But mony's the ancient gude man that Jehovah used for sword! Aye, and approved the sword that he used--calling him faithful servant and man after His heart! I am na judging." From the moor Glenfernie rode through the village.

Folk spoke to him, looked after him; children about the doors called to others, "It's tha laird on Black Alan!" Old and young women, distaff or pan or pot or pitcher in hand, turned head, gazed, spoke to themselves or to one another.

The Jardine Arms looked out of doors.

"He's unco like tha auld laird!" Auld Willy, that was over a hundred, raised a piping voice, "Did ye young things remember Gawin Elliot that was his great-grandfather ye'd be saying, 'Ye might think it was Gawin Elliot that was hangit!'" Mrs.Macmurdo came to her shop door.

"Eh, the laird, wi' all the straw of all that's past alight in his heart!" Alexander answered the "good days," but he did not draw rein.