnafashyersel!IkenwhatImaboot.

Afteranhour shardrunbackoverthedippingandrisingcountryroadandalongquartercircuitofthecity,Bobbyfoundthehigh-walled,windingwayintothewestendoftheGrassmarket.Toahumanbeingafoottherewasashortercut,butthelittledogcouldonlyretracethefamiliarrouteofthefarmcarts.Itwasanotablefeatforasmallcreaturewhosetuftedlegswerenotmorethansixinchesinlength,whosethatchoflonghairalmostswepttheroadwayandcaughtateveryburrandbramble,andwhowasstillsoyoungthathisnosecouldnotbesaidtobeeducated.

Inthemarket-placeheranhereandtherethroughthecrowd,hopefullyinvestigatingnarrowclosesthatweremereriftsinprecipicesofbuildings;nosingoutsidestairs,doorways,stables,bridgearches,standingcarts,andevenhob-nailedboots.Heyelpedatthecrashofthegun,butitwasanothermatteraltogetherthatsethislittlehearttopalpitatingwithalarm.Itwasthedinner-hour,andwherewasAuldJock?

Ah!Ahappythought:hismasterhadgonetodinner!

Ahumanfriendwouldhaveresentedtheideaofsuchbasedesertionandsulked.Butinalittledogsheartoftrustthereisnoroomforsuspicion.ThethoughtsimplylentwingstoBobbystiredfeet.Asthemarket-placeemptiedhechasedattheheelsoflaggards,upthecrescent-shapedriseofCandlemakersRow,andstraightontothefamiliardiningrooms.Throughtheforestoftableandchairandhumanlegshemadehiswaytotheback,tofindasoldierfromtheCastle,insmartredcoatandpolishedboots,lounginginAuldJocksinglenook.

Bobbystoodstockstillforashockedinstant.Thenhehowleddismallyandboltedforthedoor.Mr.JohnTraill,thesmooth-shaven,hatchet-facedproprietor,standingmidwayinshirtsleevesandwhiteapron,caughttheflyingterrierbetweenhislegsandgavehimafriendlyclapontheside.

Didyoucomebyyourainselwithafarthinginyoursilky-purseeartobuyabone,Bobby?Whaur s

AuldJock?

Afearmaybecrowdedbackintothemindandstoutlydeniedsolongasitisnotnamed.AtthegoodlandlordsverynaturalquestionWhaur sAuldJock?therewastheshapeofthelittledogsfearthathehadlosthismaster.Withawhimperingcryhestruggledfree.Outofthedoorhewent,likeashot.Hetumbleddownthesteepcurveanddoubledonhistracksaroundthemarket-place.

Athisonslaught,thesparrowsroselikebrownleavesonagustofwind,anddrifteddownagain.AcoldmistveiledtheCastleheights.FromthestonecrownoftheancientCathedralofSt.Giles,onHighStreet,floatedthemelodyofTheBluebellsofScotland.Nodaywastoobleakforbell-ringerMcLeodtoclimbtheshakingladderinthewindytowerandplaythemusicbellsduringthehourthatEdinburghdined.Bobbyforgottodinethatday,firstinhisdistractedsearch,andtheninhisjoyoffindinghismaster.

For,allatonce,intheverystrangestplace,intheverystrangestway,BobbycameuponAuldJock.AratscurryingoutfromafoulandnarrowpassagethatgavetotherearoftheWhiteHartInn,pointedthelittledogtoanookhithertoundiscoveredbyhiscuriousnose.Hiddenawaybetweenthenoisytavernandthegrim,islandcragwastheoldcock-fightingpitofaruderday.There,inabroken-downcarrier scart,abandonedamongthenamelessabominationsofpublichouserefuse,AuldJocklayhuddledinhisgreatcoatofhoddengrayandhisshepherdsplaid.Onabundleofclothingtiedinatartankerchiefforapillow,helayverystillandbreathingheavily.

Bobbybarkedasifhewouldbursthislungs.Hebarkedsolong,soloud,andsofuriously,runningroundandroundthecartandunderitandyelpingateveryturn,thataslatternlyscullerymaidopenedadoorandangrilybadehimnotodeavefolkwiisblatterin.AuldJockshedidnotseeatallinthemurkypitor,ifshesawhim,thoughthimsomedrunkenforeignsailorfromLeithharbor.Whenshewentin,sheslammedthedoorandlightedthegas.

Whetherfromsomeinstinctofprotectionofhishelplessmasterinthatfoulandhostileplace,orbecausebarkinghadprovedtobeofnouseBobbysatbackonhishaunchesandconsideredthisstrange,disquietingthing.ItwasnotlikeAuldJocktosleepinthedaytime,orsosoundly,atanytime,thatbarkingwouldnotawakenhim.Acleverandresourcefuldog,Bobbycrouchedbackagainstthefarthestwall,tookarunningleaptothetopofthelowboots,dughisclawsintothestout,homeknittedstockings,andscrambledupoverAuldJockslegsintothecart.Inaninstanthepokedhislittleblackmopofawetmuzzleintohismaster sfaceandbarkedonce,sharply,inhisear.

ToBobbysdelightAuldJocksatupandblinkedhiseyes.Theoldeyeswerebrighter,thegrizzledfaceredderthanwasnatural,butsuchmatterswerequiteoutsideofthelittledogsken.ItwasadazedmomentbeforethemanrememberedthatBobbyshouldnotbethere.Hefrowneddownattheexcitedlittlecreature,whowaswaggingsatisfactionfromhisnose-tiptotheendofhiscrestedtail,inapuzzledefforttorememberwhy.

Eh,Bobby!Histonewasoneofvaguereproof.Naedootyerefairsatisfiedwiyerainsel.

Bobbysfeatheredtaildrooped,butitstillquivered,allreadytowagagainattheslightestencouragement.AuldJockstaredathimstupidly,hisdizzyheadinhishands.Averytired,verydraggledlittledog,Bobbydroppedbesidehismaster,panting,subduedbythereproach,buthappy.Hissofteyes,veiledbythesilveryfringethatfellfromhishighforehead,weredeepbrownpoolsof

affection.AuldJockforgot,byandby,thatBobbyshouldnotbethere,andfeltonlythecomfortofhiscompanionship.

Weel,Bobby,hebeganagain,uncertainly.Andthen,becausehisScotchpeasantreticencehadbeenquitebrokendownbyBobbysshamelessdevotion,sothathetoldthelittledogmanythingsthathecannilyconcealedfromhumankind,heconfidedthestrangeweaknessanddizzinessintheheadthathadovertakenhim:AuldJockisjuistfairsillytheday,bonnyweeladdie.

Downcameashaking,hotoldhandinaroughcaress,andupagallantyoungtailtowavelikeabanner.Allwasrightwiththelittledogsworldagain.Butitwasplain,eventoBobby,thatsomethinghadgonewrongwithAuldJock.Itwasthemanwhoworetheairofaculprit.AScotchlaborerdoesnotlightlyconfesstofeelingfairsilly,norsleepawaythebusyhoursofdaylight.Theoldmanwaspuzzledandhumiliatedbythisdiscreditablething.Ahumanfriendwouldhaveunderstoodhisplight,ledthefeveredmanoutofthatbleakandfetidcul-de-sac,tuckedhimintoawarmbed,comfortedhimwithahotdrink,andthengoneswiftlyforskilledhelp.Bobbyknewonlythathismasterhadunusualneedoflove.

Very,veryearlyadoglearnsthatlifeisnotassimpleamattertohismasterasitistohimself.Therearetimeswhenhereadstrouble,thathecannothelporunderstand,inthemanseyeandvoice.Thenhecanonlylookhisloveandloyalty,wistfully,asifhefelthisownshortcominginthematterofspeech.Andifthetroubleissogreatthatthemasterforgetstoeathisdinner;forgets,also,theneedsofhisfaithfullittlefriend,itisthedogsdearprivilegetobearneglectandhungerwithoutcomplaint.Therefore,whenAuldJocklaydownagainandsank,almostatonce,intosoddensleep,Bobbysnuggledinthehollowofhismaster sarmandnuzzledhisnoseinhismaster sneck.

II.

WhilethebellsplayedThereGrowsaBonnyBriarbushinOurKaleYard,AuldJockandBobbyslept.Theysleptwhilethetavernemptieditselfofnoisyguestsandclatteringcrockerywaswashedatthedingy,gas-lightedwindowsthatoverlookedthecockpit.Theysleptwhilethecoldfellwiththefallingdayandthemistwaswhippedintodrivingrain.Almostacave,betweenshelvingrockandhousewall,agustofwindstillfounditswayinnowandthen.AtasplashofrainAuldJockstirreduneasilyinhissleep.Bobbymerelysniffedthefreshenedairwithpleasureandcurledhimselfupforanothernap.

NoraincouldwetBobby.Underhisroughoutercoat,thatwaspartedalongthebackasneatlyasthethatchalongacottageridge-pole,wasadense,woollyfleecethatdefiedwindandrain,snowandsleettopenetrate.Hecouldnotknowthatnaturehadnotbeenasgenerousinprotectinghismasteragainsttheweather.Althoughofasubarcticbreed,fittedtoliveshelterlessifneedbe,andtoearnhislivingbynativewit,Bobbyhadthebeauty,thegrace,andthecharmingmannersofaladyspet.Inalitterofprick-eared,wire-hairedpuppiesBobbywasasport.

ItissaidthatsomeoftheshipsoftheSpanishArmada,withFrenchpoodlesintheofficerscabins,wereblownfarnorthandwest,andbrokenupontheicycoastsofTheHebridesandSkye.Somesuchcrossingofhisfar-awayancestry,itwouldseem,hadgivenagreaterlengthandacrispwavetoBobbysoutercoat,droppedandsilkilyfringedhisears,andpowderedhisuseful,slate-graycolor

withsilverfrost.Buthehadthehardinessandintelligenceofthesturdierbreed,andtheinstinctofdevotiontotheworkingmaster.Sohehadturnedfromasoft-heartedbitlassieofamistress,andthecozychimneycornerofthefarm-housekitchen,andlinkedhisfortuneswiththisforlornoldlaborer.

Agrizzled,gnarledlittlemanwasAuldJock,oftoughfiber,butwornoutatlastbyfiftywintersasashepherdonthebleakhillsofMidlothianandFife,andadozenmoreinthelowstablesandstorm-buffetedgarretsofEdinburgh.Hehadcomeintotheworldunnotedinashepherdslonelycot.Withlittlewitofmindorskillofhandhehadbeenacommontool,usedbythismasterandthatfortheroughesttasks,whenneeded,putaside,passedon,anddroppedoutofmind.Nothingeverbelongedtothemanbuthisscantearnings.Wifeless,cotless,bairnless,hehadslept,sinceearlyboyhood,understrangeroofs,eatenthebreadofthehireling,andsatdumbatothermensfiresides.Ifhehadanothernameithadbeenforgotten.InyouthhewasJock;inage,AuldJock.

Inhissixty-thirdsummertherewasabelatedbloominginAuldJockssoul.OutofsomemiraculouscapriceBobbylavishedonhimariotousaffection.Thenupoutofthemanssubconsciousmemorycamewordslearnedfromthelipsofalong-forgottenmother.Theywerewordsnotmeantforlittledogsatall,butforsweetheart,wifeandbairn.AuldJockusedthemcautiously,fearingtobeoverheard,forthematterwasasubjectofwonderandroughjestatthefarm.HeusedthemwhenBobbyfollowedhimattheplow-tailorscamperedovertheheatherwithhimbehindtheflocks.Heusedthemonthemarketdayjourneyings,andonsummernights,whentheseawindcamesweetlyfromthebroadFirthandthetwoslept,likevagabonds,onahaycockunderthestars.ThepurestpleasureAuldJockeverknewwasthetakingofabrightfarthingfromhispockettopayforBobbysdelectableboneinMr.Traillsplace.

Givenwhatwasduehimthatmorninganddismissedfortheseasontofindsuchworkashecouldinthecity,AuldJockdidnotquestionthefarmer srighttotakeBobbybackhame.Besides,whatcouldhedowiththenoisylittlerascalinanEdinburghlodging?But,dullerofwitthanusual,feelingveryoldandlonely,andshakyonhislegs,anddizzyinhishead,AuldJockpartedwithBobbyandwithhiscourage,together.Withtheinstinctofthedumbanimalthatsuffers,hestumbledintothefoulnookandfell,almostatonce,intoaheavysleep.OutofthatBobbyrousedhimbutbriefly.

Longbeforehismasterawoke,Bobbyfinishedhisseriesofrefreshinglittlenaps,satup,yawned,stretchedhisshort,shaggylegs,sniffedatAuldJockexperimentally,andtrottedaroundthebedofthecartonatourofinvestigation.Thisprovingtobeofsmallinterestandnoprofit,helaydownagainbesidehismaster,noseonpaws,andwaitedAuldJockspleasurepatiently.Asweepofdrenchingrainbroughttheoldmansuddenlytohisfeetandstumblingintothemarketplace.Thealertlittledogtumbledabouthim,barkingecstatically.ThefeverwasgoneandAuldJocksheadquiteclear;butinitsplacewasaweakness,anachingofthelimbs,aweightonthechest,andagreatshivering.

AlthoughthebellofSt.Gileswasjuststrikingthehouroffive,itwasalreadyentirelydark.Alamp-lighter,withladderandtorch,wassettingadoublelineofgasjetstoflaringalongtheloftyparapetsofthebridge.IftheGrassmarketwasaquarrypitbyday,onanightofstormitwasthe.bottomofareservoir.TheheightofthewallswasmarkedbyaluminouscrownfrommanylightsabovetheCastlehead,andbyastudentsdimcandle,hereandthere,atagarretwindow.Thehugebulkofthebridgecastashadow,velvetblack,acrosstheeasternhalfofthemarket.

HadnotBobbygonebeforeandbarked,andrunback,againandagain,andjumpeduponAuldJockslegs,themanmightneverhavewonhiswayacrossthedrownedplace,intheinkyblacknessand

againsttheslantedblastoficyrain.WhenhegainedthefootofCandlemakersRow,acrescentoftall,oldhousesthatcurvedupwardaroundthelowerendofGreyfriarskirkyard,waterpoureduponhimfromtheheavytimberedgalleryoftheCunzieNeuk,oncetheroyalmint.Thecartingofficethatoccupiedthestreetfloorwasclosed,orAuldJockwouldhavesoughtshelterthere.Hestruggleduptherise,madeslipperybyrainandgrime.Then,asthestreetturnedsouthwardinitseasycurve,therewassomeshelterfromthehousewalls.ButAuldJockwasquiteexhaustedandincapableofcaringforhimself.Intheancientguildhallofthecandlemakers,atthetopoftheRow,wasanothercartingofficeandHarrowInn,aresortofcountrycarriers.Themanwouldhavegoneintherewherehewasquiteunknownor,indeed,hemightevenhavelaindowninthebleakcourtthatgaveaccesstothetenementsabove,butforBobbyspersistentandcheerfulbarking,beggingandnipping.

Maister,maister!hesaid,asplainlyasalittledogcouldspeak,dinnabidehere.Itsjuistastaportwotofoodanfireinthecozyauldingleneuk.

Andthen,thelevel.roadwaywonatlast,therewastherailingofthebridge-approachtoclingto,ontheonehand,andtheuprightbarsofthekirkyardgateontheother.BythehelpoftheseandtheurgingofweeBobby,AuldJockcametheshort,steepwayupoutofthemarket,totherowoflightedshopsinGreyfriarsPlace.

Withthewindatthebackandabovethehousetops,Mr.Traillstoodbareheadedinadryhavenofpeaceinhisdoorway,firelightbehindhim,andwelcomeinhisshrewdgrayeyes.IfAuldJockhadshownanyintentionofgoingby,itisnotimpossiblethatthelandlordofYeOldeGreyfriarsDiningRoomsmighthavedraggedhiminbodily.Thestormhaddrivenallhiscustomershome.Foranhourtherehadnotbeenasoulintheplacetospeakto,anditwassoentirelynecessaryforJohnTrailltohearhisownvoicethathehadbeenknown,insuchstraits,totalktohimself.AuldJockwasnotaninspiringauditor,butadealbetterthannaething;and,ifheprovedhopeless,entertainmentwastobefoundinBobby.SoMr.Traillbustledinbeforehisguests,pokedtheopenfireintoleapingflames,andheapeditupskillfullyatthebackwithfreshcoals.ThegoodlandlordturnedfromhishospitabletasktofindAuldJockstreamingandshakingonthehearth.

Man,butyourewet!heexclaimed.Hehustledtheoldshepherdoutofhisdrippingplaidandgreatcoatandspreadthemtotheblaze.AuldJockfoundadry,knittedTam-o-Shanterbonnetinhislittlebundleandsetitonhishead.Itwasamomentortwobeforehecouldspeakwithoutthehumiliatingbetrayalofchatteringteeth.

Ay,itsamistynicht,headmitted,withcaution.

Misty!Man,itsraininglikeallthesevendeilswereabroad.Havingdeliveredhimselfofthisviolentopinion,Mr.Traillfellintohisusualphilosophicvein.IhavesmapatiencewiththeScotchwayofmakinglittleofeverything.IfNoahhadbeenaLowlandScothedasaidthedelugewasjuistfairwet.

Helaughedathisownwit,histhin-featuredfaceandkeengrayeyeslightinguptoakindlinessthathisbrusquespeechdeniedinvain.HehadafluencyofgoodEnglishatcommandthathewould.havethoughtostentatioustouseinspeakingwithasimplecountrybody.

AuldJockstaredatMr.Traillandponderedthematter.Byandbyheasked:Wasnathedelugefairwet?

Thelandlordsighedbut,broughttobooklikethat,admittedthatitwas.Conversationflagged,however,whilehebusiedhimselfwithtoastingasmokedherring,anddraggingroastedpotatoesfromthelittleironoventhatwasfittedintothebrickworkofthefireplacebesidethegrate.

Bobbywasattendingtohisownentertainment.Thefamiliarplaceworeanewandenchantingaspect,andneededinstantexploration.Bydayitwasfittedwithtables,picketedbychairsandallmannerofboots.Noisyandcrowded,alittledogthatwanderedabouttherewasliabletobetroddenupon.Onthatnightofstormitwasavast,brightplace,sosilentonecouldhearthetickingofthewag-at-the-waclock,thecrispcracklingoftheflames,andthesnappingofthecoals.Theuncovereddealtablesweresetbackinadoublelinealongonewall,withthechairspiledontop,leavingawidepassageoffreshlyscrubbedandsandedoakenfloorfromthedoortothefireplace.Firelightdancedonthedarkoldwainscotingandhigh,carvedovermantel,winkedonrowsofdrinkingmugsandmetalcoversovercoldmeatsonthebuffet,andevenpickedoutthegilttitlesonthebacksofashelfofbooksinMr.Traillsprivatecornerbehindthebar.

Bobbyshookhimselfonthehearthtofreehisrain-coatofsurpluswater.TothelandlordsdryWerenoneedingashowerinthehouse.Liedown,Bobby,hewaggedhistailpolitely,asasignthatheheard.But,asAuldJockdidnotrepeattheorder,heignoreditandscamperedbusilyabouttheroom,leavinglittletrailsofwetbehindhim.

Thisgrill-roomofTraillsplacewasmoreliketheparlorofacountryinn,orafarm-housekitcheniftherehadbeenabuilt-inbedortwo,thanarestaurantinthecity.There,ahumblemanmightseehisherringtoasted,hisbannocksbakedontheoven-top,orhisteabrewedtohisliking.Onsuchanightasthisthelandlordwouldpullthesettleoutoftheinglenooktothesetbeforethesolitaryguestasmalltable,andkeepthekettleonthehob.

Spreadyourselonbothsidesothefire,man.Therellbenanetokeepuscompany,Imthinking.Ilkamanthathasaroofohisainwillbewearingitforabonnetthenicht.

Astherewasnoanswertothis,theskilledconversationalanglerdroppedabitofbaitthatthewariestmanmustriseto.

Thatsaveraintelligentbitdog,AuldJock.Hewasherewiththetimegunspieringforyou.Whenhedidnafindyouhegreetedlikeabairn.

AuldJock,huddledinthecornerofthesettle,sonearthefirethathisjacketsmoked,tooksolongatimetofindananswerthatMr.Trailllookedathimkeenlyashesetthewoodenplateandpewtermugonthetable.

Man,youreveraill,hecried,sharply.Intruthhewasshockedandself-accusingbecausehehadnotobservedAuldJocksconditionbefore.

Imnosoawfuill,camebackinirritateddenial,asifhehadbeenaccusedofsomemisbehavior.

Weel,itsnoadryherrinyellhaeinmyshopthenicht.Itsahotmuttonbroowiporridgeinit,anbitsomeattotakthecauldootoyerauldbanes.

Andthere,theplatewaswhiskedaway,andthecoverliftedfromabubblingpot,andthekettlewas

overthefireforthebrewingoftea.Ataperemptoryorderthesoakedbootsandstockingswereoff,anddrysocksfoundinthekerchiefbundle.AuldJockwasusedtotakingordersfromhissuperiors,andofferednoresistancetobeinghustledafterthismannerintowarmthandgoodcheer.Besides,whocouldhavewithstoodthatfloodofhomelyspeechonwhichthegoodlandlordcamerightdowntotheoldshepherdshumblelevel?SuchwarmfeelingwasestablishedthatMr.Traillquiteforgothisusualcautionandcertainwell-knownprejudicesofoldcountrybodies.

Noo,hesaidcheerfully,ashesetthehotbrothonthetable,yemaunjuisthaeadoctor.

Adoctoristhelastresortoftheunletteredpoor.TheverythreatofonetotheScotchpeasantofahalf-centuryagowasasentenceofdeath.AuldJockblanched,andheshooksothathedroppedhisspoon.Mr.Traillhastenedtoundothemischief.

Itsnoadoctoryellbeneeding,ava,butabitdoseophysicanabedintheinfirmaryadayortwa.

Iwullnagangtotheinfairmary.Itsjuistforpuirtoonbodiesthatareayeailinandeein.Frightandresentmentlentthesilentoldmananastonishingeloquenceforthemoment.Yewadnagangtotheinfairmaryyerainsel,antakcharity.

WouldIno?IwouldgoifIsomuchascutmysmafinger;andIwouldletastudentladdiebinditupforme.

Weel,yereasaftane,saidAuldJock.

Itwasaterriblewordsaft!JohnTraillflusheddarkly,andrelapsedintodiscouragedsilence.DeepdowninhisheartheknewthataregimentofsoldiersfromtheCastlecouldnottakehimalive,afreepatient,intotheinfirmary.

Butwhatwasonetodobutlee,rightheartily,forthegoodofthisverysick,verypoor,homelessoldmanonanightofpitilessstorm?Thathehadleedtonopurposeandgotasaftnameforitwasablowtohispride.

Hearingtheclatterofforkandspoon,Bobbytrottedfrombehindthebarandsavedthedayofdiscomfiture.Timefordinner,indeed!Uphecameonhishindlegsandpolitelybeggedhismasterforfood.Itwastheprettiestthinghecoulddo,andthelandlorddelightedinhim.

Gieimapennyplateothegudebroo,saidAuldJock,andhetookthecoppercoinfromhispockettopayforit.Heforgothisownmealinwatchingthehungrylittlecreatureeat.WarmedandsoftenedbyMr.Traillskindness,andbythehearteningfood,AuldJockbetrayedathoughtthathadrankledinthedepthsofhismindallday.

Bobbyisnamaaindog.Hisvoicewasdullandunhappy.

Ah,herewasmiserydeeperthananyphysicalill!Thepennywashis,asenselessthing;but,poor,old,sick,hamelessandkinless,thelittledogthatlovedandfollowedhimwasnahisain.TohidethehuskinessinhisownvoiceMr.Traillrelapsedintobroad,burryScotch.

Dinnafashyersel,man.Theweebeastieismaistmichtyfondoye,anilkadogayechoosesisain

maister.

AuldJockshookhisheadandgaveabriefaccountofBobbysperversity.OntheverynextmarketdaythelittledogmustberestoredtothetenantofCauldbraefarmand,ifnecessary,tiedinthecart.Itwasunlikely,youngashewas,thathewouldtrytofindhiswayback,allthewayfromnearthetopofthePentlands.InadayortwohewouldforgetAuldJock.

IcannasayitwullnabesairpartinAndthen,seeingthesympathyinthelandlordseyeandfearingadisgracefulbreakdown,AuldJockcheckedhisselfbetrayal.DuringthetalkBobbystoodlistening.Attheabruptending,heputhisshaggedpawsuponAuldJocksknee,wistfullyinquiringaboutthisemotionalmatter.Thenhedroppedsoberly,andslunkawayunderhismaster schair.

Ay,hekensweretalkinabootim.

Hesaknowingbitdog.Haveyouattendedtohissairouseducation,man?

Nae,hesoweryoung.

Youngisayethetimetoteachadogorabairnthatlifeisnoallplay.Man,youshouldputasmaterrierattheverminanmakhimusefu.

Itseneugh,ginhesgudecompanyfortheweelassiewhasfairfondoim,AuldJockanswered,briefly.Thiswasastrangesentimentfromthework-brokenoldmanwho,forhimself,wouldhaveheldornamentalidlenesssinful.Hefinishedhissupperinbroodingsilence.AtlasthebrokeoutinapeevishirritationthatonlymadehisgriefatpartingwithBobbymoreapparenttoanunderstandingmanlikeMr.Traill.

IdinnakenwhattodowiimianEdinburghlodginthenicht.TheauldwifieIlodgewiisdourbytheordinar ,anwadnabideisblatterin.Icouldnagetimpasterauldeen,anthaeterriersareayebarkinabootnaethinava.

Mr.TraillseyessparkledatrecollectionofanaptliterarystorytowhichDr.JohnBrownhadgivencurrency.LikemanyEdinburghshopkeepers,Mr.Traillwasamanofsuperioreducationandanomnivorousreader.Andhehadmanycustomersfromthenear-byUniversitytogivehimafundofstoriesofScotchwritersandotherworthies.

Youhaveadoubleplaid,man?

Ay.Ilkashepherdsgotatwa-foldplaidie.ItseemedafoolishquestiontoAuldJock,butMr.Traillwentonblithely.

Theresapocketintheplaidaneendleftopenatthesidetomakapouch?Naedoubtyouvecarriedmonyathinginthatpouch?

Nae,nosomony.Juistthenew-bornlambs.

Weel,SirWalterhadashepherdsplaid,andtherewasabitlassiehewasverafondofSyne,whenhehadbeenatthewritingatheday,andwasaffhisheidlike,withtoomonythoughts,hedgoacrossthetownandfetchthebairnietokeephimcompany.Shewasaweel-bornlassie,saxorsevenyears

auld,andsmaofherage,butnohalfassmaasBobby,Imthinking.HestoppedtoletthissignificantcomparisonsinkintoAuldJocksmind.ThelassiehadnaelikingfortheunmannerlywindandsnawofEdinburgh.SoSirWalterjusthappedherinthepouchofhisplaid,andtumbledherout,snugasalambandnanethewiser,inthebigroomwhaswallswerelinedwithbooks.

AuldJockbetrayednotaglimmerofintelligenceastothepersonalbearingofthestory,butheshowedpoliteinterest.IkennaethinabootSirWalteroronyothegrandfolk.Mr.Traillsighed,clearedthetableinsilence,andmendedthefire.Itwasillhavingnoonetotalktobutasimpleoldbodywhocouldntputtwoandtwotogetherandmakefour.

Thelandlordlightedhispipemeditatively,andhelightedhiscruiseylampforreading.AuldJockwasdryandwarmagain;oh,very,verywarm,sothathepresentlyfellintoadoze.Thediningroomwassocompassedonallsidesbutthefrontbyneighboringhouseandkirkyardwallandbythefloorsabove,thatonlyamurmurofthestormpenetratedit.Itwassoquiet,indeed,thatatiny,scratchingsoundinadistantcornerwashearddistinctly.Astreakofdarksilver,asofanimatedmercury,Bobbyflashedpast.Ascuffle,asqueak,andhewasbackagain,droppingabigratatthelandlordsfeetand,wagginghistailwithpride.

Weeldone,Bobby!Theresabiteandaboneforyouhereonytimeodayyoucallforit.Ay,asensiblebitdogwillattendtohisaineducationandmakhimselusefu.

Mr.Traillfeltasuddenaccessofwarmlikingfortheattractivelittlescrapofknowingnessandpluck.Hepattedthetousledhead,butBobbybackedaway.Hehadnomindtobecaressedbyanymanbesidehismaster.AfteramomentthelandlordtookGuyManneringdownfromthebook-shelf.KnowinghisWaverleybyheart,heturnedatoncetothepassagesaboutDandieDinmontandhisterriersMustardandPepperandotherspicyweerascals.

Ay,terriersaresonsie,lealdogs.AuldJockwillhaveanetruemournerathisfuneral.Iwouldnomindif

OnimpulsehegotupanddroppedacoupleofhardScotchbuns,verygooddog-biscuit,indeed,intothepocketofAuldJocksgreatcoatforBobby.Theoldmanmightnotbeabletobeoutthemorn.Withthethoughtinhismindthatsomeoneshouldkeepafriendlyeyeontheman,hemendedthefirewithsuchanunnecessaryclatteringofthetongsthatAuldJockstartedfromhissleepwithacry.

Whaurisityouhaveyourlodging,Jock?thelandlordasked,sharply,forthemanlookedsodazedthathisunderstandingwasnottobereachedeasily.Hegottheindefiniteinformationthatitwasatthetopofoneofthetall,oldtenementsjuistafftheCoogate.

Alangclimbforanauldman,JohnTraillsaid,compassionately;then,optimisticasusual,butitsalangclimborafoulsmell,inthepoorquartersofEdinburgh.

Ay.Itsweelaboonthefousmell.WithsomecomfortingthoughtthathedidnotconfidetoMr.Traillbutthatironedlinesoutofhisoldface,AuldJockwenttosleepagain.Well,thelandlordreflected,hecouldremaintherebythefireuntiltheclosinghourorlater,ifneedbe,andbythattimethestormmighteaseabit,sothathecouldgettohislodgingwithoutanotherwetting.

Foranhourtheplacewassilent,exceptforthefallingclinkersfromthegrate,therustlingofbook-

leaves,andtheplumpingofrainonthewindows,whenthewindshiftedapoint.Lostintheromance,Mr.Trailltooknonoteofthepassingtimeorofhisquietguestsuntilhefeltalittletugathistrouser-leg.

Eh,laddie?hequestioned.Upthelittledogroseinthebeggingattitude.Then,withasharpbark,hedashedbacktohismaster.

Somethingwasverywrong,indeed.AuldJockhadsunkdowninhisseat.Hisarmshunghelplesslyovertheendandbackofthesettle,andhislegsweresprawledlimplybeforehim.Thebonnetthathealwayswore,outdoorsandin,hadfallenfromhisscant,graylocks,andhisheadhaddroppedforwardonhischest.Hisbreathingwaslabored,andhemutteredinhissleep.

InamomentMr.Traillwasinsidehisowngreatcoat,stormbootsandbonnet.Atthedoorheturnedback.Theshopwasunguarded.AlthoughGreyfriarsPlacelayonthehilltop,withthesanctuaryofthekirkyardbehindit,andtheUniversityatnogreatdistanceinfront,itwasbutastepupfromthethief-infestedgorgeoftheCowgate.Thelandlordlockedhismoneydrawer,pushedhiseasy-chairagainstit,androusedAuldJocksofarastomovehimoverfromthesettle.Thechiefresponsibilityhelaidontheanxiouslittledog,thatwatchedhiseverymovement.

Liedown,Bobby,andmindAuldJock.Andyourenoagudedogifyoucannabarktowakenthedeadinthekirkyard,ifonystrangebodycomesabout.

Whaurareyegangin?criedAuldJock.Hewaswideawake,withburning,suspiciouseyesfixedonhishost.

Sityoudown,man,withyourbacktomysiller.Imgoingforadoctor.Thenoiseofthestorm,asheopenedthedoor,preventedhishearingthefrightenedprotest:

Dinnaging!

Therainhadturnedtosleet,andMr.Traillhadtroubleinkeepinghisfeet.HelookedfirstintothefamousBookHunter sStallnextdoor,onthechanceoffindingamedicalstudent.Theplacewasopen,butithadnocustomers.Hewentontothebridge,buttherethesheriffscourt,theMartyr schurch,thesocietyhallsandallthesmartshopswereclosed,theirdarkfrontslightedfitfullybyflaringgas-lamps.ThebitternighthaddrivenallEdinburghtoprivatecover.

Fromtherearcameaclearwhistle.SomeHeriotladdiewho,beingnotentirelyapuirorphan,butonlyfaderlessand,therefore,livingoutsidetheschoolwithhismother,hadbeenkeptafternightfallbecauseofill-preparedlessonsormisbehavior.Mr.Traillturned,passedhisowndoor,andwentonsouthwardintoForestRoad,thatskirtedthelongarmofthekirkyard.

FromtheBurghmuir,allthewaytotheGrassmarketandtheCowgate,wasdownhill.So,witharmswinged,andstoutlegsspreadwideandbraced,GeordieRosswasslidinggailyhomeward,hisknittedtippetagallantpennantbehind.HerewasaMercuryforanurgenterrand.

Laddie,doyouknowwhaur sadoctorwhocanbehadforashullingortwoforapoorauldcountrybodyinmyshop?

Ishesoawfuill?Geordieaskedwiththemorbidcuriosityoflustyboyhood.

Hesathat.Hesaffhisheid.Run,laddie,anddinnabestandingtherewaggingyourfuletonguefornaething.

GeordiewasoffwithspeedacrossthebridgetoHighStreet.Mr.Traillstruggledbacktohisshop,againstwindandtreacherousice,thinkingwhatkindofabedmightbecontrivedforthesickmanforthenight.Inthemorningthedaftauldbodycouldbehurried,willy-nilly,toabedintheinfirmary.AsforweeBobbyhewouldntmindif

Andthereheranintohisownwide-flungdoor.Agaleblewthroughthehastilydesertedplace.Asheswerescatteredaboutthehearth,andthecruiseylampflaredinthegusts.AuldJockandBobbyweregone.

III.

Althoughdismayedandself-accusingforhavingfrightenedAuldJockintotakingflightbyhisincautioustalkofadoctor,notforaninstantdidthelandlordofGreyfriarsDiningRoomsentertaintheideaoffollowinghim.TheoldmanhadonlytocrossthestreetanddropdowntheinclinebetweenthebridgeapproachandtheancientChapelofSt.Magdalentobelostinthedeepest,mostdenselypeopled,andblackestgorgeinChristendom.

Wellknowingthathewassafefrompursuit,AuldJockchuckledashegainedthelastlowlevel.Feverlenthimabriefstrength,andthecolddampwasgratefultohishotskin.NonewereabroadintheCowgate;andthatwasluckyfor,inthisblackholeofEdinburgh,evensooldandpooramanwasliabletobesetuponbythieves,onthechanceofafewshillingsorpence.

Usedashewastofollowingflocksuptreacherousbraesandthroughdriftedglens,andsurefootedasacollie,AuldJockhadtopickhiswaycarefullyovertheslimy,ice-glazedcobblestonesoftheCowgate.Hecouldseenothing.Thescatteredgas-lamps,blurredbythewet,onlymadeatimberedgalleryorstonestairsstandouthereandthereorlightedupaGothicgargoyletoafantasticgrin.Thestreetlaysodeepandnarrowthatsleetandwindwastedlittletimeinfindingitout,butroaredandrattledamongthegables,dormersandchimney-stacksoverhead.Happyinfindinghismasterhimselfagain,andsniffingfreshadventure,BobbytumblednoisilyaboutAuldJocksfeetuntilreproved.Andherewasstrangegoing.Ancientandwarringsmellsconfusedandinsultedthelittlecountrydogsnose.AfterafewinquiringandprotestingbarksBobbyfellintoasubduedtrotatAuldJocksheels.

TothisshepherdinexiletheromanceofOldEdinburghwasasealedbook.Itwas,indeed,difficultforthemostimaginativetobelievethattheCowgatewasoncealovely,woodedravine,witharusticburnbabblingoverpebblesatitsbottom,andalongthebrookastragglingpathwornsmoothbycattleontheirdrivenwaytotheGrassmarket.Then,whentheScottishnobilitywascrowdedoutofthepiled-upmansions,ontheslopingridgeofHighStreetthatranthemilefromtheCastletoHolyroodPalace,splendorcampedintheCowgate,invillassetinfairgardens,andseparatedbyhedge-rowsinwhichbirdsnested.

Intimethisravine,too,becameoverbuilt.Housestumbleddownbothslopestothewindingcattle

path,andtheburnwasarchedovertomakeathoroughfare.Laterally,thebuildingswerecrowdedtogether,untiltheupperfloorswerepushedoutontimberbracketsforlightandair.Galleries,stairsandjuttingwindowswereaddedtoouterwalls,andthemansionsclimbed,storyabovestory,untiltheCowgatewasanundercutcanon,suchasiswornthroughrockbytheriversofwesternAmerica.Lairdsandleddies,powdered,jeweledandsatin-shod,wereborneinsedanchairsdowntenflightsofstonestairsandthroughtorch-litcourtsandtunnelstreets,toroutsinCastleorPalaceandtotourneysintheGrassmarket.

FromitslowsituationtheCowgatecameinthecourseoftimetosmelltoheaven,andoutofitwasasuddenexodusofgrandfolktothenorthernhills.Thelowestlevelwasgivenoveratoncetothepoorandtosmalltrade.Thewyndsandclosesthatclimbedthesouthernslopewereeagerlypossessedbydivines,lawyersandliterarymenbecauseoftheirnearnesstotheUniversity.LongbeforeBobbysdaythewell-to-dohadfledfromtheCowgatewyndstothehilltopstreetsandopensquaresaboutthecolleges.Afewdecentworking-menremainedinthedecayinghouses,someofwhichwereatleastthreecenturiesold.Butthereswarmedinupon,andsubmergedthem,thousandsofcriminals,beggars,andthemiserablypooranddegradedofmanynationalities.Businessesthatfattenonmisfortunethesaloon,pawn,oldclothesandcheapfoodshops-linedthesqualidCowgate.Palaceswerecutupintohoneycombsoftalltenements.Everystairwasacrowdedhighway;everypassageaplaceofdepositforfilth;almosteveryroomshelteredahalffamishedfamily,indarknessandancientdirt.Grandandgreat,piousandwise,decent,wretchedandterriblefolk,ofeverysort,hadprecededAuldJocktohislodginginasteepandnarrowwynd,andninegustyflightsupunderabeautiful,oldGothicgable.

Awrought-ironlanternhanginginanarchedopening,lightedtheentrancetothewynd.Withahandoutstretchedtoeitherwall,AuldJockfelthiswayup.Anotherlanternmarkedasculptureddoorwaythatgavetothefoulcourtofthetenement.Noskycouldbeseenabovetheopenwellofthecourt,andthecarved,oakenbanisterofthestairshadtobefeltforandclungtobyonesoshortofbreath.Ontheseventhlanding,fromtheexertionofthelongclimb,AuldJockwasshakenintohelplessness,andhisheartsettopounding,byaviolentfitofcoughing.Overheadashutterwasslammedback,andanangryvoicebadehimstopdeavingfolk.

Thelasttwoflightsascendedwithinthewalls.Theoldmanstumbledintothepitch-black,stiflingpassageandsatdownontheloweststeptorest.Onthelandingabovehemustencountertheauldwifieofalandlady,rousingher,itmightbe,andnonetoogood-tempered,fromsleep.Unawarethatheaddedtohismaster sdifficulties,Bobbyleapeduponhimandlickedthebelovedfacethathecouldnotsee.

Eh,laddie,Idinnakenwhattodowiye.Wemaunjuisthaetosleepoot.ItdidnotoccurtoAuldJockthathecouldabandonthelittledog.AndthentheredriftedacrosshismemoryabitofMr.Traillstalkthat,atthetime,hadseemedtonopurpose:SirWalterhappedtheweelassieinthepocketofhisplaidHeslappedhiskneeinsilenttriumph.Inthedarkhefoundthebroad,openendoftheplaid,andtherough,excitedheadofthelittledog.

Ahap,anastap,analoup,aninyegang.Loupin,laddie.

Bobbyjumpedintothepocketandturnedroundandround.Hislittlemuzzleopenedforadelightedbarkatthisoriginalplay,butAuldJockcheckedhim.

Cuddledoonnoo,anliecannyaspussy.Withadeftturnhebroughttheweightedendoftheplaidupunderhisarmsotherewouldbenobetrayingdrag.Wellputhewoolowertheauldwifieseen,hechuckled.

Hemountedthestairsalmostblithely,andknockedononeofthethreenarrowdoorsthatopenedonthetwo-by-eightlanding.Itwasopenedafewinches,onachain,andasordidoldface,framedinstragglinggraylocksandadirtymutchcap,peeredsuspiciouslyathimthroughthecrevice.

AuldJockhadhismoneyinhandashillingandasixpencetopayforaweekslodging.Hehadsleptinthisplaceforseveralwinters,andtheoldwomanknewhimwell,butsheheldhiscoinstothecandleandbitthemwithherteethtotestthem.Withoutawordofgreetingsheshovedthekeytothesleeping-closethehadalwaysfancied,throughthecrackinthedoor,andpointedtoajugofwateratthefootoftheatticstairs.Ontheprofferofahalfpennyshegavehimatallowcandle,lighteditatherownandfitteditintotheneckofabeerbottle.

Yehaeacauld.shesaidatlast,withsomehostility.Ginyewaukenyerneeborsyelljuisthaetofechtitootwiem.

Ay,Ikenathat,AuldJockanswered.Hesmotheredacoughinhischestwithsucheffortthatitthrewhimintoaperspiration.Insomeway,withthejugofwaterandthelightedcandleinhishandsandthehiddenterrierunderonearm,theoldmanmountedtheeighteen-inchwide,walled-inatticstairsandunlockedthefirstofanumberofnarrowdoorsonthepassageatthetop.

Weelaboonthefousmell,indeed;weelworththelangclimb!Aroundthelooseframesoftwoweesouthward-lookingdormerwindows,thatjuttedfromtheslopeofthegable,cameagushofrain-washedair.AuldJocktumbledBobby,warmandhappyandnanethewiser,outintothecoldcellofaroomthatwasoh,sovery,verydifferentfromthehigh,warm,richlycoloredlibraryofSirWalter!ThisgarretclosetintheslumsofEdinburghwasallofcutstone,exceptfortheworn,oakenfloor,aflimsy,moderndoor,andathin,boardpartitionononesidethroughwhichaneeborcouldbeheardsnoring.Fillingalloftheouterwallbetweenthepeephole,leadedwindowsandrunning-uptotheslopeoftheceiling,wasagreatfireplaceofnativewhitefreestone,carvedintoflutedcolumns,foliatedcapitals,andaflatpedimentofpurestclassiclines.TheballroomofanobleofQueenMarysdayhadbeencutupintonumeroussmallsleepingclosets,manyofthemwindowless,andwerelettothechancelodgeratthreepencethenight.Here,wheregenerationsofdancingtoeshadbeenwarmed,thechimneyventwasbrickedup,andaboxed-inshelffitted,toserveforabed,aseatandatable,forsuchashadneithertimenorheartfordancing.Fortheromantichistoryandthebeautyofit,AuldJockhadnomindatall.But,ah!hehadotherjoyoftenmissedbythemorefortunate.

Becanny,Bobby,hecautionedagain.

Thesagaciouslittledogunderstood,andpatteredabouttheplacesilently.Exhaustingitinamoment,andveryplainlypuzzledandbored,hesatonhishaunches,yawnedwide,andlookedupinquiringlytohismaster.AuldJocksetthejugandthecandleonthefloorandslippedoffhisboots.Hehadnowishtowaukenisneebors.Withnervoushastehethrewbackoneofthewindowsonitshinges,reachedacrossthewidestoneledgeandbroughtin-wonderofwonders,insuchaplaceatinyearthenpotofheather!

Isitnoabonnyposie?hewhisperedtoBobby.Withthischerishedbitofthecountrythathehadleft

behindhimtheAprilbeforeinhishands,hesatdowninthefireplacebedandliftedBobbybesidehim.Hesniffedattheredtuftofpurplebloomfondly,andhisoldfaceblossomedintosmiles.Itwasthesecretthoughtofthis,andofthehillwardoutlookfromthelittlewindows,thathadironedthelinesfromhisfaceinMr.Traillsdiningroom.Bobbysniffedatthestarvedplant,too,andwaggedhistailwithpleasure,foradogskeenestmemoriesarerecordedbythenose.

Overhead,loosetilesandfinialsrattledinthefind,thatwasdyingawayinfitfulgusts;butAuldJockheardnothing.Infancyhewasawayonthebraes,intheshysunandwildwetofAprilweather.Shepherdswereshouting,sheepdogsbarking,ewesbleating,andaweepuppy,stillunnamed,scamperingathisheelsintheswift,dramaticdaysoflambingtime.Andso,presently,whentheforlornhopeofthelittlepothadbeenrestoredtotheledge,masteranddogwereintunewiththeopencountry,andbeganarompsuchastheyoftenhadindulgedinbehindthebyreonaquiet,Sabbathafternoon.

Theyhadlearnedtoplaythereliketwowell-brought-upchildren,inpantomime,soasnottoscandalizepiouscountryfolk.Now,inobediencetoagesture,anod,aliftedeyebrow,Bobbywentthroughallhisprettytricks,andshowedhowfarhisseriouseducationhadprogressed..Herolledoverandover,begged,vaultedthelowhurdleofhismaster sarm,andplayeddeid.Hescamperedmadlyoverimaginarypastures;ran,straightasastring,alongastonewall;scrambledunderathornyhedge;chasedrabbits,anddugfoxesoutofholes;swamaburn,flushedfeedingcurlews,andfrozebesidearat-hole.Whentheexcitementwasatitsheightandthelittledogwasburstingwithexuberance,AuldJockforgothiscaution.Holdinghisbonnetjustoutofreach,hecriedaloud:

Loup,Bobby!

Bobbyjumpedforthebonnet,missedit,jumpedagainandbarked-thehigh-pitched,penetratingyelpoftheterrier.

Instantlytheirlittlehouseofjoytumbledabouttheirears.Therewasapoundingonthethinpartitionwall,anoathandashoutWhaur sthedeiloadog?Bobbyflewattheinsultingclamor,butAuldJockdraggedhimbackroughly.Inavoicemadeharshbyfearforhislittlepet,hecommanded:

Haudyergabortheyllhaeyeoot.

Bobbydroppedlikeashot,cringingatAuldJocksfeet.Themostsensitiveoffour-footedcreaturesintheworld,theSkyeterrierisutterlyabasedbyarebukefromhismaster.Thewholegarretwassooninanuproarofvileaccusationandshrilldenialthatspreadfromcelltocell.

AuldJockglowereddownatBobbywithfrightenedeyes.Inthewintershehadlodgedtherehehadlivedunmolestedonlybecausehehadmanagedtoescapenotice.Timidoldcountrybodythathewas,hecouldnotfechtitootwiththethievesandbeggarsanddrunkardsoftheCowgate.Byandbythebrawlingdieddown.Inthedoublerowoflittledensthisonealonewassilent,andtheoffendingdogwasnotlocated.

Butwhenthedangerwaspast,AuldJocksheartwaspoundinginhischest.Hislegsgavewayunderhim,whenhegotuptofetchthecandlefromnearthedoorandsetitonaprojectingbrickinthefireplace.ByitslighthebegantoreadinasmallpocketBiblethePsalmthathadalwaysfascinatedhimbecausehehadneverbeenabletounderstandit.

TheLordismyShepherd;Ishallnotwant.

Sofaritwasplainandcomforting.Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures.Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters.

Nae,thepastureswerebrown,orpurpleandyellowwithheatherandgorse.Rockscroppedouteverywhere,andthepeatytarpsweremostlybleakandfrozen.ThebroadFirthwaseverebbingandflowingwiththerestlesssea,andtheburnsbickeringdowntheglens.TheministerofthelittlehillkirkhadsaidoncethatinEnglandthepasturesweregreenandthelakesstillandbright;butthatwasafey,foreigncountrytowhichAuldJockhadnodesiretogo.Hewondered,wistfully,ifhewouldfeelathomeinGodsheaven,andiftherewouldberoominthatlushsilenceforanoisylittledog,astherewasontheroughPentlandbraes.Andtherehisthoughtscamebacktothiscoldprisoncellinwhichhecouldnotdefendtherightofhisonefaithfullittlefriendtolive.HestoopedandliftedBobbyintothebed.Humble,andeagertobeforgivenforanoffensehecouldnotunderstand,thelovinglittlecreatureleapedtoAuldJocksarmsandlavishedfranticendearmentsuponhim.

Lyingsotogetherinthedark,mananddogfellintoasleepthatwasbrokenbyAuldJocksfitfulcoughingandtheabuseofhisneighbors.Itwasnotuntilthewindhadlongdiedtoamuffledmurmuratthecasements,andeveryotherlodgerwasout,thatAuldJocksleptsoundly.HeawokelatetofindBobbywaitingpatientlyonthefloorandthebarecellfloodedwithwhiteglory.Thatcouldmeanbutonething.Hestumbleddizzilytohisfeetandthrewasashaback.Overthehuddleofhighhousetops,theUniversitytowersandthescatteredsuburbsbeyond,helookedawaytothesnow-cladslopesofthePentlands,runninguptoheavenandshiningunderthepalewintersunshine.

Thesnaw!Eh,Bobby,butitsabonnysichttoauldeen!hecried,withthesimpledelightofachild.HestoopedtoliftBobbytothewonderofit,whentheworldsuddenlywentblackandroaringaroundinhishead.Staggeringbackhecrumpledupinapitifulheaponthefloor.

Bobbylickedhismaster sfaceandhands,andthensatquietlydownbesidehim.Somanystrange,uncannythingshadhappenedwithinthelasttwenty-fourhoursthatthelittledogwasrapidlyoutgrowinghisirresponsiblepuppyhood.AfteralongtimeAuldJockopenedhiseyesandsatup.Bobbyputhispawsonhismaster skneesinanxioussympathy.BeforethemanhadgothiswitsabouthimthetimegunboomedfromtheCastle.Panic-strickenthatheshouldhavesleptinhisbedsolate,andthenlainsenselessonthefloorforheknewnothowlong,AuldJockgotupandstruggledintohisgreatcoat,bonnetandplaid.InfeelingforhiswoolenmittenshediscoveredthebunsthatMr.TrailhaddroppedintohispocketforBobby.

Theoldmanstaredandstaredattheminpiteousdismay.Mr.Traillhadbelievedhimtobesoillthathewouldnabeootthemorn.Itwasastaggeringthought.

ThebellsofSt.GilesbrokeintoOvertheHillsandFarAway.ThemelodycametoAuldJockclearly,unbrokenbyechoes,forthegarretwasonalevelwiththecathedralscrownonHighStreet.ItbroughttohimagainavisionoftheMidlothianslopes,butitremindedBobbythatitwasdinner-time.HetoldAuldJocksobyrunningtothedoorandbackandbegginghim,byeveryprettywileathiscommand,togo.Theoldmangottohisfeetandthenfellback,paleandshaken,hishearthammeringagain.BobbyatethebunsoberlyandthensatupagainstAuldJocksfeet,thatdangledhelplesslyfromthebed.Thebellsdiedawayfromthemansearsbeforetheyhadceasedplaying.BoththechurchandtheUniversitybellsstruckthehouroftwothenthreethenfour.DaylighthadbeguntofailwhenAuld

Jockstirred,satup,anddidastrangething:takingfromhispocketaleatherbag-pursethatwasclosedbyadraw-string,hecountedthefewcrownsandshillingsinitandthemanysmallersilverandcoppercoins.

Thereseneugh,hesaid.Therewasenough,bycarefulspending,topayforfoodandlodgingforafewweeks,tosavehimselffromthecharityoftheinfirmary.Bythisactheadmittedthehumiliatingandfearfulfactthathewasveryill.Thepreciouslittlehoardmustbehiddenfromthechanceprowler.Helookedforaloosebrickinthefireplace,butbeforehefoundone,heforgotallaboutit,andabsent-mindedlyheapedthecoinsinalittlepileontheopenBibleatthebackofthebed.

ForalongtimeAuldJocksattherewithhisheadinhishandsbeforeheagainslippedbacktohispillow.Darknessstoleintothequietroom.Thelodgersreturnedtotheirdensoneafterone,trampingorslippingorhobblingupthestairsandalongthepassage.Bobbybristledandfroze,onguard,whenastealthyhandtriedthelatch.Thenthereweresoundsoffighting,ofcryingwomen,andthelong,lowwailingof-wretchedchildren.TheeveningdrumandbuglewereheardfromtheCastle,andhourafterhourwasstruckfromtheclockofSt.GileswhileBobbywatchedbesidehismaster.

AllnightAuldJockwasaffisheid.Whenhemutteredinhissleeporcriedoutinthedeliriumoffever,thelittledogputhispawsuponthebed-rail.Hescratchedonitandbeggedtobeliftedtowherehecouldcomforthismaster,fortheshelfwassettoohighforhimtoclimbintothebed.Unabletogethismaster sattention,helickedthehothandthathungovertheside.AuldJocklaystillatlast,notcoughinganymore,butbreathingrapid,shallowbreaths.Justatdawnheturnedhisheadandgazedinbewildermentatthealertandtroubledlittlecreaturethatwasinstantlyupontherail.Afteralongtimeherecognizedthedogandpattedtheshaggylittlehead.Feelingaroundthebed,hefoundtheotherbunanddroppeditonthefloor.Presentlyhesaid,betweenstrangledbreaths:

PuirBobby!Gangawahameladdie.

Afterthatitwassuddenlyverystillinthebrighteningroom.Bobbygazedandgazedathismasteronelong,heartbrokenlook,thendroppedtoallfoursandstoodtrembling.Withoutanotherlookhestretchedhimselfuponthehearthstonebelowthebed.

Morningandeveningfootstepswentdownandcameuponthestairs.Throughoutthedaythebabelofcrowdedtenementstrife;thecryingoffishwivesandfagot-vendersinthecourt;thestrikingofthehours;theboomofthetimegunandsweetclamorofmusicbells;thefailingofthelightandthesoaringnoteofthebuglehewatchedmotionlessbesidehismaster.

Verylateatnightshufflingfootstepscameupthestairs.Theauldwifiekeptasharpeyeonthecomingsandgoingsofherlodgers.Itwasnocannythatthisoldman,withacauldinhischest,hadgoneupfulltwodaysbeforeandhadnotcomedownagain.Tobittercomplaintsofhiscoughingandofhisstrangetalkingtohimselfshegavescantattention,butfoulplaywasdoneoftenenoughinthesedenstomakeheruneasy.ShehadnodesiretohavetheBurghpolicecomingaboutandinterferingwithherbusiness.Sheknockedsharplyonthedoorandcalled:

AuldJock!

Bobbytrottedovertothedoorandstoodlookingatit.Insuchastraithewouldnaturallyhavewelcomedthevisitor,scratchingonthepanel,andcryingtoanyhumanbodywithouttocomeinand

seewhathadbefallenhismaster.ButAuldJockhadbadehimhaudisgabthere,asinGreyfriarskirkyard.Soheheldtoloyalsilence,althoughtheknockingandshakingofthelatchwasinsistentandthelodgerswereastir.Thevoiceoftheoldwomanwasshrillwithalarm.

AuldJock,canyenowauken?And,afteramoment,inwhichtheunlatchedcasementwindowwithincouldbeheardcreakingonitshingesinthechillbreeze,therewasahushedandfrightenedquestion:

Areyedeid?

Thefootstepsfleddownthestairs,andBobbywaslefttowatchthroughthelonghoursofdarkness.

Veryearlyinthemorningtheflimsydoorwasquietlyforcedbyauthority.ThefirstmanwhoenteredanofficeroftheCrownfromthesheriffscourtonthebridgetookoffhishattothemajestythatdominatedthatbarecell.TheCowgateregionpresentedmanyastartlingcontrast,butsuchaoneasthismustseldomhavebeenseen.Theclassicfireplace,andthemotionlessfigureandpeacefulfaceofthepiousoldshepherdwithinit,hadthedignityandbeautyofsomemonumentaltombandcarvedeffigyinoldGreyfriarskirkyard.Onlylessstrangewasthecontrastbetweenthemarksofpovertyandtoilonthedeadmanandthedaintygraceofthelittlefluffofadogthatmournedhim.

NosuchmenastheseofficersofherMajestytheQueen,Burghpolicemen,andlearneddoctorsfromtheRoyalInfirmaryhadeverbeenawareofAuldJock,living.Dead,andnoneedingthemanymore,theystoodguardoverhim,andinquiredsternlyastothemannerinwhichhehaddied.TherewasahystericalbreathofrelieffromthecrowdoflodgersandtenantswhenthelittlepileofcoinswasfoundontheBible.Therehadbeennofoulplay.AuldJockhaddiedofheartfailure,frompneumoniaandwornoutoldage.

Thereseneugh,aBurghpolicemansaidwhenthemoneywascounted.HemeantmuchthesamethingAuldJockhimselfhadmeant.Therewasenoughtosavehimfromthelastindignityalifeofusefullaborcanthrustuponthehonestpoorpauperburial.ButwheninquiriesweremadeforthenameandthefriendsofthisoldmanthereappearedtobeonlyAuldJocktoenterintotherecord,andalittledogtofollowthebodytothegrave.ItwasaBiblereaderwhochancedtocomeinfromtheMedicalMissionintheCowgatewhothoughttolookinthefly-leafofAuldJocksBible.

HisnameisJohnGray.

HelaidthewornlittlebookonAuldJocksbreastandcrossedthework-scarredhandsuponit.Itssomethingbytheordinar tofindagudeauldcountrybodyinsuchafoulplace.HestoopedandpattedBobby,andnotedthebun,untouched,uponthefloor.Turningtoawildelfofabarefootedchildinthecrowdhespoketoher.Wouldyoushareyourgudebrosewiththebitdog,lassie?

Shedarteddownthestairs,andpresentlyreturnedwithherownscantybowlofbreakfastporridge.Bobbyrefusedthefood,buthelookedathersomournfullythatthefirsttearsofpityherunchildlikeeyeshadevershedwelledup.Sheputoutherhandtimidlyandstrokedhim.

Itwasjustbeforethereportofthetimegunthattwopolicemenclearedthestairs,shroudedAuldJockinhisowngreatcoatandplaid,andcarriedhimdowntothecourt.Theretheylaidhiminaplainboxofwhitedealthatstoodonthepavement,closedit,andwentawaydownthewyndonanecessary

errand.TheBiblereadersatonanemptybeerkegtoguardthebox,andBobbyclimbedonthetopandstretchedhimselfabovehismaster.Thecourtwasawell,morethanahundredfeetdeepWhatskymighthavebeenvisibleaboveitwashiddenbytierabovetierofdingy,tatteredwashings.Thestairwayfilledagain,andthrongsofoutcastsofeverysortwentabouttheirsqualidbusinesses,withonlyacuriousglanceorsoatthepatheticgroup.

PresentlythepolicemenreturnedfromtheCowgatewithamotleyassortmentofpallbearers.Therewasagood-temperedIrishlaborerfromanear-bybrewery;adecayedgentleman,unsteadyofgaitandblear-eyed,ingreasyfrock-coatandbrokenhat;aflashilydressedbartenderwhofoundthetaskdistasteful;astout,bent-backedfagot-carrier;adrunkenfishermanfromNewHaven,suddenlysoberedbythisuncannyduty,andafurtive,gaol-bleachedthiefwhofearedatrapandtriedtoescape.

Tailedbyscufflinggamins,thestrangelittleprocessionmovedquicklydownthewyndandturnedintotheroaringCowgate.Thepolicemenwentbeforetoforceapassagethroughthepress.TheBiblereaderfollowedthebox,andBobby,headandtaildown,trottedunnoticed,beneathit.ThehumblefuneraltrainpassedunderabridgearchintotheemptyGrassmarket,andwentupCandlemakersRowtothekirkyardgate.SuchasAuldJock,now,byunnumberedthousands,werecomingtolieamongthegrandandgreat,lairdandleddy,poetandprophet,persecutorandmartyr,inthepiled-up,historicburying-groundofoldGreyfriars.

Byagesturethecaretakerdirectedthebearerstotheright,pastthechurch,andondownthecrowdedslopetothenorth,thatwascircledaboutbythebacksofthetenementsintheGrassmarketandCandlemakersRow.Theboxwasloweredatonce,andthepallbearershastilydepartedtodelayeddinners.Thepolicemenhadurgentdutieselsewhere.OnlytheBiblereaderremainedtoseethegravepartlyfilledin,andtotrytopersuadeBobbytogoawaywithhim.Butthelittledogresistedwithsuchpiteousstrugglesthatthemanputhimdownagain.Thegravediggerleanedonhisspadeforabitofprofessionaltalk.

Manyadoggangsdaftangreetslikeahumanbodywhenhismaisterdees.Theyreayeputoot,atimeortwa,antheygangtofolicthatkenthem,ansynetheytaktoithers.Dinnafashyerselabootim.Hewullnagreetlang.

SinceBobbywouldnotgo,therewasnothingtodobutleavehimthere;butitwaswithmanyabackwardlookanddisturbingdoubtthatthegoodmanturnedaway.Thegrave-diggerfinishedhistaskcheerfully,shoulderedhistools,andleftthekirkyard.Theearlydarkwascomingonwhenthecaretaker,inmakinghislastrounds,foundthelittleterrierflattenedoutonthenew-mademound.

Gangawaoot!heordered.Bobbylookeduppleadinglyandtrembled,buthemadenomotiontoobey.JamesBrownwasnotanunfeelingman,andhewasbutdoinghisduty.FromanimpulseofpityforthisbonnyweebitofloyaltyandgriefhepickedBobbyup,carriedhimallthewaytothegateandsethimoverthewicketonthepavement.

Gangawahame,noo,hesaid,kindly.Akirkyardisnaaplaceforabitdogtobeleevin.

Bobbylaywherehehadbeendroppeduntilthecaretakerwasoutofsight.Then,findingtheapertureunderthegatetoosmallforhimtosqueezethrough,hetried,inhisancestralway,toenlargeitbydigging.Hescratchedandscratchedattheunyieldingstoneuntilhislittleclawswerebrokenandhistoesbleeding,beforehestoppedandlaydownwithhisnoseunderthewicket.

Justbeforetheclosinghouracarriagestoppedatthekirkyardgate.Ablack-robedlady,carryingflowers,hurriedthroughthewicket.Bobbyslippedinbehindheranddisappeared.

Afternightfall,whenthelampswerelightedonthebridge,whenMr.Traillhadcomeouttostandidlyinhisdoorway,lookingforsomeonetotalkto,andJamesBrownhadlockedthekirkyardyardgateforthenightandgoneintohislittlestonelodgetosupper,BobbycameoutofhidingandstretchedhimselfproneacrossAuldJocksgrave.

IV.

FifteenminutesafterthereportofthetimegunonMonday,whenthebellswereplayingtheirmerriestandthediningroomswerebusiest,Mr.Traillfeltsuchatinytugathistrouser-legthatitwasrepeatedbeforehegaveitattention.InthepressofhungryguestsBobbyhadlittlemorethanroomtoriseinhispretty,beggingattitude.Thelandlordwassorelievedtoseehimagain,afterfiveconsciencestrickendays,thathestoopedtoclapthelittledogonthesideandtogreethimwithjocoseapproval.

GudedogtofetchAuldJock

WithafaintandpiteouscrythatwasheardbynoonebutMr.Traill,Bobbytoppledoveronthefloor.Itwasalimplittlebundlethatthelandlordpickedupfromunderfootandheldonhisarmamoment,whilehelookedaroundforthedogsmaster.ShockedatnotseeingAuldJock,byakindofinspirationhecarriedthelittledogtotheinglenookandlaidhimdownunderthefamiliarsettle.Bobbywaslittlemorethanbreathing,butheopenedhissilkilyveiledbrowneyesandlickedthefriendlyhandthathaddonethisrefinementofkindness.IttookMr.Traillmorethanamomenttorealizethenatureofthetrouble.Adogwithsothickafleeceofwool,undersocrisplywavinganoutercoatasBobbys,mayperishforlackoffoodandshownooutwardsignofemaciation.

Thesonsie,weewhy,hesallbutstarved!

Palewithpity,Mr.Traillsnatchedaplateofbrothfromthehandsofagapingwaiterladdie,setitunderBobbysnose,andwatchedhimbegintolapthewarmliquideagerly.Inthebusyplacetheincidentpassedunnoticed.Withhisusual,briskdecisionMr.Traillturnedthebacksofacoupleofchairsoveragainstthenearesttable,tosignifythatthecornerwasreserved,andhewentabouthisdutieswithunwontedsilence.AsthecrowdthinnedhereturnedtotheinglenooktofindBobbyasleep,notcurledupinatousledball,assuchalittledogshouldbe,butstretchedonhissideandbreathingirregularly.

IfBobbywasinsuchstraits,howmustitbewithAuldJock?Thiswasthefifthdaysincethesickoldmanhadfledintothestorm.WithnewdisquietMr.Traillrememberedamatterthathadannoyedhiminthemorning,andthathehadbeeninclinedtochargetomischievousHeriotboys.LowdownontheoutsideofhisfreshlyvarnishedentrancedoorweremanyscratchesthatBobbycouldhavemade.HemayhavecomeforfoodontheSabbathdaywhentheplacewasclosed.

AfteranhourBobbywokelongenoughtoeatagenerousplateofthatdelectableandhighlynourishingScotchdishknownashaggis.Hefellasleepagaininaneasierattitudethatrelievedthetensiononthelandlordsfeelings.Confidentthatthedevotedlittledogwouldleadhimstraighttohis

master,Mr.Traillclosedthedoorsecurely,thathemightnotescapeunnoticed,andarrangedhisownworldlyaffairssohecouldleavethemtohirelingsontheinstant.Intheidletimebetweendinnerandsupperhesatdownbythefire,lightedhispipe,repentedhisunrulytongue,andwaited.AstheshortdaydarkenedtoitsclosethesunsetbuglewasblownintheCastle.Atthefirstnote,Bobbycreptfromunderthesettle,alittleunsteadyonhislegsasyet,waggedhistailforthanks,andtrottedtothedoor.

Mr.Traillhadnotroubleatallinkeepingthelittledoginsighttothekirkyardgate,forintheduskhiscoatshonesilverywhite.Indeed,byabackwardlooknowandthen,Bobbyseemedtoinvitethemantofollow,andwaitedatthegate,withsomeimpatience,forhimtocomeup.Helpwasneededthere.ByrisingandtuggingatMr.TraillsclothingandthenjumpingonthewicketBobbyplainlybeggedtohaveitopened.Hemadenonoise,neitherbarkingnorwhimpering,andthatwasverystrangeforadogoftheterrierbreed;buteachinstantofdelayhebecamemoreinsistent,andevenfrantic,tohavethegateunlatched.Mr.TraillrefusedtobelievewhatBobbysbehaviorindicated,andreprovedhiminthebroadScotchtowhichthecountrydogwasused.

Nae,Bobby;beagudedog.GangdoontotheCoogatenoo,anfindAuldJock.

Utteringnocryatall,Bobbygavethemansuchawoebegonelookanddroppedtothepavement,withhislongmuzzleasfarunderthewicketashecouldthrustit,thatthetruthshothometoMr.Traillsunderstanding.Heopenedthegate.Bobbyslippedthroughandstoodjustinsideamoment,andlookingbackasifheexpectedhishumanfriendtofollow.Then,verysuddenly,asthedoorofthelodgeopenedandthecaretakercameout,Bobbydisappearedintheshadowofthechurch.

Abig-boned,slow-movingmanofthebestcountryhouse-gardenertype,serviceablydressedincorduroy,woolbonnet,andribbedstockings,JamesBrowncollidedwiththesmallandwirylandlord,tohisownverygreatembarrassment.

Eh,MaisterTraill,yegiedmeaturn.Itsnocannytobeproolinabootthekirkyairdithegloamin.

Whaurdidthebitdoggo,man?demandedtheperemptorylandlord.

Dog?Theresnoonydogithekirkyaird.Itisnapermeetted.Ginitsapussyyereneedin,noo

ButMr.Traillbrushedthisirrelevantpleasantryaside.

Ay,theresadog.Ilethiminmyainsel.

Thecaretakerexplodedwithwrath:SyneIllhaethelawonye.Canyenoread,man?

Tut,tut,JeemesBrown.Dontstandtherearguing.Itsagudeandnecessaryregulation,butitsnothelawotheland.Iturnedthedogintosettleamatterwithmyainconscience,andJohnKnoxwouldhavedonethesamethinginthebonnyfaceoQueenMary.Whatitis,isnaebeesinessofyours.ThedogwasasmayoungterrieroftheHighlandbreed,butwithadroptohisearsandacrinkleinhisfrostycoatnojustanordinar dog.Iknowhimweel.Hecametomyplacetobefed,neardeadofhunger,thenledmehere.Ifhismasterliesinthiskirkyard,Illtakthebitdogawawithme.

Mr.Traillsastonishingfluencyalwayscarriedallwallsofresistancebeforeitwithmenofslowerwit

andspeech.Onlyasuperiormancouldbrushtime-honoredrulesasidesocurtlyandstandonhishumanrightssosurely.JamesBrownpulledhisbonnetoffdeferentially,scratchedhisshockheadandshiftedhispipe.Finallyheadmitted:

Weel,therewasabittykeithekirkyairdtwadayssyne.Iputimoot,anhaenaseenimabootonymainHeoffered,however,toshowthenew-mademoundonwhichhehadfoundthedog.Leadingthewaypastthechurch,hewentondowntheterracedslope,prolongingthewalkwithconversation,fortheguardianshipofanoldchurchyardoffersverylittlesuchlivelycompanyasJohnTraills.

Imind,noo,itwassomepuirbodyfraetheCoogate,winoonymournersbutthesmaterrieraneaththecoffin.Iletimpass,notomakadisturbanceataburyin.Thedealboxwasfetchedupbythepolice,ancarriedbysicacrewogaol-birdsaswadmakyeturnowerinyerainGodshole.Buthepaidforhisburyinwihisainsiller,annooliesascannyasthenobeelity.Naebootherestheplace,MaisterTraill;anyecanseeforyerainseltheresnoanydog.

Ay,thatwouldbeAuldJockandBobbywouldnobeleavinghim,insistedthelandlord,stubbornly.Hestoodlookingdownattheroughmoundoffrozenclodsheapedinalittlespaceoftrampledsnow.

JeemesBrown,Mr.Trailsaid,atlast,themanwhaliesherewasadecent,piousauldcountrybody,andIdrovehimtohismeeserabledeathintheCowgate.

Man,yedinnakenwhatyeresayin!wastheshockedresponse.

DoIno?Imcanny,bytheordinar ,butmyfuletonguewillgetmeintotroublewiththemagistratesoneofthesedays.Itayewagsatbothends,andisnotiedinthemiddle.

Then,stanchCalvinistthathewas,andneverdreamingthathewasindulginginthesinfulpleasureofconfession,Mr.TraillpouredoutthestoryofAuldJocksplightandofhisown.shortcomings.Itwasabitter,upbraidingthingthathe,anuncommonlycapableman,hadmeantsowellbyahumbleoldbody,anddonesoill.Andhehadfailedagainwhenhetriedtoundothemischief.TheverynextmorninghehadgonedownintotheperilousCowgate,andinquiredineveryplacewhereitmightbepossibleforsuchatimidoldshepherdtobeknown.Butthere!Aswelllookforaburrthistleinabinofoats,aslookforahumanatomintheCowgateandthewyndsjuistaff.

Weel,noo,yecouldnahaeduneaethingwitheauldbody,ava,ginhewouldnagangtotheinfairmary.Thecaretakerwastryingtoconsoletheself-accusingman.

CouldIno?Yedinnakenmeasweelasyemicht.ThedisgustedlandlordtumbledintobroadScotch.Giemetodoitancemair,anIdchairgeAuldJockwithievinmasiller,wiawinkotheeeatthepolicetomakthemkenIwasleein;ansynetheydhaehustledimaff,willy-nilly,toasnugbed.

TheenergeticlittlemanlookedsoentirelycapableofanydaringdeedthathefiredthecaretakerintoenthusiasticsearchforBobby.Itwasnotentirelydark,fortheskywasstuddedwithstars,snowlayinbroadpatchesontheslope,andallaboutthelowerendofthekirkyardsuppercandlesburnedateveryrearwindowofthetalltenements.

Thetwomensearchedamongthenear-byslabsandtable-tombsandscatteredthornbushes.They

circledthemonumenttoallthemartyrswhohaddiedheroically,intheGrassmarketandelsewhere,fortheirfaith.Theyhuntedinthedeepshadowsofthebuttressesalongthesideoftheauldkirkandamongthepillarsoftheoctagonalporticotothenew.Attherearofthelong,lowbuilding,thatwasclumsilypartitionedacrossfortwopulpits,stoodtheornatetombofBluidyMcKenzie.ButBobbyhadnotcommittedhimselftothemercyofthehangingjudge,noryettothecareofthedoughtyminister,who,fromthepulpitofGreyfriarsauldkirk,hadflungthebloodandtearstainedCovenantintheteethofpersecution.

ThesearchwascontinuedpastthemodestScottfamilyburialplotandontothewestwall.TherewasabroadoutlookoverHeriotsHospitalgrounds,asmoothandshiningexpanseofunsulliedsnowabouttheearlyElizabethanpileofbuildings.Returning,theyskirtedthelowestwallbelowthetenements,forinthecirclinglineofcourtyardedvaults,wherethenobeelityofScotlandlayhaughtilyapartundertimestainedmarbles,weremanyshadowynooksinwhichsosmalladogcouldstowhimselfaway.Skulkingcatswereflushedthere,andsentflyingoveraristocraticbones,buttherewasnotraceofBobby.

Thesecondtierofwindowsofthetenementswaslevelwiththekirkyardwall,andseveraltimesMr.Traillcalleduptoalightedcasementwhereafamilysatatascantsupper

Haveyouseenabitdog,man?

Therewasmuchcordialinterestinhisquest,windowsopeningandfacesstaringintothedusk;butnotuntilnearthetopoftheRowwasacluegained.Then,atthequery,anunkempt,illcladlassieslippedfromherstoolandleanedoutoverthepedimentofatomb.Shehadseenawee,weedoggiejinkinamangthestanes.ItwasontheSabbathevening,whenthewell-dressedfolkhadgonehomefromtheafternoonservices.Shewaseatingherporridgeatthewindow,byherlane,whenhekeekedupathersoknowing,andbeggedsobonny,thatshebalancedherbitbowlonalath,andpusheditoveronthekirkyardwall.Asshefinishedthestorythebig,blueeyesofthelittlemaid,whodoubtlesshadherselfknownwhatitwastobehungry,filledwithtears.

Theweetykecouldnaloupuptoit,anadeiloapussygotita.Hewassobonny,likealeddyspet,ansynehefelloweronthesnawancreepitawa.Hedidnacryoot,buthewasabutdeidwihunger.Atthememoryofitsoft-heartedAilieLindseysobbedonhermother sshoulder.

Thetalewasretoldfromoneexcitedwindowtoanother,allthewayaroundandallthewayuptothegables,soquicklycouldsomeincidentofhumaninterestmakeasocialgatheringinthepopuloustenements.Mostofall,thechildrenseizeduponthetouchingstory.Eagerandpinchedlittlefacespeeredwistfullyintothemelancholykirkyard.

Isheyeraindog?crippledTammyBarrpipedout,inhisthintreble.GinIhadabonnyweedogIdgieimmaainbrose,ancuddleim,anhecouldnagangawa.

Nae,laddie,hesnomydog.Hismasterliesburiedhere,andthelealHighlandermournsforhim.Withkeenerappreciationofitspathos,Mr.TraillrecalledthatthiswaswhatAuldJockhadsaid:Bobbyisnamaaindog.AndhewasconsciousofwishingthatBobbywashisown,withhisunpurchasableloveandaloyaltytofacestarvation.Ashemountedtheturfedterraceshethoughttocallback:

Ifyouseehimagain,lassie,callhimBobby,andfetchhimuptoGreyfriarsDiningRooms.Ihaveabrightsillershulling,withtheQueensbonnyfaceonit,togivethebairnthatfindsBobby.

Therewasexcitedcommentonthis.Hemust,indeed,beanattractivedogtobeworthashilling.ThechildrengenerouslysharedplansforcapturingBobby.Butpresentlythewindowswereclosed,andsupperwasresumed.Thecaretakerwasirritable.

Noo,yellhaethemaootswarminowerthekirkyaird.Theresnaecoontinthebairnsotheneeborhood,annaneothemaresoweelbrouchtupastheymichtbe.

Mr.Traillcommenteduponthisphilosophically:Abairnislikeadoginmonyways.Takasticktooneortheotherandhellmisbehave.Thechildrenherearepoorandneglected,buttheyrenoviciousliketheawfuimpsoftheCowgate,whadstealfromtheirblindgrandmithers.Getonthegudesideofthebairns,man,andyoullliveeasieranddiehappier.

ItseemeduselesstosearchthemuchlongerarmofthekirkyardthatransouthwardbehindtheshopsofGreyfriarsPlaceandForestRoad.IfBobbywasintheenclosureatallhewouldnotbefarfromAuldJocksgrave.Nearestthenew-mademoundweretwoveryoldanddarktable-tombs.Thefartheronelayhorizontally,onitsuprightthroughstanes,somedistanceabovetheearth.Thesupportsoftheotherhadfallen,andthetablelayontheirthicknesswithinsixinchesoftheground.Mr.Traillandthecaretakersatuponthisslab,whichtestifiedtothepietyandworthofoneMistressJeanGrant,whohaddiedlangsyne.

Encroachedupon,asitwas,byunlovelylife,Greyfriarskirkyardwasyetaplaceofsolitudeandpeace.Thebuildinghadthedignitythatonlyoldagecangive.Ithadlostitstowerbyanexplosionofgunpowderstoredthereinwartime,anditswallsandmanyoftheancienttombsborethemarksoffireandshot.WithinthelastdecadesomeoftheGothicopeningshadbeenfilledwithbeautifulmemorialwindows.Despitethehorrorsandabsurditiesandmutilationofmuchofthefuneralsculpturing,thekirkyardhadasaddistinction,suchasbecameitsfameasScotlandsWestminster.And,therewasoneheavenwardoutlookandheavenlyview.OverthetallestdecayingtenementonecouldlookuptotheCastleofdreamsonthecrag,anddroptheglanceallthewaydownthepinnacledcrestofHighStreet,tothedarkanddesertedPalaceofHolyrood.Afternightfalltheturretedheightsworealuminouscrown,andthesteepridgeuptoittwinkledwithmyriadlights.Afteratimethecaretakerofferedawell-consideredopinion.

Thedogmaunhaeleftthekirkyaird.Thaeterriersareayebarkin.Itdbemaistmichtynoo,ginhedbesolangithekirkyaird,annomakablatterin.

AsamanofsuperiorknowledgeMr.Traillfoundpleasureinupsettingthistheory.TheHighlandbreedarenolikeordinar terriers.Noisyenoughtodeaveone,bynature,giveabitSkyeareasonandhelllieathedayunderawhinbushonthebrae,ascannyasafox.YougaveBobbyareasonforhidingherebyturninghimout.AndAuldJockwasaverareleegiousman.ItwouldnobesurprisingifhetaughtBobbytoholdhistongueinakirkyard.

Man,hedidthatverathing.JamesBrownbroughthisfistdownonhisknee;forsuddenlyheidentifiedBobbyasthesnappylittleruffianthathadchasedthecatandbittenhisshins,andAuldJockasthescandalizedshepherdwhohadrebukedthedogsobitterly.Herelatedtheincidentwithgusto.

Theauldmancriedootonthemisbehavintyketohaudisgab.Syne,yeneersawthebitdogslikeforabairnthatdhaenalickin.Hedagaenintoapit,gintheredbeenane,anpuditinahindim.Iturnedembaithoot,antoldemnotocomeback.Eh,man,itsfearsomehooilkabodycomestoakirkyaird,toesaforeim,inalongbox.

Mr.Brownwassoberedbythisgrimthoughtandthen,inhisturn,heconfessedasliptothistolerantmanoftheworld.TheweedeiloasperitydognippedmesoIletootanaith.

Ay,thatsBobby.Hewouldnobeafraidofonythingwithhideorhaironit.Man,theSkyeterriersgointodensoffoxesandwildcats,andworrybullstilltheytaktotheirheels.AndBobbyssagaciousbytheordinar .Hethoughtintentlyforamoment,andthenspokenaturally,andmuchasAuldJockhimselfmighthavespokentothedog.

Whaurareye,Bobby?Comeawaoot,laddie!

Instantlythelittledogstoodbeforehimlikesomeconjuredghost.Hehadslippedfromundertheslabonwhichtheyweresitting.Itlaysoneartheground,andinsuchamatofdeadgrass,thatithadnotoccurredtothemtolookforhimthere.HecameuptoMr.Traillconfidently,submittedtohavinghisheadpatted,andlookedpleadinglyatthecaretaker.Then,thinkinghehadpermissiontodoso,helaydownonthemound.JamesBrowndroppedhispipe.

Itsmaistmichty!hesaid.

Mr.Traillgottohisfeetbriskly.Illjusttakthedogwithme,Mr.Brown.OnmarketdayIllfindthefarmerthatownshimandsendhimhame.Asyousay,akirkyardsnaeplaceforadogtobelivingneglected.Comeawa,Bobby.

Bobbylookedup,but,ashemadenomotiontoobey,Mr.Traillstoopedandliftedhim.

Fromsheersurpriseatthisunexpectedmovethelittledoglaystillamomentonthemansarm.Then,withalithetwistofhismuscularbodyandaspring,hewasontheground,trembling,reproachfulforthebreachoffaith,butbracedforresistance.

Eh,yourenogoing?Mr.Traillputhishandsinhispockets,lookeddownatBobbyadmiringly,andsighed.Theresadogaftermyainheart,andhellhavenaethingtodowithme.Hehasamindofhisain.Illjusthavetobeleavinghimherethetwodays,Mr.Brown.

Yewullnaleaveim!Yelltakimwiye,orIllhaetoputimoot.Man,IcouldnahaudtheplaceginIbraktherules.

Youwillnoputtheweedogout!Mr.Traillshookaplayful,emphaticfingerunderthebigmansnose.

WhywullIno?

Because,man,youhaveaverasoftheart,andyoucannadenyit.Itwaswithagenial,confidentsmilethatMr.Traillmadethisterribleaccusation.

Maheartsnososaftastopermitabitdogtoscandalizethedeid.

Hesbeenheretwodays,younoknowingit,andhehasscandalizedneitherthedeadnortheliving.HesaslealasonyCovenanterhere,andbetterconductedthanmonyalaird.Hesnothequarrelsomekind,but,man,foraprinciplehedfightlikeauldClootie.Herethelandlordsheatgavewaytopureenjoymentofthesituation.Eh,Idliketoseeyouputhimout.ItwouldbeanotherFloddenField.

Theangrycaretakershruggedhisbroadshoulders.

Yecanseeit,ginyestandby,injuistonemeenit.Fechtashemay,itwullsoonbeower.

Mr.Trailllaughedeasily,andventuredtheopinionthatMr.Brownsbarkwasworsethanhisbite.Ashewentthroughthegatewayhecouldnotresistcallingbackachallenge:Idauryoutodoit.

Mr.Brownlockedthegate,wentsulkilyintothelodge,lightedhiscuttypipe,andsmokeditfuriously.HereadaPsalmwithdeliberation,pokedupanalreadybrightfire,andgloweredathisplacidgudewife.Itwasnottobebornetobedefiedbyaten-inch-highterrier,anddared,byamanathirdunderhisownweight,todohisduty.Afteranhourorsoheworkedhimselfuptothepointofgoingoutandslammingthedoor.

AteightoclockMr.TraillfoundBobbyonthepavementoutsidethelockedgate.Hewasnotsorrythatthefortunesofunequalbattlehadthrownthefaithfullittledogonhishospitality.Bobbybeggedpiteouslytobeputinside,butheseemedtounderstandatlastthatthegatewastoohighforMr.Trailltodrophimover.Hefollowedthelandlorduptotherestaurantwillingly.Hemayhavethoughtthischampionhadanothersolutionofthedifficulty,forwhenhesawthemansettlecomfortablyinachairherefusedtolieonthehearth.Herantothedoorandback,andbeggedandwhinedtobeletout.Foralongtimehestooddejectedly.Hewasnotsullen,forheatealightsupperandthankedhishostwithmuchpolitewagging,andheevenallowedhimselftobepetted.Suddenlyhethoughtofsomething,trottedbrisklyofftoacornerandcrouchedthere.

Mr.Traillwatchedtheattractivelittlecreaturewithinterestandgrowingaffection.Verylikelyheindulgedinaday-dreamthat,perhaps,thetenantofCauldbraefarmcouldbeinducedtopartwithBobbyforaconsideration,andthathehimselfcouldwinthedogtotransferhislovefromacoldgravetoawarmhearth.

Withaspringtheratwascaptured.AjerkofthelongheadandtherewasproofofBobbysprowesstolayathisgoodfriendsfeet.Mademuchof,andinapositiontoaskfreshfavors,thelittledogwasofftothedoorwithcheerful,staccatobarks.Hisreasoningwasasplainasprint:Ihaedoneyeaservice,nootakmebacktothekirkyaird.

Mr.Trailltalkedtohimashemighthavereasonedwithabrightbairn.Bobbylistenedpatiently,butremainedofthesamemind.Atlasthemovedaway,disappointedinthishumanperson,discouraged,butundefeatedinhispurpose.Helaydownbythedoor.Mr.Traillwatchedhim,forifanychancelatecomeropenedthedoorthemasterlesslittledogwouldbeoutintotheperilsofthestreet.Bobbyknewwhatdoorswereforand,verylikely,expected.somesuchrelease.Hewaitedalongtimepatiently.Thenhebegantorunbackandforth.HeputhispawsuponMr.Traillandwhimperedandcried.Finallyhehowled.

Itwasadreadful,dismal,heartbrokenhowlthatechoedbackfromthewalls.Hehowledcontinuously,untilthelandlord,quitedistracted,and-concernedaboutthepeaceofhisneighbors,thrustBobbyinto

thedarksculleryattherear,andbadehimstophisnoise.Forfullytenminutesthedogwasquiet.Hewasprobablyengagedinexploringhisnewquarterstofindanoutlet.Thenhebegantohowlagain.Itwastrulyastonishingthatsosmalladogcouldmakesolargeanoise.

Abattlewasonbetweentheenduranceofthemanandthepersistenceoftheterrier.Mr.Traillwasspeculatingonwhichwaslikelytobevictorinthecontest,whenthefrontdoorwasopenedandtheproprietoroftheBookHunter sStallputinabare,baldheadandtheabstractedfaceofthebook-wormthatismildlyamused.

Haveyoutakntoadogatyourtimeolife,Mr.Traill?

Ay,man,anditwouldbeallrightifthebitdogwouldjusttaktome.

Thispleasantryannoyedagoodmanwhohadsmallsenseofhumor,andheremarkedtestilyThebarkindisturbsmycustomerssotheycannaread.Theplacewasaresortforstudentladdieswhohadtobesavingofcandles.

Thatsnoright,thelandlordadmitted,sympathetically.Readingmakthafullman.Eh,whatadeeferencetothewarldifRobbieBurnshadayepreferredabooktoabottle.Thebooksellerrefusedtobebeguiledfromhisjustcauseofcomplaintintotheflowerymeadsofliteraryreminiscencesandspeculations.

Youllstopthatdogscleavingnoise,Mr.Traill,orIllappealtotheBurghpolice.

Thelandlordreturnedablandandchildlikesmile.Youdbeweelwithinyourlegalrightstodoit,neebor.

Thedoorwasshutwithsuchabusiness-likeclickthatthesituationsuddenlybecameserious.Bobbysvocalpowers,however,gavenosignsofdiminishing.Mr.Traillquietedthedogforafewmomentsbylettinghimintotheouterroom,buttheswiftnessandenergywithwhichherenewedhisattacksonthedoorandonthemanswillshowedplainlythatthetrucewasonlytemporary.Hedidnotknowwhathemeanttodoexceptthathecertainlyhadnointentionofabandoningthelittledog.Togaintimeheputonhishatandcoat,pickedBobbyup,andopenedthedoor.Thethoughtoccurredtohimtotrythegateattheupperendofthekirkyardor,thatfailing,togetintoHeriotsHospitalgroundsandputBobbyoverthewall.Asheopenedthedoor,however,heheardGeordieRossswhistlearoundthebendinForestRoad.

Hey,laddie!hecalled.Comeawainameenit.Whenthesturdyboywasinsideandthedoorsafelyshut,hebeganinhismostguilelessandpersuasivetone:Wouldyouliketoearnashulling,Geordie?

Ay,Iwould.Gieittomeipenniesanhapennies,MaisterTraill.Itseemsmair,anmaksabrawjinglininapocket.

Thepricewaspaidandthetaletold.Thequickchampionshipoftheboywasengagedforthegallantdog,andGeordieseyessparkledattheprospectofdarkadventure.Bobbywasonthefloorlistening,earsandeyes,bramblymuzzleandfeatheredtailalert.Helistenedwithhiswhole,small,excitedbody,andhungontheanswertothemomentousquestion.

Istherenoawaytosmugglethebitdogintothekirkyard?

Itappearedthatnothingwaseasier,ainceyekenhoo.DidMr.TraillknowoftheinternalhighwaythroughtheoldCunzieNeukatthebottomoftheRow?Onewentupthestairsonthefronttothelow,timberedgallery,thenthroughapassageasblackasBluidyMcKenziesheart.Attheendofthat,onecametoapeepholeofawindow,setoutonwoodenbrackets,thathungrightoverthekirkyardwall.FromthatwindowBobbycouldbedroppedonacertainnoblevault,fromwhichhecouldjumptotheground.

Twameenitswark,stouthearts,sleekitfootstaps,anthefearsomedeedisdone,declaredtwelve-year-oldGeordie,whosesenseofthedramaticmatchedhisdaring.

Butwhenthedeedwasdone,andthetwostoodinnocentlyonthebrightlylightedapproachtothebridge,Mr.Traillhadhismisgivings.Awell-respectedbusinessmanandchurch-member,hefeltuneasytobeatthemercyofaladdiewhomightbeboastful.

Geordie,ifyoutellonybodyaboutthisIllhavetogiveyoualicking.

Iwullnatell,Geordiereassuredhim.Itsnosorespectable,ansynemamither dgiemeanitherlickin,antheydgiemetwamoreawfuaces,anblackmarksforamonth,atHeriots.

V.

WordhadbeenleftatalltheinnsandcartingofficesaboutbothmarketsforthetenantofCauldbraefarmtocallatMr.TraillsplaceforBobby.ThemanappearedWednesdayafternoon,drivingabigClydesdalehorsetoastoutfarmcart.Thelow-ceileddiningroomsuddenlyshrankaboutthebig-boned,longleggedhillman.Thefactembarrassedhim,asdidalsoavoicecultivatedoutofallproportiontotownhouses,byshoutingtodogsandshepherdsonwindyshouldersofthePentlands.

Haeyegotthedogwiye?

Mr.TrainpointedtoBobby,deepinablissful,afterdinnernapunderthesettle.

Thefarmerbreathedasighofrelief,satatatable,andateafrugalmealofbreadandcheese.AsroughlydressedasAuldJock,inametal-buttonedgreatcoatofhoddengray,awoolenbonnet,andtheshepherdstwofoldplaid,hewasadifferentspeciesofhumanbeingaltogether.Along,lean,sinewymanofearlymiddleage,hehadasmooth-shaven,bonyjaw,far-seeinggrayeyesunderfurzybrows,andashockofauburnhair.Whenhespoke,itwastogivebitsoutofhisownexperience.

Thaeterriersareusefueneughonanordinar fairmanithetoontokeepawathevermin,butIwadnagieatwapenny-bitforaneothemonasheep-fairm.TheresaweelassieatCauldbraewhawantsBobbyforapet.ItwasnarichtforAuldJocktowinimawafraethebairn.

Mr.Traillshandwasliftedinrebuke.Speaknaeill,man;AuldJocksdead.

Thefarmer sruddyfaceblanchedandhedroppedhisknife.Hesnoburiedsosane?

Ay,hesburiedfourdayssinceinGreyfriarskirkyard,andBobbyhasslepteverynightontheauldmansgrave.

Illjuisttakaleukatthegrave,moil,ginyellhaeaneeonthedog.

Mr.TraillcautionedhimnottoletthecaretakerknowthatBobbyhadcontinuedtosleepinthekirkyard,afterhavingbeenputouttwice.Thefarmerwasbackintenminutes,withacannyfacethatdefiedreading.HelightedhisshortDublinpipeandsmokeditoutbeforehespokeagain.

ItsowergrandforapuirauldshepherdbodytobeburiediGreyfriars.

Nosograndasheaven,Imthinking.Mr.Traillsresponsewasdry.

Ay,anwereacoontinonganginthere;butitsaproodthingtohaeyerbanesputawainGreyfriars,anceyerethroughwiem!

NaedoubtthegudeauldmanwouldratherbealiveonthePentlandbraesthandeadinGreyfriars.

Ay,thefarmeradmitted.Hewasfairfondothehills,annolikinthetoon.An,moil,hewasawonderwithelambs.Hedgangwiacollieowermilesocountryinroarinweather,anhedayefetchthelostsheephame.Theauldmoilwasnanesoweelfurnisheditheheid,butbairniesandbeastswereuncofondoim.ItwasnahisfautthatBobbywasayeathisheels.Thelassiewadabeenafter im,ginermitherhadpermeetedit.

Mr.Traillaskedhimwhyhehadletsovaluableamango,andthefarmerrepliedatoncethathewasgettingoldandcouldnolongerdothewinterwork.ToanybutaScotchmanbroughtupnearthesheepcountrythiswouldhavesoundedhard,butMr.Traillknewthatthefarmersonthewild,tipped-upmoorswerethemselveshardpressedtomeetrentandtaxes.Tokeepashepherdincapacitatedbyageandliabletoloseaflockinasnow-storm,wastoinviteruin.Andpresentlythemanshowed,unwittingly,howsweetakerneltheheartmaylieundertheshellofsordidnecessity.

Ididnakentheauldmanwasfairillorhemichthaebidedatthefairmantaknisaintimetodeeatisease.

AsBobbyunrolledandstretchedtoanawakening,thefarmergotup,tookhimunawareandthrusthimintoacoveredbasket.Hehadnointentionoflettingthelittlecreaturegivehimtheslipagain.Bobbyhowledattheindignity,andstruggledandtoreatthestoutwickerwork.ItwenttoMr.Traillshearttohearhim,andtoseethegallantlittledogsodefenseless.Hetalkedtohimthroughthelatticedcoverallthewayouttothecart,tellinghimAuldJockmeantforhimtogohome.Atthatbelovedname,Bobbydroppedtothebottomofthebasketandcriedinsuchaheartbrokenwaythattearsstoodinthelandlordseyes,andeventhefarmerconfessedtoasuddencauldinisheid.

Idgieimtoye,mon,ginitwasnathatthebitlassiewadgreetherbonnyeenootginIdidnafetchimhame.Naebootthebittykewadadeedginyehadnafedim.

Eh,man,hellnobidewithme,orIdbebargainingforhim.Andhellnobepermittedtoliveinthekirkyard.Iknownaethinginthislifemorepitifulthanamasterless,hamelessdog.Andthen,todelaythemomentofpartingwithBobby,whostoppedcryingandbegantolickhishandinfrantic

appealthroughaholeinthebasket,Mr.TraillaskedhowBobbycamebyhisname.

ItwasaleddyotheneeborhoodoSwanston.ShecamdrivinbyCauldbraeiherbitcartwishaggyShetlandstoitanstappedatthedairyforadrinkobuttermilkfraethekirn.SyneshesawthesonsiepuppyloupinatAuldJocksheels,bonnyasapoodle,butmairknowin.Theleddygiedmeapoondnoteforim.Iputimupontheseat,anshesaidthatnooshehadasmartHielandgroomtomatcherHielandsteeds,ansheflickedtheponieswierwhup.Synethebitdogwasontheairthanflyinawadoontheroadlikethedeilwasafterim.Antheleddylauchedanlauched,anwentawawiootim.Atthefutothebraeshewasstilllauchin,anshecaedback:GieimthenameoBobby,gudemon.Heslefttheplow-tailansafftoEdinburghtomakhisfameanfortune.Ididnakenwhattheleddymeant.

Man,shemeanthewaslikeBobbyBurns.

HerewasaliteraryflavorthatgaveaddedattractiontoamanwhosatatthefeetoftheScottishmuses.Thelandlordsighedashewentbacktothedoorway,andhestoodtherelisteningtotheclatterofthecartandrough-shodhorseandtothemournfulhowlingofthelittledog,untilthesoundsdiedawayinForestRoad.

Mr.Traillwouldhavebeensurprisedtoknow,perhaps,thattheconfinesofthecitywerescarcelypassedbeforeBobbystoppedprotestingandgrievingandsettleddownpatientlytomoreprofitablework.Ahumanbeingthuskidnappedandcarriedawaywouldhavebeenquitehelpless.ButBobbyfittedhismopofablackmuzzleintothelargestholeofhiswickerprison,andsethisusefullittlenosetogatheringnewsofhiswhereabouts.

IfitshouldhappentoadoginthisdaytobetakenfromYeOldeGreyfriarsDiningRoomsandcarriedsouthwardoutofEdinburghtherewouldbetwomilesormoreofcityandsuburbanstreetstobetraversedbeforecomingtotheopencountry.ButahalfcenturyormoreagoonecouldstandattheuppergateofGreyfriarskirkyardorHeriotsHospitalgroundsandlookdownaslopedottedwithsemi-rustichouses,avillageortwoandwater-mills,andthencultivatedfarms,allthewaytoastone-bridgedburnandatoll-baratthebottomofthevalley.ThishillsidewastheancientBurghmuirwhereKingJamesofoldgatheredagreathostofScotstomarchandfightandperishonFloddenField.

Bobbyhadnotgonethiswayhomewardbefore,andwaspuzzledbythesmellofprosperouslittleshops,andbythepark-likeodorsfromcollegecampusestotheeast,andfromthewell-keptresidenceparkofGeorgeSquare.ButwhenthecartrattledacrossLauristonPlacehepickedupthefamiliarscentsofmilkandwoolfromthecattleandsheepm