262 A WELL-SPENT SUNDAY. 



possibly have been engaged in deeds of vio- 

 lence, and were at that moment in imminent 

 danger of transportation. 



The confusion incident on the arrival of 

 the fishermen having in some degree sub- 

 sided, the examination was resumed. 



" You have said, sir, I think," said the 

 Chairman, addressing himself to Mr. Hector, 

 " that your nets, boats, and other gear, have 

 been utterly destroyed, and that your specu- 

 lation has been thereby utterly and com- 

 pletely defeated ? " 



" Na, na, your worship, I did na sayjoost 

 that," said Hector. "The nets na doot 

 are destroyed, but I am na sic a muckle fule 

 as to be caught with only ae string to my 

 bow. In troth I've a bonny set o' new nets 

 lvinef at the little toon doon thonder : before 

 I cam here I sent my canny chiels at Kil- 

 doney for them, and by this time they are 

 joost petched whar the auld ones stood." 



This piece of information seemed to cause 

 a good deal of dismay throughout the whole 

 court. Even the fishermen could not con- 

 ceal their blank looks, which evinced any- 

 thing rather than satisfaction at the pros- 

 perous state of Mr. Hector's affairs ; but in 



