Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog, Oscar (1).pdf/21

 21 ter and the ſervants raised a laugh. " Inhuman wretches,” ſaid Duncan, starting up, and paſhing them aſide, " thus to mock the feelings of an old man, even although he were not the lord and master of you all: but take notice the individual among you all that dares to offer ſuch another inſult to him, I'll roast on that fire." The old man clung to him, and looked him ruefully in the face. “ You impudent, beggarly vagabond !” ſaid the lady, “ do you know to whom you speak ?- ſervants turn that wretch out of the house, and hunt him with all the dogs in the kennel.” “ Softly, softly, good lady," said Dun- can, “take care that I do not turn you out of the house." - Alas, good youth," said the old laird, " you little know what you are about ; for mercy's sake forbear; you are brewing vengeance both for yourſelf and me." "Fear not,” said Duncan, "I will protect you with my life" “ Pray, may I ask you what is your name?” ſaid the old man, still looking earnestly at him-" Thar you may," replied Duncan, "no man has so good a right to ask any thing of me, as you have-I am Duncan Campbell, your own ſon." "Mm-m-my son!” exclaimed the old man, and sunk back on a feat with a convulsive moan. Duncan held him in his arms-he soon recovered, and aſked many incoherent questions-looking at the two moles on his right leg-kiſsed him, and then wept on his boſom for joy. “O God of heaven," ſaid he, “it is long since I could thank thee heartily for any thing; now I do thank thee indeed, for I have found my ſon! my dear and only son!” Contrary to what might have been expected, Dun- can's pretty only siſter, Alexia, rejoiced most of all in his diſcovery. She was almost wild with joy at finding such a brother.- he old lady, her mother, was ſaid to have wept bitterly in private, but knowing that Duncan would be her master, she behaved to him with civility and respect. Every thing was com- mitted to his management, and he ſoon discovered,