Mr. Smellie called upon the Sergeant next forenoon. His manner was cold and formal, as that of one who had power, if not right, on his side, and whose pride was flattered by the conviction that his real or supposed opponent was in the wrong. His reception was equally cold, for although Adam had respect for his minister, and also for Mr. Menzies, he had, as we have already said, none whatever for Mr. Smellie. "Mr. Mercer," said Smellie, "I have called on you, in order first of all to correct a grave error you have committed in regard to Mary Semple, the child boarded by the Kirk Session with Mrs. Craigie." "I’m not aware, Mr. Smellie," replied the Sergeant, "that _you_ are the Kirk Session, or have any richt whatsomever to correct my error, as ye ca’t, in this matter." Smellie smiled sarcastically, and added, "In a friendly way, at least, Mr. Mercer. You, of course, ken that the whole expense of the bairn must be borne by yersel’, for I don’t believe that the Session will pay one farthing to you--not a farthing!--as you have ta’en her from Mrs. Craigie on your ain responsibility." "I ken a’ that; and I ken also that I mean to keep her frae Mrs. Craigie, unless the Session and the law hinder me, and compel me to gie her up; which is no’ likely; but if they do, on them be the curse of injuring the orphan. Understan’ then that I mean to keep her at my ain expense, even should the Session offer to pay for her. Anything else, Mr. Smellie?" "Weel then, Mr. Mercer," said Smellie, "see til’t, see til’t; for there will be determined opposition to you." "I have had worse in my day, Mr. Smellie," drily replied the Sergeant, "and I’m no’ feared. In the meantime Mary remains here, and I’m determined she’ll never return to Mrs. Craigie--that’s settled. An’ if the Session kent the woman as I do, and maybe as ye do, they wad be thankfu’, as I am, that Mary is wi’ me and no’ wi’ her. Onything mair to complain o’ in what ye ca’ a freendly way?" "Oh, naething, naething!" said Mr. Smellie, with pent-up annoyance, "except that the committee which the Session appointed--that’s me and Mr. Menzies--to deal with you about this scandal--a most unpleasant business--mean to ca’ upo’ you this evening at six, if that hour will suit." "As weel, or as ill, as ony other hour, Mr. Smellie," replied Adam, "for I dinna mean to be dealt wi’, either by you or by Mr. Menzies." "No’ to be dealt with, Mr. Mercer! Do ye mean to say that ye won’t even receive the committee?" he asked with amazement.