He refrained, though his face was dark with wrath, and I judged that there would be some hard words said before the matter was finished.
I must tell you that during the last week I had been coming more into favour with the prosperous families of the colony.

Some one may have spoken well of me, perhaps the Doctor, or they may have seen the justice of my way of trading.

Anyhow, I had a civil greeting from several of the planters, and a bow from their dames.

But no sooner was I in the porch than I saw that trouble was afoot with the young bloods.
They were drawn up on both sides the path, bent on quizzing me.

I sternly resolved to keep my temper, but I foresaw that it would not be easy.
"Behold the shopman in his Sunday best," said one.
"I thought that Sawney wore bare knees on his dirty hills," said another.
One pointed to my buckles.