Dooble Sanny caught up a huge boot, the sole of which was filled
with broad-headed nails as thick as they could be driven, and, in a
rage, threw it at Robert as he darted out. Through its clang
against the door-cheek, the shoemaker heard a cry from the
instrument. He cast everything from him and sprang after Robert.
But Robert was down the wynd like a long-legged grayhound, and
Elshender could only follow like a fierce mastiff. It was love and
grief, though, and apprehension and remorse, not vengeance, that
winged his heels. He soon saw that pursuit was vain.

'Robert! Robert!' he cried; 'I canna win up wi' ye. Stop, for
God's sake! Is she hurtit?'

Robert stopped at once.

'Ye hae made a bonny leddy o' her--a lameter (cripple) I doobt, like
yer wife,' he answered, with indignation.

'Dinna be aye flingin' a man's fau'ts in 's face. It jist maks him
'at he canna, bide himsel' or you eyther. Lat's see the bonny
crater.'

Robert complied, for he too was anxious. They were now standing in
the space in front of Shargar's old abode, and there was no one to
be seen. Elshender took the box, opened it carefully, and peeped in
with a face of great apprehension.

'I thocht that was a'!' he said with some satisfaction. 'I kent the
string whan I heard it. But we'll sune get a new thairm till her,'
he added, in a tone of sorrowful commiseration and condolence, as he