When I had finished eating, I went down to the edge of the loch and, stooping, drank. Then I returned to my seat and waited. The stars were coming out one by one, and the horn of the moon was just appearing like the point of a silver sickle above a bank of clouds when I heard the music of the flute. It pulsated with a haunting beauty, like some elfin melody which the semi-darkness and the intervening water conspired to render strangely sweet. Evidently the player was in a happy mood, for his notes were instinct with joy, and, though they lacked that mystic sadness which had so thrilled me a night ago, they cast a glamour over me. When the music ceased I tarried for a space, for I had no desire to break in upon the devotions of my friend; but by and by I made my way round to the other side of the loch. I found the hermit awaiting me. He bade me "Good e’en" and asked if I had had anything to eat. I told him that I had already satisfied my hunger. "That is a pity," he said, "for the ravens have been kind to-day and have brought me a little Galloway cheese forby twa or three girdles-fu’ o’ guid, crisp oatcake; by the morn they’ll no’ be so tasty, so just try a corner and a wee bit o’ cheese along with me." Little loth, I assented, and soon I was enjoying some of his toothsome store. I ate sparingly, for I had already blunted the edge of my hunger and I had no wish to abuse his generosity. As I nibbled the crisp oatcake I thought of the girl I had seen on the hill-side, and in a fit of curiosity said: "I have been thinking that though the Lord sent the ravens to feed Elijah, he has been sending somebody bonnier and blither to feed you--in fact no raven, but a heather-lintie!" He looked at me quickly, and replied: "I am no’ sayin’ yea or nay; and at any rate you have no call to exercise your mind with what doesna concern you." The rebuke was a just one and I was sorry for my offence. When our meal was over, he took me by the arm. "What say you to a walk by the light o’ the moon?" he asked. "I’ll guarantee you will fall into no more bogs, for I know every foot of these hills as well as I know the palm of my hand." "Your pleasure is mine," I said. So we set out, and as we went he talked. "Last night," he said, "you told me your story; to-night, if you care to listen, I will tell you mine.