But the presenter would not have this version, and told a tale of how an astrologer, an ancient man, had appeared at the time of the heir's birth, and told the laird that the Evil One would have power over the knave bairn, and he charged him that the bairn should be brought up in the ways of piety, and should aye hae a godly minister at his elbow; and the aged man vanished away, and so they engaged Dominie Sampson to be with him morn and night. But even that godly minister had failed to protect the child, who was last seen being carried off by Frank Kennedy on his horse to see a king's ship chase a smuggler. The excise-man's body was found at the foot of the crags at Warroch Point, but no one knew what had become of the child. A smart servant entered with a note for the stranger, saying, "The family at Ellangowan are in great distress, sir, and unable to receive any visits." "I know it," said his master. "And now, madam, if you will have the goodness to allow me to occupy the parlour----" "Certainly, sir," said Mrs. MacCandlish, and hastened to light the way. "And wha' may your master be, friend?" "What! That's the famous Colonel Mannering, sir, from the East Indies." "What, him we read of in the papers?" "Lord safe us!" said the landlady. "I must go and see what he would have for supper--that I should set him down here." When the landlady re-entered, Colonel Mannering asked her if Mr. Bertram lost his son in his fifth year. "O ay, sir, there's nae doubt of that; though there are many idle clashes about the way and manner. And the news being rashly told to the leddy cost her her life that saym night; and the laird never throve from that day, was just careless of everything. Though when Miss Lucy grew up she tried to keep order. But what could she do, poor thing? So now they're out of house and hauld." _II.--Vanbeest Brown's Reappearance_ Early next morning, Mannering took the road to Ellangowan. He had no need to inquire the way; people of all descriptions streamed to the sale from all quarters.