"Claes or no claes," said Jock, "it's him I got them frae."
"I dinna understan' hoo that could be," said Katie.
"Nor me," said Jock, "but sae it is, and never speer the noo hoo it is. I'm come, as usual, on business."
"Say awa'," said Katie, "but speak laigh. It's no' shoon ye're needin', I houp?"
But we must here explain that Jock had previously called upon Dr. Scott, and thrusting his head into the surgery--his body and its new dress being concealed by the half-opened door--asked--
"Is't true that Sergeant Mercer has got a smittal fivver?"
The Doctor, who was writing some prescription, on discovering who the person was who put this question, said no more in reply than--"Deadly! deadly! so ye need not trouble them, Jock, by begging at their door--be off!"
"Mrs. Mercer," replied Jock, "wull need a nurse--wull she?"
"You had better go and get your friend Mrs. Craigie for her, if that's what you are after. She'll help Mary," replied the Doctor, in derision.
"Thank ye!" said Jock, and disappeared.