Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog Oscar (4).pdf/21

 21 ter and the servants raised a laugh. " Inhuman wretches," said. Duncan, starting up, and pushing them aside, “ thus to mock the feelings of an old man, even although be 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 yon 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.-" That 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." "M-m-m-my son !" exclaimed the old man, and sunk back on & seat with a convalsive mean. Duncan held him in his arms-he soon recovered, and asked many incoherent questions-looking at the two moles en bis right leg-kissed him, and then wept on bis besom for joy. "O God of heaven," said be, “it is long since I could thank thee heartily for any thing; now I do thank thee indeed, for I lave found my son ! my dear and only son." Contrary to what might have been expected, Dan. can's pretty only sister, Alexia, rejoiced most of all in his discovery. She was almost wild with joy at finding such a brother.-The old lady, her mother, we 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,