However this may have been, the various groups which at the beginning and close of the session passed through Rothieden weary and footsore, were sure of a hearty welcome at The Boar's Head.

And much the men needed it.

Some of them would have walked between one and two hundred miles before completing their journey.
Robert made a circuit, and, fleet of foot, was in Miss Napier's parlour before the travellers made their appearance on the square.

When they knocked at the door, Miss Letty herself went and opened it.
'Can ye tak 's in, mem ?' was on the lips of their spokesman, but Miss Letty had the first word.
'Come in, come in, gentlemen.

This is the first o' ye, and ye're the mair welcome.