Oor ain folk times

224 A TENDER SKIN
appearance which he presented. So, with a look of
shamefaced penitence, with trembling fingers and in
silent contrition (apparent), he proceeded to envelope
the minister's neck in the towel, and then began to
lather his visitor in approved tonsorial fashion. The
minister eyed him with a mildly -reproachful glance,
which expressed volumes to Tammas's conscious sense
of guilt. Now he came to the critical part of the
operation. He felt his nerves jumping, but by dint
of a strong effort of will, and holding one unsteady
hand with the other, he managed to bring the razor
pretty deftly down the ample expanse of both the
clerical chops. But alas ! when the wobbling blade
came to the more intricate manipulation of the
double chin, the refractory nerves gave a disconcerting
jerk, and lo ! out gushed the crimson fluid over the
snowy napkin.
Now, thought the good minister — now is my time.
Here is the opportunity I have been waiting for ! So,
addressing the abashed-looking Tammas, who expected
a torrent of indignant wrath, the simple, kindly man
just ventured on a very mild remonstrance. 'Ah,
Tammas,' said he, 'ye see what the effects o' strong
drink are noo ! '
Tammas's spirits at once rose. He knew the worst
was past, and his ready humour came to the rescue
in a flash of inspiration, as very demurely, but with a
spice of lurking drollery, he gravely replied :
' Deed ay, meenister ! It mak's the skin unco
tender ! '
One story of course brings on another. I must,
therefore, tell an anecdote, that I am not aware has ever