368 JOHN DUNCAN, WEAVER AND BOTANIST. 



looked towards the camera, at the artist's request ; licked 

 his lips, as if in nervous anticipation of some explosion ; and 

 finally, when the cap was removed after the command to 

 be steady had been given, he turned away, and refused to 

 stand ! 



In great concern, he went up to his friend, exclaiming, 

 "Dear me, Jamie, what dis it a' mean?" and pointing to the 

 instrument, " what is that?" It was at once explained. 

 But what was to be done ? The first plate was spoiled, and 

 the photographer was non-plussed, if not annoyed. By 

 dint of further explanation, assurance, and coaxing, John 

 was induced to stand once more. Another plate was 

 prepared, John took his position, less culprit-like than 

 before, and the photograph was obtained before he was 

 aware. When told that it was all over, he went up to James 

 and asked in real earnest, " But, Jamie, when am I to be 

 drawn ? " " Dear me, John, you are already taken ! " But 

 John would not believe it, and continued to speak his 

 doubts by repeating, " Na, na ! na, na ! " 



When the artist reappeared to say that it was quite 

 successful, John went up to him very gravely, to give orders 

 about the number he wished. " I'll tak' three ; ay, I'll tak* 

 three nae mair, and I'll tak' them wi' me!" evidently 

 intending one for each of the brothers and the other for 

 himself. " Beg your pardon, sir ? " said the photographer. 

 "Ay, three, and wi 5 me," replied John. The gentleman 

 could not understand, and still repeated, "Beg your 

 pardon ? " while John continued, " Ay, ay ! only three, and 

 wi' me ; " till Mr. Black explained the matter to both. 



The likeness thus with difficulty secured was very 

 satisfactory, much more so than could have been anti- 



