“Ou ay,” he said, at length. “I’m no saying ’at ye’re no a humorist. I ken fine ye’re a sarcesticist, but there’s other humorists in the world, am thinkin’.” This was scarcely what Tammas had expected. Hendry was usually one of his most devoted admirers. There was an awkward silence, which made me feel uncomfortable. I am only a poor Dominie, but some of my happiest hours had been passed on the pig-sty. Were these merry meetings to come to an end? Pete took up the talking. “Hendry, my man,” he observed, as he helped himself out of Tammas’s snuff-mull, “ye’re ower kyow-owy. Ye ken humour’s a thing ’at spouts out o’ its ain accord, an’ there’s no nae spouter in Thrums ’at can match wi’ Tammas.” [Illustration: A VESTED INTEREST _Bystander (to excited Scot, whose friend had been run over)._ “Not a near relative, I hope, sir.” _Scot._ “Na--but--he has on a pair of ma breeks!”] He looked defiantly at Hendry, who was engaged in searching for coppers in his north-east-by-east-trouser pocket. T’nowhead said nothing, and Hookey was similarly occupied. At last, the stranger spoke. “Gentlemen,” he began, “may I say a word? I may lay claim to some experience in the matter. I travel in humour, and generally manage to do a large business.” He looked round interrogatively. Tammas eyed him with one of his keen glances. Then he worked his mouth round and round to clear the course for a sarcasm. “So you’re the puir crittur,” said the stone-breaker, “’at’s meanin’ to be a humorist.” This was the challenge. We all knew what it meant, and fixed our eyes on the stranger. [Illustration: A TARTAR Dr. M‘Currie (a chilly old soul), having ascertained from his landlady that coals are sixpence a scuttle, politely insists on providing a scuttle of his own, and begs to return, with many thanks, the charmingly tasteful article she had intended for his use.] [Illustration: SOLILOQUY “If I hold on, I’ll lose my train; if I let go, I’ll fa’! Did ever onybody hear tell o’ sic a predicament?”] [Illustration: “THE GARB OF OLD GAUL” _Native (to visitor from the South)._ “Ah, you’ve donned the kilt! Quite killing, I declare! But why do you wear the Macdonald tartan when your name is Thompson?” _Little T. (who has been getting a good deal of chaff)._ “F’r a very good reason--’cause I’ve paid for it!” [_Retires in a huff._]