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Lewis replied that he should think about equal betting "You see the place is Radical in the main, with the mills at Gledfoot and the weavers at Gledsmuir Up in Glenavelin they are ets in usually by a sood deal of property down the Gled If two strangers fought it the Radical would win; as it is it is pretty ns?"

"Oh, that scare has been raised every time by the other party I should say that there's no doubt that the old man will keep on for years"

Mr Stocks looked relieved "I heard of his resignation as a certainty, and I was afraid that a stronger ht take his place"

So it fell out that the day which began with pastoral closed, like many another day, with politics Since Lewis refrained from controversy, Mr Stocks seeer need be feared, nay, even as a convert to be fostered He became confident and talked jocularly of the tricks of his trade Lewis's boredom was complete by the time they reached the farmhouse and found the Glenavelin party ready to start

"We want to see Etterick, so we shall come to lunch to-morroie," said his aunt "So be prepared, my dear, and be on your best behaviour"

Then, with his two friends, he turned towards the lights of his home