Part 3 (1/2)

The question takes us back to the early part of the Nineteenth Century, and to a Manse and glebe on the banks of Loch Achray, the beautiful little lake that lies at the entrance to Trosachs Glen, quite near the foot of Loch Katrine in Scotland. Here dwelt Governor Wille's grandfather, a G.o.dly minister of the Gospel; and here he lived until there grew up around him a large family of st.u.r.dy lads and la.s.ses. Often had the good minister looked over his household as they sat around the table eating with keen relish their cakes and oatmeal porridge, and wondered: ”How shall I provide for them all? How shall I find fitting duty and engagement for these eager hearts, restless hands, and busy brains?”

At last he answered: ”I will go with them to America, and join my brother there on the banks of the Ohio River.”

Now the Manse and glebe were the seat of a nation of the wee fairyfolk whom Scotchmen call Brownies. The Manse site is on the skirt of Ben An's lowest slope; and across the Trosachs road, upon a point that pushes into the Loch, stands the kirk amid its kirkyard. The Brownies were fond of this home, but they loved the Manse folk much more dearly; and so when they heard the plan to emigrate to the New World, they resolved not to allow their friends to go to America without an escort of their fairy companions and caretakers.

A General a.s.sembly of all the Manse Brownies was therefore called, to meet under the ”hats” of a clump of broad toadstools growing on the mountain slope, close by the barn. The place was crowded from the stem of the central toadstool to the rim of the outer hat. Outside this clump the spears of gra.s.s, the drooping bluebells, and purple blossoms of heather were covered with boy Brownies, who climbed up delicate stems, smooth blades and gnarled stalks, much as city lads mount lampposts, trees and awnings to gaze upon a procession. From these points they looked upon their elders, quite as anxious and earnest, if not as well informed as they.

When the a.s.sembly had been called to order, the King of the Brownies asked, ”Who will volunteer to go to America with our dear friends, the Willes?”

There was a mighty shout; not one present failed to answer: ”I!!”

The explosion fairly shook the roof of their toadstool tabernacle.

Thereat the old monarch sprang to his feet, removed his plumed hat, and stood uncovered, bowing his white hairs and venerable beard before the a.s.sembly, in honor of their n.o.ble response. The elders waved their tiny blue Scotch bonnets, wept, laughed and hallooed in turn. The youngsters danced upon the heather bells and swung from the gra.s.s blades until the tops swayed to and fro, and cheered again and again for the Willes, for the King, for the Brownies, for everybody!

By and by the King brought the a.s.sembly to order, and proposed that a colony be drafted from the whole company to go to the New World. ”I shall claim the privilege of naming the leader of the Expedition,” said he, ”and I name Murray Bruce. The rest may go by lot.”

Whereat the Brownies cheered again, for they were always pleased to respect their good sovereign's wishes, and Bruce was one of the wisest, steadiest, and bravest of their number. He was tall, strong, comely, and in the prime of his years. Then the lot was cast. The names of all the active Brownies were placed in the tiny corol of a blue bell, which served as a voting urn. The King drew out fifty names, and these were the elect members of the colony. The interest was intense as the drawing went on. Again and again the King's hand sank into the urn, and came out holding the wee billet that decided some Brownie's destiny. As the name was announced, there was silence; but thereupon a flutter of excitement ran through the company; a whirl of noisy demonstration marked the spot where the fortunate nominee was receiving the congratulations of his friends; sometimes a cheer was given when a favorite or familiar name was announced.

”How many names have been drawn?” asked the King.

”Forty-nine,” answered the Lord Keeper. Amid profound silence the last name was drawn and announced:

”Rodney Bruce!”

It was the Captain's brother, a young and promising sailor, who had won much praise for daring adventures with water pixies on ”the stream that joins Loch Katrine and Achray.” His name was welcomed with cheers, and then a buzz of disappointment arose from the crowd who heartily envied the ”Fortunate Fifty.” However, the disappointment soon pa.s.sed away, for Brownies are a cheerful and contented folk. The hum of voices ceased, and the people waited to know what might be needed to forward the comfort and success of the emigrant escort.

”How shall we get off?” said Captain Bruce. ”Has your Majesty any orders or counsel? Has the a.s.sembly any advice?”

That was a puzzling question. The Lord Keeper, Lord Herald, and all the other lords and n.o.bles shook their heads wisely and said nothing. Some one called out the name of ”Rodney, the sailor,” whereat the old Lord Admiral turned up his little red nose, looked contemptuously at the speaker, and muttered something about ”land lubbers.” As no one had any advice to venture, all waited for their sovereign's opinion.

”Hoot!” said the King at last, ”Ye shall juist gae your ain gait.

Howiver, ye maun steal awa' unbeknowns, I'se warrant ye; for Parson Wille, good heart! will never allow ye to risk anything for him. But how? Well, I dinna ken; ye maun e'en settle that, amang yoursels.”

The difficulty was no nearer solution than before. There was another long pause. It was broken by a voice that called from the outer edge of the a.s.sembly.

”I can tell you how!” It was Walter MacWhirlie who spoke, one of the chosen escort.

”Come to the front, then,” said the King, ”and say your say.”

Every eye was at once fixed on the bold speaker. But MacWhirlie, nothing abashed, leaped from the heather stalk on which he stood, and making a double somersault above the whole company, landed erect upon the edge of a leaf whereon sat the King and lords.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 11.--Brownie MacWhirlie Comes to the Front by a Double Somersault.]

”Ugh!” said the monarch, starting back; for MacWhirlie had well nigh alighted on his toes.

”Queak!” cried the Queen; and ”queak, queak!” screamed the Princesses, tumbling over one another in their fright.

”You rude beast!” growled the Lord Keeper, laying his hand upon his broadsword.