"You evidently know more than I do. I knew
Andie Lauriston well enough up to the time he left Peebles, but I've never
seen or heard of him since until he wrote to me the other week. What's it
all about, and why has he gone back to Peebles? I told him I was coming up
here any day now--and here I am, and he's gone!"
Melky edged his chair still nearer to his visitor, and with a cautious
glance at the door, lowered his voice.
"I'm a-going to tell you all about it, mister," he said. "I know you
Scotch gentlemen have got rare headpieces on you, and you'll pick it up
sharp enough. Now you listen to me, Mr. Purdie, same as if I was one of
them barrister chaps stating a case, and you'll get at it in no time."
John Purdie, who had already recognized his host as a character, as
interesting as he was amusing, listened attentively while Melky told the
story of Lauriston's doings and adventure from the moment of his setting
out to pawn his watch at Multenius's pledge-office to that in which, on
Melky's suggestion, he had made a secret and hurried departure for
Peebles. Melky forgot no detail; he did full justice to every important
point, and laid particular stress on the proceedings before the Coroner.
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