midday
That worthy could give no information about the remarkable placard , not even from whom he received it ; but he was quite sure that he was to take it through the Vennel and neighbouring streets for two hours , and that he had received a shilling for his labour , which he proposed to spend at Bailie MacConachie 's when his task was done . He also explained that in London , where he used to reside , whisky ran like water , and tea could be had for the asking . But his hearers had no interest that day in London . It struck the Bailie as he returned from midday dinner , and long before he reached St. Andrew 's Street , that something was happening , and he wondered whether they were changing the cavalry at the barracks . People looked curiously at him , and having made as though they would have spoken , passed on , shaking their heads . When he turned into the familiar street , down which he was accustomed to parade with a double weight of dignity , an enlivening spectacle met his eyes . Every shopkeeper was out at his door , and would indeed have been along the street , had he not judged it wiser to protect his property , and the windows above the shop were full of faces .