It was a drizzling evening, the same weather
whichthat day had graced the Kangaroo match. You never run your head against a stone
wall. Also itbecame the parent of several offspring.
Above all, he was interesting andaggressively
practical. So he broke with his employers, and, greatly daring, startedhis own penny
weekly. Jaikie spokelittle; his fate in life was to be a listener.
Dougal in appearance was what our
grandfatherscalled a Gothic survival.
His columns became the most popular feature of that
popularjournal. There followed a statement of ideals which was noblyeclectic. He
acquired also severaltrade journals, and put them on a paying basis. Never was a son
the object of higherexpectations or more deeply pondered plans. You dont seem to
care very much about anything,and youre too fond of playing the devils advocate.
Dougal was at once nationalist and internationalist,humanitarian and man of iron,
realist and poet. At the same moment a scarf wasthrown over his head which stopped
all utterance.
But the eyes remained the same, grey-green,
deep-set,sullen, smouldering with a fierce vitality.
Kindly, maybe, but laughing all the
same.
His signed articles had a prodigiousvogue. And how
are you getting on yourself, Dougal?
Is it not right that aman like me should take a
hand in it?
Theres a bottle of champagne to drink Jaikies
health.
Above all, he was interesting andaggressively
practical.
I take his wages, because I givegood value for
them. His signed articles had a prodigiousvogue.
He acquired also severaltrade journals, and put
them on a paying basis.
Is it not right that aman like me should take a
hand in it? Man, Jaikie, its an extraordinary thing youve taken so littlehurt. And
remember thatIm old, but not dead-old. But still Ive a good heartystock of dislikes
and they keep me from boredom. You see, I like so much that I havent a great deal
oftime for hating. It approaches its goal circumspectly, with an air ofcautious
reconnaissance. Weekly he emerged from the shadowswhere he lived to give counsel and
encouragement to humanity. They did not read his weekly pronouncements,
preferringolder and stronger fare. And how are you getting on yourself,
Dougal?
Is it not right that aman like me should take a
hand in it?
Thestudents of the western capital were engaged in
choosing their LordRector.
Superfine people commented upon themeagreness of
his thought and the turgidity of his style.
Many a grand day Ivehad on its hill burns. I know
what they need and Iknow what theyre thinking, for I come out of them
myself.
But what does Mr Craw say to your politics? Ive
nothing to dowith his shoddy politics.