CONTENTS
　　TheCourtingofT’nowhead’sBellJ。M。Barrie"TheHeatherLintie"S。R。CrockettADoctoroftheOldSchoolIanMaclarenWanderingWillie’sTaleSirWalterScottTheGlenmutchkinRailwayProfessorAytounThrawnJanetR。L。StevensonTHECOURTINGOFT’NOWHEAD’SBELL
　　BY
　　J。M。BARRIE
　　FortwoyearsithadbeennotoriousinthesquarethatSam’lDickiewasthinkingofcourtingT’nowhead’sBell，andthatifLittleSandersElshioner（whichistheThrumspronunciationofAlexanderAlexander）
　　wentinforher，hemightproveaformidablerival。Sam’lwasaweaverinthetenements，andSandersacoal-carter，whosetrade-markwasabellonhishorse’sneckthattoldwhencoalwascoming。Beingsomethingofapublicman，Sandershadnot，perhaps，sohighasocialpositionasSam’l，buthehadsucceededhisfatheronthecoal-cart，whiletheweaverhadalreadytriedseveraltrades。IthadalwaysbeenagainstSam’l，too，thatoncewhenthekirkwasvacanthehadadvisedtheselectionofthethirdministerwhopreachedforitonthegroundthatitbecameexpensivetopayalargenumberofcandidates。Thescandalofthethingwashushedup，outofrespectforhisfather，whowasaGod-fearingman，butSam’lwasknownbyitinLangTammas’scircle。Thecoal-carterwascalledLittleSanderstodistinguishhimfromhisfather，whowasnotmuchmorethanhalfhissize。Hehadgrownupwiththename，anditsinapplicabilitynowcamehometonobody。Sam’l’smotherhadbeenmorefar-seeingthanSanders’s。HermanhadbeencalledSammyallhislifebecauseitwasthenamehegotasaboy，sowhentheireldestsonwasbornshespokeofhimasSam’lwhilestillinthecradle。Theneighboursimitatedher，andthustheyoungmanhadabetterstartinlifethanhadbeengrantedtoSammy，hisfather。
　　ItwasSaturdayevening——thenightintheweekwhenAuldLichtyoungmenfellinlove。Sam’lDickie，wearingablueglengarrybonnetwitharedballonthetop，cametothedooroftheone-storyhouseinthetenements，andstoodtherewriggling，forhewasinasuitoftweedforthefirsttimethatweek，anddidnotfeelatonewiththem。Whenhisfeelingofbeingastrangertohimselfworeoff，helookedupanddowntheroad，whichstragglesbetweenhousesandgardens，andthen，pickinghiswayoverthepuddles，crossedtohisfather’shen-houseandsatdownonit。Hewasnowonhiswaytothesquare。
　　EppieFarguswassittingonanadjoiningdykeknittingstockings，andSam’llookedatherforatime。
　　"Is’tyersel’，Eppie？"hesaidatlast。
　　"It’sa’that，"saidEppie。
　　"Hoo’sa’wi’ye？"askedSam’l。
　　"We’rejuistaffan’on，"repliedEppie，cautiously。
　　Therewasnotmuchmoretosay，butasSam’lsidledoffthehen-househemurmuredpolitely，"Ay，ay。"Inanotherminutehewouldhavebeenfairlystarted，butEppieresumedtheconversation。
　　"Sam’l，"shesaid，withatwinkleinhereye，"yecantellLisbethFargusI’lllikelybedrappin’inonherabootMunundayorTeisday。"
　　LisbethwassistertoEppie，andwifeofTammasMcQuhatty，betterknownasT’nowhead，whichwasthenameofhisfarm。ShewasthusBell’smistress。
　　Sam’lleanedagainstthehen-houseasifallhisdesiretodeparthadgone。
　　"Hood’yekinI’llbeattheT’nowheadthenicht？"heasked，grinninginanticipation。
　　"Ou，I’sewarrantye’llbeafterBell，"saidEppie。
　　"Amnosaesureo’that，"saidSam’l，tryingtoleer。Hewasenjoyinghimselfnow。
　　"Amnosureo’that，"herepeated，forEppieseemedlostinstitches。
　　"Sam’l！"
　　"Ay。"
　　"Ye’llbespeerin’hersunenoo，Idinnadoot？"
　　ThistookSam’l，whohadonlybeencourtingBellforayearortwo，alittleaback。
　　"Hood’yemean，Eppie？"heasked。
　　"Maybeye’lldo’tthenicht。"
　　"Na，there’snaehurry，"saidSam’l。
　　"Weel，we’rea’coontin’on’t，Sam’l。"
　　"Gae’wa’wi’ye。"
　　"Whatforno？"
　　"Gae’wa’wi’ye，"saidSam’lagain。
　　"Bell’sgeian’fondo’ye，Sam’l。"
　　"Ay，"saidSam’l。
　　"Butamdootin’ye’reafellbillywi’thelasses。"
　　"Ay，oh，Id’nakin;moderate，moderate，"saidSam’l，inhighdelight。
　　"Isawye，"saidEppie，speakingwithawireinhermouth，"gaein’onterr’blewi’MysyHaggartatthepumplastSaturday。"
　　"Wewasjuistamoosin’oorsel’s，"saidSam’l。
　　"It’llbenaeamoosementtoMysy，"saidEppie，"ginyebrakherheart。"
　　"Losh，Eppie，"saidSam’l，"Ididnathinko’that。"
　　"Yemaunkinweel，Sam’l，’atthere’smonyalasswidjumpatye。"
　　"Ou，weel，"saidSam’l，implyingthatamanmusttakethesethingsastheycome。
　　"Forye’readaintychieldtolookat，Sam’l。"
　　"Doyethinkso，Eppie？Ay，ay;oh，Id’nakinamonythingbytheordinar。"
　　"Yemaynabe，"saidEppie，"butlassesdoesnadotobeower-
　　partikler。"
　　Sam’lresentedthis，andpreparedtodepartagain。
　　"Ye’llnotellBellthat？"heasked，anxiously。
　　"Tellherwhat？"
　　"Abootmean’Mysy。"
　　"We’llseehooyebehaveyersel’，Sam’l。"
　　"No’atIcare，Eppie;yecantellherginyelike。Iwidnathinktwiceo’tellin’hermysel’。"
　　"TheLordforgieyeforleein’，Sam’l，"saidEppie，ashedisappeareddownTammyTosh’sclose。HerehecameuponHendersWebster。
　　"Ye’relate，Sam’l，"saidHenders。
　　"Whatfor？"
　　"Ou，Iwasthinkin’yewidbegaenthelengtho’T’nowheadthenicht，an’IsawSandersElshionermakkin’’swytherean’oorsyne。"
　　"Didye？"criedSam’l，addingcraftily，"butit’snaethingtome。"
　　"Tod，lad，"saidHenders，"ginyedinnabuckleto，Sanders’llbecarryin’heroff。"
　　Sam’lflungbackhisheadandpassedon。
　　"Sam’l！"criedHendersafterhim。
　　"Ay，"saidSam’l，wheelinground。
　　"GieBellakissfraeme。"
　　Thefullforceofthisjokestruckneitherallatonce。Sam’lbegantosmileatitasheturneddowntheschool-wynd，anditcameuponHenderswhilehewasinhisgardenfeedinghisferret。Thenheslappedhislegsgleefully，andexplainedtheconceittoWill’umByars，whowentintothehouseandthoughtitover。
　　Thereweretwelveortwentylittlegroupsofmeninthesquare，whichwaslitbyaflareofoilsuspendedoveracadger’scart。Nowandagainastaidyoungwomanpassedthroughthesquarewithabasketonherarm，andifshehadlingeredlongenoughtogivethemtime，someoftheidlerswouldhaveaddressedher。Asitwas，theygazedafterher，andthengrinnedtoeachother。
　　"Ay，Sam’l，"saidtwoorthreeyoungmen，asSam’ljoinedthembeneaththetownclock。
　　"Ay，Davit，"repliedSam’l。
　　ThisgroupwascomposedofsomeofthesharpestwitsinThrums，anditwasnottobeexpectedthattheywouldletthisopportunitypass。
　　PerhapswhenSam’ljoinedthemheknewwhatwasinstoreforhim。
　　"Wasyelookin’forT’nowhead’sBell，Sam’l？"askedone。
　　"Ormebbeyewaswantin’theminister？"suggestedanother，thesamewhohadwalkedouttwicewithChirstyDuffandnotmarriedherafterall。
　　Sam’lcouldnotthinkofagoodreplyatthemoment，sohelaughedgood-naturedly。
　　"Ondootedlyshe’sasnodbitcrittur，"saidDavit，archly。
　　"An’michtycleverwi’herfingers，"addedJamieDeuchars。
　　"Man，I’vethochto’makkin’uptoBellmysel’，"saidPeteOgle。"Widtherebeonychance，thinkye，Sam’l？"
　　"I’mthinkin’shewidnahaeyeforherfirst，Pete，"repliedSam’l，inoneofthosehappyflashesthatcometosomemen，"butthere’snaesayin’butwhatshemichttak’yetofinishupwi’。"
　　Theunexpectednessofthissallystartledeveryone。ThoughSam’ldidnotsetupforawit，however，likeDavit，itwasnotoriousthathecouldsayacuttingthingonceinaway。
　　"DidyeeverseeBellreddin’up？"askedPete，recoveringfromhisoverthrow。Hewasamanwhoborenomalice。
　　"It’sasicht，"saidSam’l，solemnly。
　　"Hoowillthatbe？"askedJamieDeuchars。
　　"It’sweelworthyerwhile，"saidPete，"togingatowertotheT’nowheadan’see。Ye’llmindtheclosed-inbedsi’thekitchen？Ay，weel，they’reafellspoiledcrew，T’nowhead’slitlins，an’nothataisytomanage。Th’itherlassesLisbeth’shaenhadamichtytroublewi’them。Whentheywari’themiddleo’theirreddin’upthebairnswidcometum’lin’abootthefloor，but，sal，Iassureye，Belldidnafashlangwi’them。Didshe，Sam’l？"
　　"Shedidnot，"saidSam’l，droppingintoafinemodeofspeechtoaddemphasistohisremark。
　　"I’lltellyewhatshedid，"saidPetetotheothers。"Shejuistliftedupthelitlins，twaatatime，an’flungthemintothecoffin-
　　beds。Syneshesnibbitthedoorsonthem，an’keepitthemtheretillthefloorwasdry。"
　　"Ay，man，didsheso？"saidDavit，admiringly。
　　"I’veseenherdo’tmysel’，"saidSam’l。
　　"There’snoalassiemak’sbetterbannocksthissideo’FetterLums，"
　　continuedPete。
　　"Hermithertochtherthat，"saidSam’l;"shewasagran’han’atthebakin’，KittyOgilvy。"
　　"I’veheardsay，"remarkedJamie，puttingitthiswaysoasnottotiehimselfdowntoanything，"’atBell’ssconesisequaltoMagLunan’s。"
　　"Sotheyare，"saidSam’l，almostfiercely。
　　"Ikinshe’saneathan’atsingein’ahen，"saidPete。
　　"An’wi’’ta’，"saidDavit，"she’sasnod，cantybitstockyinherSabbathclaes。"
　　"Ifonything，thickinthewaist，"suggestedJamie。
　　"Idinnaseethat，"saidSam’l。
　　"Id’nacareforherhair，either，"continuedJamie，whowasveryniceinhistastes;"somethingmairyallowchywidbeanimprovement。"
　　"A’bodykins，"growledSam’l，"’atblackhair’sthebonniest。"
　　Theotherschuckled。
　　"PuirSam’l！"Petesaid。
　　Sam’l，notbeingcertainwhetherthisshouldbereceivedwithasmileorafrown，openedhismouthwideasakindofcompromise。Thiswaspositiononewithhimforthinkingthingsover。
　　FewAuldLichts，asIhavesaid，wentthelengthofchoosingahelpmateforthemselves。Onedayayoungman’sfriendswouldseehimmendingthewashing-tubofamaiden’smother。TheykeptthejokeuntilSaturdaynight，andthenhelearnedfromthemwhathehadbeenafter。
　　Itdazedhimforatime，butinayearorsohegrewaccustomedtotheidea，andtheywerethenmarried。Withalittlehelphefellinlovejustlikeotherpeople。
　　Sam’lwasgoingthewayoftheothers，buthefounditdifficulttocometothepoint。Heonlywentcourtingonceaweek，andhecouldnevertakeuptherunningattheplacewhereheleftofftheSaturdaybefore。Thushehadnot，sofar，madegreatheadway。HismethodofmakinguptoBellhadbeentodropinatT’nowheadonSaturdaynightsandtalkwiththefarmerabouttherinderpest。
　　ThefarmkitchenwasBell’stestimonial。Itschairs，tables，andstoolswerescouredbyhertothewhitenessofRobAngus’ssawmillboards，andthemuslinblindonthewindowwasstarchedlikeachild’spinafore。Bellwasbrave，too，aswellasenergetic。OnceThrumshadbeenoverrunwiththieves。Itisnowthoughtthattheremayhavebeenonlyone，buthehadthewickedclevernessofagang。Suchwashisreputethattherewereweaverswhospokeoflockingtheirdoorswhentheywentfromhome。Hewasnotveryskilful，however，beinggenerallycaught，andwhentheysaidtheyknewhewasarobber，hegavethemtheirthingsbackandwentaway。Iftheyhadgivenhimtimethereisnodoubtthathewouldhavegoneoffwithhisplunder。OnenighthewenttoT’nowhead，andBell，whosleptinthekitchen，wasawakenedbythenoise。Sheknewwhoitwouldbe，sosheroseanddressedherself，andwenttolookforhimwithacandle。Thethiefhadnotknownwhattodowhenhegotin，andasitwasverylonelyhewasgladtoseeBell。Shetoldhimheoughttobeashamedofhimself，andwouldnotlethimoutbythedooruntilhehadtakenoffhisbootssoasnottosoilthecarpet。
　　OnthisSaturdayeveningSam’lstoodhisgroundinthesquare，untilby-and-byhefoundhimselfalone。Therewereothergroupstherestill，buthiscirclehadmeltedaway。Theywentseparately，andnoonesaidgood-night。Eachtookhimselfoffslowly，backingoutofthegroupuntilhewasfairlystarted。
　　Sam’llookedabouthim，andthen，seeingthattheothershadgone，walkedroundthetown-houseintothedarknessofthebraethatleadsdownandthenuptothefarmofT’nowhead。
　　TogetintothegoodgracesofLisbethFargusyouhadtoknowherwaysandhumourthem。Sam’l，whowasastudentofwomen，knewthis，andso，insteadofpushingthedooropenandwalkingin，hewentthroughtheratherridiculousceremonyofknocking。SandersElshionerwasalsoawareofthisweaknessofLisbeth’s，butthoughheoftenmadeuphismindtoknock，theabsurdityofthethingpreventedhisdoingsowhenhereachedthedoor。T’nowheadhimselfhadnevergotusedtohiswife’srefinednotions，andwhenanyoneknockedhealwaysstartedtohisfeet，thinkingtheremustbesomethingwrong。
　　Lisbethcametothedoor，herexpansivefigureblockingthewayin。
　　"Sam’l，"shesaid。
　　"Lisbeth，"saidSam’l。
　　Heshookhandswiththefarmer’swife，knowingthatshelikedit，butonlysaid，"Ay，Bell，"tohissweetheart，"Ay，T’nowhead，"toMcQuhatty，and"It’syersel’，Sanders，"tohisrival。
　　Theywereallsittingroundthefire;T’nowhead，withhisfeetontheribs，wonderingwhyhefeltsowarm;andBelldarnedastocking，whileLisbethkeptaneyeonagobletfullofpotatoes。
　　"Sitintothefire，Sam’l，"saidthefarmer，not，however，makingwayforhim。
　　"Na，na，"saidSam’l;"I’mtobidenaetime。"Thenhesatintothefire。HisfacewasturnedawayfromBell，andwhenshespokeheansweredherwithoutlookinground。Sam’lfeltalittleanxious。
　　SandersElshioner，whohadonelegshorterthantheother，butlookedwellwhensitting，seemedsuspiciouslyathome。HeaskedBellquestionsoutofhisownhead，whichwasbeyondSam’l，andoncehesaidsomethingtoherinsuchalowvoicethattheotherscouldnotcatchit。T’nowheadaskedcuriouslywhatitwas，andSandersexplainedthathehadonlysaid，"Ay，Bell，themorn’stheSabbath。"Therewasnothingstartlinginthis，butSam’ldidnotlikeit。Hebegantowonderifheweretoolate，andhadheseenhisopportunitywouldhavetoldBellofanastyrumourthatSandersintendedtogoovertotheFreeChurchiftheywouldmakehimkirkofficer。
　　Sam’lhadthegood-willofT’nowhead’swife，wholikedapoliteman。
　　Sandersdidhisbest，butfromwantofpracticeheconstantlymademistakes。To-night，forinstance，heworehishatinthehousebecausehedidnotliketoputuphishandandtakeitoff。T’nowheadhadnottakenhisoff，either，butthatwasbecausehemeanttogooutby-and-
　　byandlockthebyredoor。ItwasimpossibletosaywhichofherloversBellpreferred。ThepropercoursewithanAuldLichtlassiewastopreferthemanwhoproposedtoher。
　　"Ye’llbideawee，an’haesomethingtoeat？"LisbethaskedSam’l，withhereyesonthegoblet。
　　"No，Ithankye，"saidSam’l，withtruegentility。
　　"Ye’llbetter。"
　　"Idinnathinkit。"
　　"Hootsaye，what’stohenderye？"
　　"Weel，sinceye’resaepressin’，I’llbide。"
　　NooneaskedSanderstostay。Bellcouldnot，forshewasbuttheservant，andT’nowheadknewthatthekickhiswifehadgivenhimmeantthathewasnottodoso，either。Sanderswhistledtoshowthathewasnotuncomfortable。
　　"Ay，then，I’llbestappin’owerthebrae，"hesaidatlast。
　　Hedidnotgo，however。Therewassufficientprideinhimtogethimoffhischair，butonlyslowly，forhehadtogetaccustomedtothenotionofgoing。Atintervalsoftwoorthreeminutesheremarkedthathemustnowbegoing。InthesamecircumstancesSam’lwouldhaveactedsimilarly。ForaThrumsman，itisoneofthehardestthingsinlifetogetawayfromanywhere。
　　AtlastLisbethsawthatsomethingmustbedone。Thepotatoeswereburning，andT’nowheadhadaninvitationonhistongue。
　　"Yes，I’llhaetobemovin’，"saidSanders，hopelessly，forthefifthtime。
　　"Guid-nichttoye，then，Sanders，"saidLisbeth。"Giethedoorafling-toahentye。"
　　Sanders，withamightyeffort，pulledhimselftogether。HelookedboldlyatBell，andthentookoffhishatcarefully。Sam’lsawwithmisgivingsthattherewassomethinginitwhichwasnotahandkerchief。Itwasapaperbagglitteringwithgoldbraid，andcontainedsuchanassortmentofsweetsasladsboughtfortheirlassesontheMuckleFriday。
　　"Hae，Bell，"saidSanders，handingthebagtoBellinanoffhandwayasifitwerebutatrifle。Neverthelesshewasalittleexcited，forhewentoffwithoutsayinggood-night。
　　Noonespoke。Bell’sfacewascrimson。T’nowheadfidgetedonhischair，andLisbethlookedatSam’l。Theweaverwasstrangelycalmandcollected，thoughhewouldhavelikedtoknowwhetherthiswasaproposal。
　　"Sitinbytothetable，Sam’l，"saidLisbeth，tryingtolookasifthingswereastheyhadbeenbefore。
　　Sheputasaucerfulofbutter，salt，andpeppernearthefiretomelt，formeltedbutteristheshoeing-hornthathelpsoveramealofpotatoes。Sam’l，however，sawwhatthehourrequired，and，jumpingup，heseizedhisbonnet。
　　"Hingthetattieshigherupthejoist，Lisbeth，"hesaid，withdignity;"I’sebebackintenmeenits。"
　　Hehurriedoutofthehouse，leavingtheotherslookingateachother。
　　"Whatdoyethink？"askedLisbeth。
　　"Id’nakin，"falteredBell。
　　"Thaetattiesislango’comin’totheboil，"saidT’nowhead。
　　InsomecirclesaloverwhobehavedlikeSam’lwouldhavebeensuspectedofintentuponhisrival’slife，butneitherBellnorLisbethdidtheweaverthatinjustice。InacaseofthiskinditdoesnotmuchmatterwhatT’nowheadthought。
　　ThetenminuteshadbarelypassedwhenSam’lwasbackinthefarmkitchen。Hewastooflurriedtoknockthistime，and，indeed，Lisbethdidnotexpectitofhim。
　　"Bell，hae！"hecried，handinghissweetheartatinselbagtwicethesizeofSanders’sgift。
　　"Loshpreserve’s！"exclaimedLisbeth;"I’sewarrantthere’sashillin’sworth。"
　　"There’sa’that，Lisbeth——an’mair，"saidSam’l，firmly。
　　"Ithankye，Sam’l，"saidBell，feelinganunwontedelationasshegazedatthetwopaperbagsinherlap。
　　"Ye’reower-extravegint，Sam’l，"Lisbethsaid。
　　"Notatall，"saidSam’l;"notatall。ButIwidnaadviseyetoeatthaeitheranes，Bell——they’resecondquality。"
　　BelldrewbackastepfromSam’l。
　　"Howdoyekin？"askedthefarmer，shortly，forhelikedSanders。
　　"Ispeeredi’theshop，"saidSam’l。
　　Thegobletwasplacedonabrokenplateonthetable，withthesaucerbesideit，andSam’l，liketheothers，helpedhimself。Whathedidwastotakepotatoesfromthepotwithhisfingers，peelofftheircoats，andthendipthemintothebutter。Lisbethwouldhavelikedtoprovideknivesandforks，butsheknewthatbeyondacertainpointT’nowheadwasmasterinhisownhouse。AsforSam’l，hefeltvictoryinhishands，andbegantothinkthathehadgonetoofar。
　　InthemeantimeSanders，littlewittingthatSam’lhadtrumpedhistrick，wassaunteringalongthekirk-wyndwithhishatonthesideofhishead。Fortunatelyhedidnotmeettheminister。
　　ThecourtingofT’nowhead’sBellreacheditscrisisoneSabbathaboutamonthaftertheeventsaboverecorded。Theministerwasingreatforcethatday，butitisnopartofminetotellhowheborehimself。
　　Iwasthere，andamnotlikelytoforgetthescene。ItwasafatefulSabbathforT’nowhead’sBellandherswains，anddestinedtoberememberedforthepainfulscandalwhichtheyperpetratedintheirpassion。
　　Bellwasnotinthekirk。TherebeinganinfantofsixmonthsinthehouseitwasaquestionofeitherLisbethorthelassie’sstayingathomewithhim，andthoughLisbethwasunselfishinageneralway，shecouldnotresistthedelightofgoingtochurch。Shehadninechildrenbesidesthebaby，and，beingbutawoman，itwastheprideofherlifetomarchthemintotheT’nowheadpew，sowellwatchedthattheydarednotmisbehave，andsotightlypackedthattheycouldnotfall。Thecongregationlookedatthatpew，themothersenviously，whentheysangthelines：
　　"JerusalemlikeacityisCompactlybuilttogether。"
　　ThefirsthalfoftheservicehadbeengonethroughonthisparticularSundaywithoutanythingremarkablehappening。ItwasattheendofthepsalmwhichprecededthesermonthatSandersElshioner，whosatnearthedoor，loweredhisheaduntilitwasnohigherthanthepews，andinthatattitude，lookingalmostlikeafour-footedanimal，slippedoutofthechurch。Intheireagernesstobeatthesermonmanyofthecongregationdidnotnoticehim，andthosewhodidputthematterbyintheirmindsforfutureinvestigation。Sam’lhowever，couldnottakeitsocoolly。FromhisseatinthegalleryhesawSandersdisappear，andhismindmisgavehim。Withthetruelover’sinstinctheunderstooditall。SandershadbeenstruckbythefineturnoutintheT’nowheadpew。Bellwasaloneatthefarm。Whatanopportunitytoworkone’swayuptoaproposal！T’nowheadwassooverrunwithchildrenthatsuchachanceseldomoccurred，exceptonaSabbath。Sanders，doubtless，wasofftopropose，andhe，Sam’l，wasleftbehind。
　　Thesuspensewasterrible。Sam’landSandershadbothknownallalongthatBellwouldtakethefirstofthetwowhoaskedher。Eventhosewhothoughtherproudadmittedthatshewasmodest。Bitterlytheweaverrepentedhavingwaitedsolong。Nowitwastoolate。IntenminutesSanderswouldbeatT’nowhead;inanhourallwouldbeover。
　　Sam’lrosetohisfeetinadaze。Hismotherpulledhimdownbythecoat-tail，andhisfathershookhim，thinkinghewaswalkinginhissleep。Hetotteredpastthem，however，hurrieduptheaisle，whichwassonarrowthatDan’lRosscouldonlyreachhisseatbywalkingsideways，andwasgonebeforetheministercoulddomorethanstopinthemiddleofawhirlandgapeinhorrorafterhim。
　　Anumberofthecongregationfeltthatdaytheadvantageofsittingintheloft。Whatwasamysterytothosedownstairswasrevealedtothem。
　　Fromthegallerywindowstheyhadafineopenviewtothesouth;andasSam’ltookthecommon，whichwasashortcutthroughasteepascent，toT’nowhead，hewasneveroutoftheirlineofvision。
　　Sanderswasnottobeseen，buttheyguessedrightlythereasonwhy。
　　Thinkinghehadampletime，hehadgoneroundbythemainroadtosavehisboots——perhapsalittlescaredbywhatwascoming。Sam’l’sdesignwastoforestallhimbytakingtheshorterpathovertheburnandupthecommonty。
　　Itwasaraceforawife，andseveralonlookersinthegallerybravedtheminister’sdispleasuretoseewhowon。ThosewhofavouredSam’l’ssuitexultinglysawhimleapthestream，whilethefriendsofSandersfixedtheireyesonthetopofthecommonwhereitranintotheroad。
　　Sandersmustcomeintosightthere，andtheonewhoreachedthispointfirstwouldgetBell。
　　AsAuldLichtsdonotwalkabroadontheSabbath，Sanderswouldprobablynotbedelayed。Thechanceswereinhisfavour。HaditbeenanyotherdayintheweekSam’lmighthaverun。Sosomeofthecongregationinthegallerywerethinking，whensuddenlytheysawhimbendlowandthentaketohisheels。HehadcaughtsightofSanders’sheadbobbingoverthehedgethatseparatedtheroadfromthecommon，andfearedthatSandersmightseehim。Thecongregationwhocouldcranetheirneckssufficientlysawablackobject，whichtheyguessedtobethecarter’shat，crawlingalongthehedge-top。Foramomentitwasmotionless，andthenitshotahead。Therivalshadseeneachother。Itwasnowahotrace。Sam’ldissemblingnolonger，clatteredupthecommon，becomingsmallerandsmallertotheonlookersashenearedthetop。Morethanonepersoninthegalleryalmostrosetotheirfeetintheirexcitement。Sam’lhadit。No，Sanderswasinfront。Thenthetwofiguresdisappearedfromview。Theyseemedtorunintoeachotheratthetopofthebrae，andnoonecouldsaywhowasfirst。Thecongregationlookedatoneanother。Someofthemperspired。
　　Buttheministerheldonhiscourse。
　　Sam’lhadjustbeenintimetocutSandersout。Itwastheweaver’ssavingthatSanderssawthiswhenhisrivalturnedthecorner;forSam’lwassadlyblown。Sanderstookinthesituationandgaveinatonce。Thelasthundredyardsofthedistancehecoveredathisleisure，andwhenhearrivedathisdestinationhedidnotgoin。Itwasafineafternoonforthetimeofyear，andhewentroundtohavealookatthepig，aboutwhichT’nowheadwasalittlesinfullypuffedup。
　　"Ay，"saidSanders，digginghisfingerscriticallyintothegruntinganimal，"quiteso。"
　　"Grumph，"saidthepig，gettingreluctantlytohisfeet。
　　"Ou，ay，yes，"saidSandersthoughtfully。
　　Thenhesatdownontheedgeofthesty，andlookedlongandsilentlyatanemptybucket。ButwhetherhisthoughtswereofT’nowhead’sBell，whomhehadlostforever，orofthefoodthefarmerfedhispigon，isnotknown。
　　"Lordpreserve’s！areyenoatthekirk？"criedBell，nearlydroppingthebabyasSam’lbrokeintotheroom。
　　"Bell！"criedSam’l。
　　ThenT’nowhead’sBellknewthatherhourhadcome。
　　"Sam’l，"shefaltered。
　　"Willyehae’s，Bell？"demandedSam’l，glaringathersheepishly。
　　"Ay，"answeredBell。
　　Sam’lfellintoachair。
　　"Bring’sadrinko’water，Bell，"hesaid。ButBellthoughttheoccasionrequiredmilk，andtherewasnoneinthekitchen。Shewentouttothebyre，stillwiththebabyinherarms，andsawSandersElshionersittinggloomilyonthepigsty。
　　"Weel，Bell，"saidSanders。
　　"Ithochtye’dbeenatthekirk，Sanders，"saidBell。
　　Thentherewasasilencebetweenthem。
　　"HasSam’lspeeredye，Bell？"askedSanders，stolidly。
　　"Ay，"saidBellagain，andthistimetherewasatearinhereye。
　　Sanderswaslittlebetterthanan"orraman，"andSam’lwasaweaver，andyet——Butitwastoolatenow。Sandersgavethepigaviciouspokewithastick，andwhenithadceasedtogrunt，Bellwasbackinthekitchen。Shehadforgottenaboutthemilk，however，andSam’lonlygotwaterafterall。
　　Inafter-days，whenthestoryofBell’swooingwastold，thereweresomewhoheldthatthecircumstanceswouldhavealmostjustifiedthelassieingivingSam’lthego-by。Buttheseperhapsforgotthatherotherloverwasinthesamepredicamentastheacceptedone——thatofthetwo，indeed，hewasthemoretoblame，forhesetofftoT’nowheadontheSabbathofhisownaccord，whileSam’lonlyranafterhim。AndthenthereisnoonetosayforcertainwhetherBellheardofhersuitors’delinquenciesuntilLisbeth’sreturnfromthekirk。Sam’lcouldneverrememberwhetherhetoldher，andBellwasnotsurewhether，ifhedid，shetookitin。Sanderswasgreatlyindemandforweekstotellwhatheknewoftheaffair，butthoughhewastwiceaskedtoteatothemanseamongthetrees，andsubjectedthereaftertoministerialcross-examinations，thisisallhetold。HeremainedatthepigstyuntilSam’lleftthefarm，whenhejoinedhimatthetopofthebrae，andtheywenthometogether。
　　"It’syersel’，Sanders，"saidSam’l。
　　"Itisso，Sam’l，"saidSanders。
　　"Verycauld，"saidSam’l。
　　"Blawy，"assentedSanders。
　　Afterapause——
　　"Sam’l，"saidSanders。
　　"Ay。"
　　"I’mhearingye’retobemairit。"
　　"Ay。"
　　"Weel，Sam’l，she’sasnodbitlassie。"
　　"Thankye，"saidSam’l。
　　"Ihadanceakino’notiono’Bellmysel’，"continuedSanders。
　　"Yehad？"
　　"Yes，Sam’l;butIthochtbettero’’t。"
　　"Hood’yemean？"askedSam’l，alittleanxiously。
　　"Weel，Sam’l，mairitchisaterribleresponsibeelity。"
　　"Itisso，"saidSam’l，wincing。
　　"An’nothethingtotak’upwithootconseederation。"
　　"Butit’sablessedandhonourablestate，Sanders;ye’veheardtheministeron’t。"
　　"Theysay，"continuedtherelentlessSanders，"’attheministerdoesnagetonsairwi’thewifehimsel’。"
　　"Sotheydo，"criedSam’l，withasinkingattheheart。
　　"I’vebeentelt，"Sanderswenton，"’atginyecangettheupperhan’
　　o’thewifeforawhileatfirst，there’sthemairchanceo’aharmoniousexeestence。"
　　"Bell’snothelassie，"saidSam’l，appealingly，"tothwartherman。"
　　Sanderssmiled。
　　"D’yethinksheis，Sanders？"
　　"Weel，Sam’l，Id’nawanttoflusterye，butshe’sbeenower-langwi’
　　LisbethFargusnotohaelearnedherways。An’a’bodykinswhatalifeT’nowheadhaswi’her。"
　　"Guidsake，Sanders，hoodidyenospeako’thisafore？"
　　"Ithochtyekento’’t，Sam’l。"
　　Theyhadnowreachedthesquare，andtheU。P。kirkwascomingout。
　　TheAuldLichtkirkwouldbehalfanhouryet。
　　"But，Sanders，"saidSam’l，brighteningup，"yewasonyerwytospeerheryersel’。"
　　"Iwas，Sam’l，"saidSanders，"andIcannabutbethankfu’yewasower-quickfor’s。"
　　"Gin’thadnabeenyou，"saidSam’l，"Iwidneverhaethochto’’t。"
　　"I’msayingnaethingaginBell，"pursuedtheother，"but，man，Sam’l，abodyshouldbemairdeleeberateinathingo’thekind。"
　　"Itwasmichtyhurried，"saidSam’lwofully。
　　"It’saseriousthingtospeeralassie，"saidSanders。
　　"It’sanawfu’thing，"saidSam’l。
　　"Butwe’llhopeforthebest，"addedSanders，inahopelessvoice。
　　Theywereclosetothetenementsnow，andSam’llookedasifhewereonhiswaytobehanged。
　　"Sam’l！"
　　"Ay，Sanders。"
　　"Didye——didyekissher，Sam’l？"
　　"Na。"
　　"Hoo？"
　　"There’swasvarralittletime，Sanders。"
　　"Halfan’oor，"saidSanders。
　　"Wasthere？ManSanders，totellyethetruth，Ineverthochto’’t。"
　　ThenthesoulofSandersElshionerwasfilledwithcontemptforSam’lDickie。
　　Thescandalblewover。Atfirstitwasexpectedthattheministerwouldinterferetopreventtheunion，butbeyondintimatingfromthepulpitthatthesoulsofSabbath-breakerswerebeyondprayingfor，andthenprayingforSam’landSandersatgreatlength，withawordthrowninforBell，heletthingstaketheircourse。Somesaiditwasbecausehewasalwaysfrightenedlesthisyoungmenshouldintermarrywithotherdenominations，butSandersexplaineditdifferentlytoSam’l。
　　"Ihav’naawordtosayagin’theminister，"hesaid;"they’regran’
　　prayers;but，Sam’l，he’samairitmanhimsel’。"
　　"He’sa’thebetterforthat，Sanders，isnahe？"
　　"Doyenosee，"askedSanders，compassionately，"’athe’stryingtomak’thebesto’’t？"
　　"OSanders，man！"saidSam’l。
　　"Cheerup，Sam’l，"saidSanders;"it’llsunebeower。"
　　Theirhavingbeenrivalsuitorshadnotinterferedwiththeirfriendship。Onthecontrary，whiletheyhadhithertobeenmereacquaintances，theybecameinseparablesasthewedding-daydrewnear。
　　Itwasnoticedthattheyhadmuchtosaytoeachother，andthatwhentheycouldnotgetaroomtothemselvestheywanderedabouttogetherinthechurchyard。WhenSam’lhadanythingtotellBellhesentSanderstotellit，andSandersdidashewasbid。TherewasnothingthathewouldnothavedoneforSam’l。
　　ThemoreobligingSanderswas，however，thesadderSam’lgrew。HeneverlaughednowonSaturdays，andsometimeshisloomwassilenthalftheday。Sam’lfeltthatSanders’swasthekindnessofafriendforadyingman。
　　Itwastobeapennywedding，andLisbethFargussaiditwasthedelicacythatmadeSam’lsuperintendthefittingupofthebarnbydeputy。Oncehecametoseeitinperson，buthelookedsoillthatSandershadtoseehimhome。ThiswasontheThursdayafternoon，andtheweddingwasfixedforFriday。
　　"Sanders，Sanders，"saidSam’l，inavoicestrangelyunlikehisown，"it’lla’beowerbythistimethemorn。"
　　"Itwill，"saidSanders。
　　"IfIhadonlykentherlanger，"continuedSam’l。
　　"Itwidhaebeensafer，"saidSanders。
　　"DidyeseetheyallowfloorinBell’sbonnet？"askedtheacceptedswain。
　　"Ay，"saidSanders，reluctantly。
　　"I’mdootin’——I’msairdootin’she’sbutaflichty，light-heartedcritturaftera’。"
　　"Ihadayemysuspeecionso’’t，"saidSanders。
　　"Yehaekentherlangerthanme，"saidSam’l。
　　"Yes，"saidSanders，"butthere’snaegetting’atthehearto’women。
　　ManSam’l，they’redesperatecunnin’。"
　　"I’mdootin’’t;I’msairdootin’’t。"
　　"It’llbeawarnin’toye，Sam’l，notobeinsicahurryi’thefutur’，"saidSanders。
　　Sam’lgroaned。
　　"Ye’llbegaein’uptothemansetoarrangewi’theministerthemorn’smornin’，"continuedSanders，inasubduedvoice。
　　Sam’llookedwistfullyathisfriend。
　　"Icannado’t，Sanders，"hesaid;"Icannado’t。"
　　"Yemaun，"saidSanders。
　　"It’saisytospeak，"retortedSam’l，bitterly。
　　"Wehavea’oortroubles，Sam’l，"saidSanders，soothingly，"an’everymanmaunbearhisainburdens。JohnnyDavie’swife’sdead，an’he’snorepinin’。"
　　"Ay，"saidSam’l，"butadeath’snoamairitch。Wehaehaendeathsinourfamilytoo。"
　　"Itmaya’beforthebest，"addedSanders，"an’therewidbeamichtytalki’thehalecountry-sideginyedidnagingtotheministerlikeaman。"
　　"Imaunhaelangertothinko’’t，"saidSam’l。
　　"Bell’smairitchisthemorn，"saidSanders，decisively。
　　Sam’lglancedupwithawildlookinhiseyes。
　　"Sanders！"hecried。
　　"Sam’l！"
　　"Yehaebeenaguidfriendtome，Sanders，inthissairaffliction。"
　　"Nothingava，"saidSanders;"doun’tmention’d。"
　　"But，Sanders，yecannadenybutwhatyourrinnin’ooto’thekirkthatawfu’daywasatthebottomo’’da’。"
　　"Itwasso，"saidSanders，bravely。
　　"An’yeusedtobefondo’Bell，Sanders。"
　　"Idinnadeny’t。"
　　"Sanders，laddie，"saidSam’l，bendingforwardandspeakinginawheedlingvoice，"Iayethochtitwasyoushelikit。"
　　"Ihadsomesicideamysel’，"saidSanders。
　　"Sanders，Icannathinktopairttwafowksaeweelsuitedtoaneanitherasyouan’Bell。"
　　"Cannaye，Sam’l？"
　　"Shewidmak’yeaguidwife，Sanders。Ihaestudiedherweel，andshe’sathrifty，douce，cleverlassie。Sanders，there’snothelikeo’
　　her。Monyatime，Sanders，Ihaesaidtomysel’，’There’salassonymanmichtbeproodtotak’。’A’bodysaysthesame，Sanders。There’snaeriskava，man——nanetospeako’。Tak’her，laddie;tak’her，Sanders;it’sagran’chance，Sanders。She’syoursforthespeerin’。
　　I’llgieherup，Sanders。"
　　"Willye，though？"saidSanders。
　　"Whatd’yethink？"askedSam’l。
　　"Ifyewidrayther，"saidSanders，politely。
　　"There’smyhan’on’t，"saidSam’l。"Blessye，Sanders;ye’vebeenatruefrien’tome。"
　　Thentheyshookhandsforthefirsttimeintheirlives，andsoonafterwardSandersstruckupthebraetoT’nowhead。
　　NextmorningSandersElshioner，whohadbeenverybusythenightbefore，putonhisSabbathclothesandstrolleduptothemanse。
　　"But——butwhereisSam’l？"askedtheminister;"Imustseehimself。"
　　"It’sanewarrangement，"saidSanders。
　　"Whatdoyoumean，Sanders？"
　　"Bell’stomarryme，"explainedSanders。
　　"But——butwhatdoesSam’lsay？"
　　"He’swillin’，"saidSanders。
　　"AndBell？"
　　"She’swillin’too。Sheprefers’t。"
　　"Itisunusual，"saidtheminister。
　　"It’sa’richt，"saidSanders。
　　"Well，youknowbest，"saidtheminister。
　　"Youseethehoosewastaen，atonyrate，"continuedSanders，"an’
　　I’lljuistgingintil’tinsteado’Sam’l。"
　　"Quiteso。"
　　"An’Icudnathinktodisappointthelassie。"
　　"Yoursentimentsdoyoucredit，Sanders，"saidtheminister;"butI
　　hopeyoudonotenterupontheblessedstateofmatrimonywithoutfullconsiderationofitsresponsibilities。Itisaseriousbusiness，marriage。"
　　"It’sa’that，"saidSanders，"butI’mwillin’tostan’therisk。"
　　So，assoonasitcouldbedone，SandersElshionertooktowifeT’nowhead’sBell，andIrememberseeingSam’lDickietryingtodanceatthepennywedding。
　　YearsafterwarditwassaidinThrumsthatSam’lhadtreatedBellbadly，buthewasneversureaboutithimself。
　　"Itwasanearthing——amichtynearthing，"headmittedinthesquare。
　　"Theysay，"someotherweaverwouldremark，"’atitwasyouBelllikedbest。"
　　"Id’nakin，"Sam’lwouldreply;"butthere’snaedootthelassiewasfellfondo’me;ou，amerepassin’fancy，’syemichtsay。"
　　"THEHEATHERLINTIE"
　　BY
　　S。R。CROCKETT
　　JanetBalchrystielivedinalittlecottageatthebackoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Shehadbeenahard-workingwomanallherdays，forhermotherdiedwhenshewasbutyoung，andshehadlivedon，keepingherfather’shousebythesideofthesingle-trackrailway-line。GavinBalchrystiewasaforemanplate-layerontheP。P。R。，andwithtwomenunderhim，hadchargeofasectionofthreemiles。Helivedjustwherethatdistinguishedbutimpecuniouslineplungesintoamoss-coveredgranitewildernessofmoorandbog，wherethereisnotmorethanashepherd’shuttothehalf-dozenmiles，andwherethepassageofatrainistheoccasionofcommotionamongscatteredgroupsofblack-
　　facedsheep。GavinBalchrystie’sthreemilesofP。P。R。metalsgavehimlittlework，butagooddealofhealthyexercise。Theblack-facedsheepbreakingdownthefencesandstrayingonthelineside，andthetorrentscomingdownthegranitegullies，foamingwhiteafterawater-
　　spout，andtearingintohisembankments，undermininghischairsandplates，weretheonlytroublesofhislife。Therewas，however，alittlepublic-houseatTheHuts，whichintheolddaysofconstructionhadhadthelicense，andwhichhadlingeredalone，licenseandall，whenitsimmediatepurposeinlifehadbeenfulfilled，becausetherewasnobodybutthewhaupsandtherailwayofficialsonthepassingtrainstoobjecttoitscontinuance。Nowitiscoldandblowyonthewest-landmoors，andneitherwhaupsnordark-blueuniformsobjecttoalittlerefreshmentupthere。ThemischiefwasthatGavinBalchrystiedidnot，liketheguardsandengine-drivers，goonwiththepassingtrain。Hewasalwaysonthespot，andthepaththroughBarbraxWoodtotheRailwayInnwasaswelltroddenasthatwhichledoverthebogmoss，wherethewhaupsbuilt，tothegreatwhiteviaductofLochMerrick，wherehisthreemilesofparallelgleamingresponsibilitybegan。
　　Whenhiswifewasbutnewlydead，andhisJanetjustasmartelf-
　　lockedlassierunningtoandfromtheschool，Gavingottoomuchinthewayof"slippin’doonby。"WhenJanetgrewtobewomanmuckle，Gavinkeptthehabit，andJanethardlyknewthatitwasnottheuseandwontofallfatherstosidledowntoacontiguousRailwayArms，andreturnsomehourslaterwithuncertainstep，andfaceprickedoutwithbrightpin-pointsofred——thesuremarkoftheconfirmeddrinkerofwhiskyneat。
　　TheywerelongdaysinthecottageatthebackofBarbraxLongWood。
　　Thelittle"butan’ben"waswhitewashedtillitdazzledtheeyesasyoucameoverthebraetoitandfounditsetagainstthesolemndepthsofdark-greenfirwood。Fromearlymorn，whenshesawherfatheroff，tilltheduskoftheday，whenhewouldreturnforhissupper，JanetBalchrystiesawnohumanbeing。Sheheardthemuffledroarofthetrainsthroughthedeepcuttingatthebackofthewood，butsheherselfwasentirelyoutofsightofthecarriagefulsoftravellerswhiskingpastwithinhalfamileofhersolitudeandmeditation。
　　Janetwaswhatiscalleda"through-gaunlass，"andherworkforthedaywasoftenoverbyeighto’clockinthemorning。Janetgrewtowomanhoodwithoutasweetheart。Shewasplain，andshelookedplainerthanshewasinthedresseswhichshemadeforherselfbythelightofnatureandwhatshecouldrememberofthecurrentfashionsatMerrickKirk，towhichshewenteveryalternateSunday。Herfatherandshetookdayabout。Wetorshine，shetrampedtoMerrickKirk，evenwhentherainblatteredandthewindravedandbleatedalternatelyamongthepinesoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Herfatherhadasimplerwayofspendinghisdayout。HewentdowntotheRailwayInnanddrank"ginger-beer"alldaywiththelandlord。Ginger-beerisanunsteadyingbeveragewhentakenthedaybythelength。Alsothemanwhodrinksitsteadilyandquietlyneverentersonanyinheritanceoflengthofdays。
　　SoitcametopassthatonenightGavinBalchrystiedidnotcomehomeatall——atleast，nottillhewasbroughtlyingcomfortablyonthedoorofadisusedthird-classcarriage，whichwasnowseeingoutitscareeranchoredunderthebankatLochMerrick，whereGavinhaduseditasashelter。Thedriverofthe"six-fiftyup"trainhadseenhimwalkingsoberlyalongtowardTheHuts（andtheRailwayInn），lettinghislongsurface-man’shammerfallagainsttherail-keysoccasionallyashewalked。Hesawhimbendonce，asthoughhiskeeneardetectedafalseringinalooselengthbetweentwoplates。Thiswasthelastthatwasseenofhimtillthedriverofthe"nine-thirty-sevendown"
　　express——the"boat-train，"astheemployeesoftheP。P。R。callit，withatouchofrespectintheirvoices——passedGavinfallenforwardonhisfacejustwhenhewasflyingdowngradeunderafullheadofsteam。Itwasduskilyclear，withagreatlakeofcrimsonlightdyingintopurpleoverthehillsofmidsummerheather。ThedriverwasJohnPlatt，theEnglishmanfromCrewe，whohadbeenbroughtfromthegreatLondonandNorthwesternRailway，locallyknownas"TheEll-nen-
　　doubleyou。"Intheseremoterailwaycirclesthetalkisasexclusivelyofmattersofthefour-footwayasinCreweorDerby。Thereisaninspectoroftraffic，whoseportlypresencenowgracesCarlisleStation，wholefttheP。P。R。inthesesaddaysofamalgamation，becausehecouldnotenduretoseesomany"Sou’west"waggonspassingoverthesacredmetalsoftheP。P。R。permanentway。Fromhisyouthhehadbeentrainedinacreedoftwoarticles："ToswearbytheP。P。R。
　　throughthickandthin，andhatetheapplegreenofthe’Sou’west。’"
　　Itwasasmuchashecoulddotoputupwiththesightoftheabominations;tohavetohuntfortheirtruckswhentheygotastraywasmorethanmortalcouldstand，sohefledtheland。
　　SowhentheystoppedtheexpressforGavinBalchrystie，everymanonthelinefeltthatitwasanhonourtothedead。JohnPlattsenta"gurring"thrillthroughthetrainasheputhisbrakesharddownandwhistledfortheguard。He，thinkingthattheMerrickViaductwasdownatleast，twirledhisbraketosuchpurposethattherearcarprogressedalongthemetalsbyaseriesofconvulsivebounds。Thentheysoftlyranback，andtherelayGavinfallenforwardonhisknees，asthoughhehadbeentryingtorise，orhadkneltdowntopray。Lethimhave"thebenefitofthedoubt"inthisworld。Inthenext，ifalltalesbetrue，thereisnosuchthing。
　　SoJanetBalchrystiedweltaloneinthewhite"butan’ben"atthebackoftheLongWoodofBarbrax。Thefactorgavehernotice，butthelaird，whowasnotaccountedbyhisneighbourstobeverywise，becausehedidneedlesslykindthings，toldthefactortoletthelassiebide，anddeliveredtoherselfwithhisownhandwritingtotheeffectthatJanetBalchrystie，inconsiderationofherlonelycondition，wastobeallowedthehouseforherlifetime，acow’sgrass，andthirtypoundsterlingintheyearasachargeontheestate。Hedrovedownthecowhimself，andhavingstalleditinthebyre，heinformedherofthefactovertheyarddykebywordofmouth，forhenevercouldbeinducedtoenterherdoor。Hewasaccountedtobe"geyan’queer，"savebythosewhohadtriedmakingabargainwithhim。Buthisfarmerslikedhim，knowinghimtobeaneasymanwiththosewhohadbeenreallyunfortunate，forheknewtowhattheyear’scropsofeachhadamounted，toasinglechalderandheadofnowt。