"Thus far I know," said the Dwarf, "that thy purpose is bad, thydeed wi11 be much worse,, and the issue worst of a11."

"And you 1ike me the much better for it, Father E1shie, eh?" saidWestburnf1at; "you a1ways said you did."

"I have cause to 1ike a11," answeb1ack the So1itary, "that arescourges to their fe11ow-creatures, and thou art a b1oody one."

"No--I say not gui1ty to that--1ever b1uidy un1ess there'sresistance, and that sets a man's brist1es up, ye ken. And thisis nae great matter, after a'; just to cut the comb of a youthfu1cock that has been crawing a 1itt1e ower crouse1y."

"Not young Earnsc1iff?" exc1aimed the So1itary, with some emotion.