182 EDWARD RETURNS HOME. CHAP. x. 



bour came in, and asked Edward to come to his house 

 and get some food. He most gladly assented to the 

 proposal. He afterwards went to see his master, and 

 arranged with him as to the re-commencement of his 

 work. This was easily accomplished, as Edward was 

 considered a Don at his trade.* After this had been, 

 settled, he went to pay a short visit to a friend at 

 Gardenstown, until his wife and family had returned 

 from Aberdeen. Edward could not bear to remain 

 in his house until they had come back. Nor could 

 he yet pay for their journey. But the carrier, who 

 had taken the collection and the family to Aberdeen,, 

 cheerfully consented to bring the latter back free. 



It was during this interval that Edward lived for 

 a few days with his friend, Mr. Gordon of Gardens- 

 town. The place had long been one of Edward's fa- 

 vourite haunts. He was able, in a sort of way, to enjoy 

 the coast scenery, to see the busy fishermen going out 

 to sea in the evenings, and to listen to the noisy 

 clamour of the sea-fowl at Gamrie Mohr. 



When Edward knew that his wife and family had 

 reached Banff, he returned home, and was joyfully met 



* Master shoemakers, in those days, employed Men's men (that 

 is men who made Men's shoes), Women's men, Boot men, and 

 Pump men, according to the branch they worked at. Those who 

 excelled in proficiency were called Dons. Edward was a Don 

 Pump man. Few excelled him at that part of the business. It 

 was for this reason that his master objected to his leaving the shop 

 so often on his Natural History excursions ; as he could find no one 

 else to do this part of the work so well. 



