When Jock came to bid farewell to old Spence, he approached him bonnet in hand, with every token of respect. He said little but "Thank ye--thank ye, Mr. Spence, for yer guidness;" and whispering, added, "I’m sorry if I offended ye. But maybe ye could get a job for me if I canna fa’ in wi’ honest wark at Drumsylie? I’ll break my back, or break my heart, tae please you or ony dacent man that ’ll help me to feed my body--it’s no mickle buik--and to cover’t--and little will keep the cauld oot, for my hide is weel tanned wi’ win’ and weather." Spence looked with interest at the poor but earnest pleader at his elbow, and nodded encouragingly to him. "Eh, man!" said Jock, "what a pity ye dinna snuff! I wad lee ye my auld snuff-box gin ye wad tak’ it." Spence smiled and thanked him--ay even shook hands with him!--an honour which went to Jock’s heart; and Spence added, "My compliments to my cousin Adam, and tell him to stan’ at ease and keep his pooder dry." Mrs. Spence had prepared a good "rung" of bread and cheese, which she stuffed into Jock’s pocket to support him in his journey. "Awfu’ guid o’ ye--maist awfu’!" said Jock, as he eyed the honest woman pressing the food into its ragged receptacle. Jock looked round, and asked for Johnnie. On being told that he was at the stables, he went off to find him, and, having succeeded, took him aside and said--"Johnnie, laddie, I hae been treated by yer folk like a lord, tho’ efter a’ I dinna weel ken hoo a lord is treated; but, howsomdever, wi’oot ony clavers aboot it, here’s a present for you o’ the best buik o’ flees in the haill kintra side. Tak’ them, and welcome." And Jock produced his "Book of Sports", which had been his most cheerful companion for many a year, and almost forcing John to take it, added, "I hae a obligation to ax: never tell yer folk aboot it till I’m awa’, and never tell ony stranger atween this and Drumsylie that ye got it frae Jock Ha’." And before the astonished boy could thank him as the generous giver of so many keys to unlock every pool of its treasures, on every day in the year and at all seasons, Jock ran off to join Hugh. CHAPTER XIX EXTREMES MEET In a short time Hugh was conducting Jock towards the Castle. After they passed the lodge, and were walking along the beautiful avenue and beneath the fine old trees, with the splendid park sweeping around, and the turrets of the Castle in sight, Hugh said, "Now, Hall, dinna speak to onybody unless they speak to you, and gie a discreet answer. Dae my biddin’; for I’m takin’ a great responsibility in bringin’ ye in here. His lordship maybe wadna be pleased to see a trampin’ chiel like you here. But I’ll tak’ care he doesna see ye, nor if possible hear tell o’ ye." "Never fear me," said Jock; "I’ll be as quaet as a dead rabbit. But, Hugh man, I hae seen his lordship afore." "Whaur?" asked Hugh, with an expression of astonishment.