It came clear and cold, with a touch in the air like frost, and a northerly wind that blew the clouds away and made the stars bright.

The streams were full, of course, and still made a great noise among the hills; but I observed that Alan thought no more upon the Kelpie, and was in high good spirits.

As for me, the change of weather came too late; I had lain in the mire so long that (as the Bible has it) my very clothes "abhorred me." I was dead weary, deadly sick and full of pains and shiverings; the chill of the wind went through me, and the sound of it confused my ears.

In this poor state I had to bear from my companion something in the nature of a persecution.

He spoke a good deal, and never without a taunt.