CHAP. VT. HIS WORK A T NIGHT. 95 



which he continued until the time arrived when he 



\ 



had to return to his daily labour. It was no unusual 

 circumstance for him when he had wandered too 

 far, and come upon some more than usually attractive 

 spot to strip himself of his gear, gun and all, which 

 he would hide in some hole ; and thus lightened 

 of everything, except his specimens, take to his 

 heels and run at the top of his speed, in order to 

 be at his work at the proper time. 



On Saturdays he could only make his observa- 

 tions late at night. He must be home by twelve 

 o'clock. Sabbath-breaking is an intolerable sin in 

 Scotland, and Edward was never a Sabbath-breaker. 

 It was a good thing for his mental and physical health 

 that there was a seventh day during which he could 

 not and would not work. But for his seventh day's 

 rest, he would have worked night and day. On 

 Sundays he went to church with his wife and family. 

 After evening service he took off his best clothes and 

 donned his working dress. Then he took a few hours' 

 sleep in his chair or lying across his bed, before set- 

 ting out. He thus contrived to secure a few hours' 

 observation on Monday mornings before six o'clock. 



His neighbours used to say of him, "It is a 

 stormy night that keeps that man Edward in the 

 house." In fact, his neighbours were completely be- 

 wildered about his doings. They gave vent to all 

 sorts of surmises about his wanderings by night. 

 Exaggerated rumours spread about amongst the 



