Followed by shouting crowds, the cab drove to Dr. Browne's abode, but Gowrie remained behind as the hero of the hour, and submitted, not unwillingly, to the questioning of many reporters, who were anxious to hear more. He related what he had said in the court, and protested again and again that his only reason for giving the laudanum was to make his son-in-law sleep. As there was no reason, on the face of it, why he should not be believed, everyone thought that the old man spoke the truth, and for once Gowrie enjoyed the sensation of being the lion of the hour.
But Herries, much as he was indebted to his father-in-law, was not quite satisfied. When Gowrie returned to Browne's house, the young man drew him aside and questioned him closely.
"You robbed me of money," said Herries abruptly.
"Only a few shullings, laddie," chuckled Gowrie, "ye wudna hae me tak awa ma ain character."
"And you gave me the drug so that you might rob me in safety?"
"Aye," Gowrie rubbed his hands, "joost sae. An' a lucky nicht it wis for ye that I did pit the drug intae yon gless."
"You are a scoundrel, Gowrie."
"Eh! This tae yer paw-in-law, an' tae the mon wha saved yer life!"
"You wouldn't have saved my life if I had not married Elspeth," was Herries' dry retort.
"Weel, maybe I wudnae hae pit maesel tae sic trouble. Hoots, mon, a few shullin' against yer ain neck. It's gey cheap."