The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

1 66 The Highland Monthly.
cranks which fell so glibly from this latter member were
always accompanied by a certain merry twinkle of the
eye, that averted any possibility of offence. In the course
of trade, he had occasion to visit every district in the parish.
He was thus a great means of communication among the
people, and acted the part of a local journal, supplying both
news and, to a considerable extent, advertisements as well.
Although fond of gossip, that caution which comes by
experience prevented him from getting into trouble with
his patrons on this account.
Ah !
Johnnie, dear Johnnie of Pitstitchie, in what limbo
useless lie thy goose, shears, and bodkin, and thy numerous
needles ? Far away beyond the Atlantic thou didst seek
thy fate. Does thy versatile ghost still haunt the glens of
Duncairn and the townships that have ceased to be ?
With
thy spectral accoutrements dost thou fondly hover over
those roofless ruins, where thy customers aforetime had
their home, and welcomed thy presence in their midst ?
Away, thou sentimental sprite ! Thine ancient sighs there
are none to hear. The companions of thy youth and the
patrons of thy maturer years are even as thyself! Thy
voice is as the empty wind. Who is there to interpret thy
hoary tales ? Away, or those foolish sobs of thine may
disturb the deer as they rub their velvet antlers against the
gables of Glenbeltane and Letterfern. Meantime, I see thee
blithe, and- witty, and busy as of old, with thine own
irresistible humour, making fun and laughter to abound.
Along with his other accomplishments, Johnnie could so
deftly handle the bow that he was far and away the best
fiddler in Duncairn, which is saying a great deal, for he had
many competitors. At about the same hour every night
some one of our company would call for " Duncairn's Rant,"
and then, waiting for no further importunity, the little man
would toss his ironing board aside, grasp his violin, and
leap into a chair, which ready hands had placed upon the
table, from whence, ere scarcely had we opportunity to
range ourselves for the dance, the lively tailor would be