CHAPTER XXXIV. 

 THE AUTHOR'S FIRST VISIT TO DROUGHSBURN. 



FROM what I had heard of Duncan from Charles Black, 

 whom I had known intimately for years, I conceived a 

 strong desire to visit the old man and make his personal 

 acquaintance. 



Though too long prevented from gratifying my wish, 

 in September, 1877, I saw the Vale of Alford for the first 

 time. In company with a friend, the Rev. Thomas Bell, 

 the minister of Keig, a botanist and entomologist, and a 

 guest of his, the Rev. Mr. Johnstone, of Stranraer, 

 I paid John the long-desired visit. Mr. Bell had called 

 on him before, and was greatly interested in the man. 

 I was quite unknown to him even by name, and my 

 coming was altogether unexpected. On account of his 

 sensitive reserve, only the minister of Keig and myself 

 entered the workshop at first. We found him seated alone 

 at his loom, in the streaming sunlight, behind the gauzy 

 screen of threads and sticks, and busy with his shuttle as 

 it made its merry music. The aged weaver, thus all- 

 unconscious of our entry, formed a picturesque sight that 

 would have made a pretty composition in lights and 

 shadows. That one glance fulfilled the hope of years and 

 raised the liveliest anticipations. After finding his way 



