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 so long that Vale's curiosity was aroused and he strolled out to him. It was Newbigging. Even in that dim light he could see that the Scot looked thin and weather-beaten and that his clothes were ragged.

"Newbigging," he exclaimed. "Is it you?"

"Ay, sir, it is. What's left o' me. I've had a haird time since I left here last spring. I got what I wanted and that was the sea. I've had enough o' that to last me the rest of my life. I've been to China and back, two trips, and now I was juist standin' here trying to mak' up ma mind to go in and ask ye if ye'll no take me back." He looked up into Derek's eyes, shamefaced, yet unrepentant.

Derek was eager to take him back, yet he showed some proper reluctance. "If I do, Newbigging, you'll probably take it into that wild head of yours to flit just when I need you most."

"Never," declared Newbigging, emphatically. "I juist want to bide here on the fairm. Yon lake is sea enough for me."

"Come along," said Derek, and took him into the house. Briefly he explained the situation. He was keeping bachelor's hall; Mrs. Vale was away on a visit. He said this last, looking steadily into the eyes of Newbigging who nodded solemnly. Derek believed he understood.

But it was good to have a friendly soul in the house once more! Newbigging settled down without ado. Lass of all work, he named himself. And he set about getting the tea, and washing up the stacks of dirty dishes in the kitchen. He had no tin box to carry upstairs, all his clothes were on his back; but he took the little paste-board box that held his gilt studs, and the little red book of Scottish songs from his breast pocket, and laid them in the dresser drawer where they had been wont to lie. He carried a hot dish of