The first thing Stroke did was to give up his sword to Tommy and to apologize for its being an umbrella on account of the unsettled state of the weather, and then Corp led three cheers, the captain alone declining to join in, for he had an uneasy feeling that he was being ridiculed.

“But I thought there were five of you,” Mr. McLean said; “where is the fifth?”

“You ken best,” replied Tommy, sulkily, and sulky he remained throughout the scene, because he knew he was not the chief figure in it.  Having this knowledge to depress him, it is to his credit that he bore himself with dignity throughout, keeping his crew so well in hand that they dared not give expression to their natural emotions.

“As you are aware, Mr. Sandys,” McLean began solemnly, “I have come here to sue for pardon.  It is not yours to give, you reply, the Queen alone can pardon, and I grant it; but, sir, is it not well known to all of us that you can get anything out of her you like?”

Tommy’s eyes roved suspiciously, but the suppliant proceeded in the same tone.  “What are my offences?  The first is that I have been bearing arms (unwittingly) against the Throne; the second, that I have brought trouble to the lady by my side, who has the proud privilege of calling you her friend.  But, Sandys, such amends as can come from an erring man I now offer to make most contritely.  Intercede with Her Majesty on my behalf, and on my part I promise to war against her no more.  I am willing to settle down in the neighboring town as a law-abiding citizen, whom you can watch with eagle eye.  Say, what more wouldst thou of the unhappy Stuart?”

But Tommy would say nothing, he only looked doubtfully at Miss Ailie, and that set McLean off again.  “You ask what reparation I shall make to this lady?  Sandys, I tell thee that here also thou hast proved too strong for me.  In the hope that she would plead for me with you, I have been driven to offer her my hand in marriage, and she is willing to take me if thou grantest thy consent.”

At this Gavinia jumped with joy, and then cried, “Up wi’ her!” words whose bearing the school-mistress fortunately did not understand.  All save Tommy looked at Miss Ailie, and she put her arm on Mr. McLean’s, and, yes, it was obvious, Miss Ailie was a lover at the Cuttle Well at last, like so many others.  She had often said that the Den parade was vulgar, but she never said it again.

It was unexpected news to Tommy, but that was not what lowered his head in humiliation now.  In the general rejoicing he had been nigh forgotten; even Elspeth was hanging on Miss Ailie’s skirts, Gavinia had eyes for none but lovers, Corp was rapturously examining five half-crowns that had been dropped into his hands for distribution.  Had Tommy given an order now, who would have obeyed it?  His power was gone, his crew would not listen to another word against Mr. McLean.

“Tommy thought Mr. McLean hated you!” said Elspeth to Miss Ailie.