The silence of Adam so far helped the minister as to give him time to breathe, and to think. He believed that he had made an impression on the Sergeant, and that it was possible things might not be so bad as they had looked. He hoped and wished to put them right, and desired to avoid any serious quarrel with Mercer, whom he really respected as one of his best elders, and as one who had never given him any trouble or uneasiness, far less opposition. Adam, on the other hand, had been so suddenly and unexpectedly attacked, that he hardly knew for a moment what to say or do. Once or twice the old ardent temperament made him feel something at his throat, such as used to be there when the order to charge was given, or the command to form square and prepare to receive cavalry. But the habits of "drill" and the power of passive endurance came to his aid, along with a higher principle. He remained silent. When the steam had roared off, and the ecclesiastical boiler of Mr. Porteous was relieved from extreme pressure, he began to simmer, and to be more quiet about the safety valve. Sitting down, and so giving evidence of his being at once fatigued and mollified, he resumed his discourse. "Sergeant"--he had hitherto addressed him as Mr. Mercer--"Sergeant, you know my respect for you. I will say that a better man, a more attentive hearer, a more decided and consistent Churchman, and a more faithful elder, I have not in my parish----" Adam bowed. "Be also seated," said the minister. "Thank you, sir," said Adam, "I would rather stand." "I will after all give you credit for not intending to do this evil which I complain of; I withdraw the appearance even of making any such charge," said Mr. Porteous, as if asking a question. After a brief silence, the Sergeant said, "You have given me great pain, Mr. Porteous." "How so, Adam?"--still more softened. "It is great pain, sir, to have one’s character doubted," said Adam. "But have I not cause?" inquired the minister. "You are of course the best judge, Mr. Porteous; but I frankly own to you that the possibility of there being any harm in teaching a bird never occurred to me." "Oh, Adam!" exclaimed Katie, "I ken it was aye _your_ mind that, but it wasna mine, although at last----" "Let me alone, Katie, just now," quietly remarked Adam. "What of the scandal? what of the scandal?" struck in the minister. "I have no time to discuss details this morning; the bells have commenced."