Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog Oscar (4).pdf/17

 17 only son and heir, and that a large sum had been of- fered to any person that could discover him. My parents certainly rejoiced in Duncan's good fortune, yet they were disconsolate at parring with him : for he had long ago become as a son of their own ; and I seriously believe, that from the day they first met, ta. that on which the two norlen-netties came to our house, they never once entertained the idea of parting. For my part, I wished that the netties had never been born, or that they had staid at their own home ; for the thoughts of being separated from my dear friend made me sick at heart. All our feelings, were, how- ever, nothing, when compared with those of my sister, One day at dinner, after a long and sullen pause, my father said, "I hepe yon do not intend to leave us very soon, Duncan?" I am thinking of going from my mother's hand; she looked him steadily in the face for the space of a minute “ Duncan," said she, her voice faultering, and the tears dropping from her eye-"Duncan. I never durst ask you before, but I hope you will not leave us altogether ?" Duncan thrust the plate from before him into the middle of the table-took up a book that lay on the window, and looked over the pages-Mary left the No answer was returned, nor any further inquiry made! and our little party broke up in si- lence. When we met again in the evening, we were still all sullen My father said, “ You will soon forget us, Duncan ; but there are come among us who will not so soon forget you. Mary again left the room. and silence ensued, until the family were called toge- ther for evening worship, The next morning, after a restless night, Duncan rose early, put on his best suit, and packed up some little articles to carry with him. I lay panting and
 * way to-morrow, Sir," said Duncan. The knife fell