The day arrived on which the sale of Cubbertscroft was to take place. A great number of people was collected. Carey was there, and he was surprised to find his father; who, however, had attended with the hope of getting some friend to buy in the property on his account. The two looked at each other without speaking. John Monilaws was also present, as well as some others of the inhabitants of Newabbey. The auctioneer mounted into his desk; and £12,000 had been offered for the property by a neighbouring laird, who wished to incorporate it with his own land. Some other individuals bade, and the bodes had arrived at £14,000--no one being inclined to go beyond it. At this moment the door of the room opened, with a harsh noise, and the people looked around, to observe the cause of the interruption. Cubby Grindstane entered. A feeling of surprise ran through the crowd. John Monilaws stared, and Carey smiled. Stepping forward, Cubby watched the voice of the auctioneer. The latter called out £14,000. "Five shillings mair!" cried Cubby. "You must make it five pounds, sir," said the auctioneer. "Aweel, aweel, then," said Cubby--"let it be five pounds." The surprise of the people increased to wonder. Every one whispered to his neighbour--"Is he mad? Why does the auctioneer take his bode?" No one bade higher, and the hammer fell. "Are you able to find caution, sir?" said the auctioneer. "No," replied Cubby. "Why did you bid for the land, then?" rejoined the other. "Because I wanted it," replied Cubby. "Will ye no tak' the siller in place o' caution." "Assuredly," replied the auctioneer, smiling--"where is it?" "There," said Cubby, "is the banker's check for £14,000. The moment I get a complete right to the land, ye may hae the siller." The bargain was, accordingly, soon arranged; and, to the surprise of all that part of the country, Cuthbert Grandison became the laird of Cubbertscroft. His feelings subsequently underwent some change for the better, and he took home his daughter Jeanie and her husband, to live with him in the mansion-house, where, however, he still exhibited a great portion of his original avarice. He soon died, and the property was left to Jeanie. Carey Cuthbert had, by the right of courtesy, all the power of the property. He received with welcome his father and mother, and maintained them during their lives in the mansion-house from which they had formerly expelled him, and from which their own extravagance had driven themselves. THE SEA SKIRMISH. "The boatswain, piping, loudly thunders-- To your quarters fore and aft! The great guns sponge, prepare for wonders, While, my lads, the wind's abaft. With grape we can nine-pounders rattle-- Naval heroes, fight and sing-- He that bravely falls in battle, Nobly serves his prince or king." _Sea Song._