"Well, then," said the Sergeant, "I was not aware of the disturbance in the street which you have described; I never, certainly, could have intended _that_. I was, at the time, in the bedroom, and never knew of it. Believe me when I say’t, that no man lives who would feel mair pain than I would in being the occasion of ever leading anyone to break the Lord’s day by word or deed, more especially the young; and the young aboot our doors are amang the warst. And as to my showing disrespect to you, sir!--that never could be my intention." "I believe you, Adam, I believe you; but----" "Ay, weel ye may," chimed in Katie, now weeping as she saw some hope of peace; "for he’s awfu’ taen up wi’ guid, is Adam, though I say it." "Oh, Katie; dinna, woman, fash yersel’ wi’ me," interpolated Adam. "Though I say’t that shouldna say’t," continued Katie, "I’m sure he has the greatest respec’ for you, sir. He’ll do onything to please you that’s possible, and to mak’ amends for this great misfortun’." "Of that I have no doubt--no doubt whatever, Mrs. Mercer," said Mr. Porteous, kindly; "and I wished, in order that he should do so, to be faithful to him, as he well knows I never will sacrifice my principles to any man, be he who he may--never! "There is no difficulty, I am happy to say," the minister resumed, after a moment’s pause, "in settling the whole of this most unpleasant business. Indeed I promised to the neighbours, who were very naturally offended, that it should never occur again; and as you acted, Adam, from ignorance--and we must not blame an old soldier _too_ much," the minister added with a patronising smile,--"all parties will be satisfied by a very small sacrifice indeed--almost too small, considering the scandal. Just let the bird be forthwith destroyed--that is all." Adam started. "In any case," the minister went on to say, without noticing the Sergeant’s look, "this should be done, because being an elder, and, as such, a man with grave and solemn responsibilities, you will I am sure see the propriety of at once acquiescing in my proposal, so as to avoid the temptation of your being occupied by trifles and frivolities--contemptible trifles, not to give a harsher name to all that the bird’s habits indicate. But when, in addition to this consideration, these habits, Adam, have, as a fact, occasioned serious scandal, no doubt can remain in any well-constituted mind as to the _necessity_ of the course I have suggested." "Destroy Charlie--I mean, the starling?" enquired the Sergeant, stroking his chin, and looking down at the minister with a smile in which there was more of sorrow and doubt than of any other emotion. "Do you mean, Mr. Porteous, that I should kill him?"