Page:History of James Allan.pdf/4

 adept, that whenever a Gipsy camp was in want, young Jemmy was sent out to forage, when all the hens, ducks and geese within his reach became his prey.

When about 14 years of age, Jemmy evinced a strong desire to excel on the pipes. Old Will was delighted with his son's taste and zeal, and was therefore indefatigable in assisting his pupil in his exertions. Young Allan possessed an accurate ear and refined taste, and by his progress, gave certain indications of future excellence. In due time with much feasting. Allan was regularly installed among the privileged class of minstrels and shortly afterwards, as an independent man, joined the “faa gang” over which old Will Faa held the sovereignty for many years, and Allan had the honour of being frequently and kindly noticed by his majesty.

Allan’s superior skill in pipe-music was soon known throughout Northumberland. At length his fame reached the ears of the Countess (afterwards Duchess) of Northumberland, who sent a message to James, requesting his attendance at the castle. This gratified Allan’s ambition; but his cloaths being coarse and much worn, and very unfit to make his appearance before a lady of such distinction, he had recourse to an expedient, which soon raised him above this difficulty. He had noticed a farmer’s only daughter, who had often cast a wistful eye towards him. He contrived to obtain a private interview with the fond and inexperienced girl: he told her of the sincerity of his love, the honour of his intentions, and the golden prospects that would flow from the patronage of the Countess, and at length delicately hinted at his present embarrassment. She rejoiced to find his difficulty so easly removed, and soon put him in possession of a sum sufficient to equip him genteelly. Having thus secured the ways and means. Allan set off for Alnwick with a light heart. The day after his arrival at the castle, he was ushered into the presence of the Countess; and, after he had mustered some degree of courage, he began to play, and acquitted himself in so masterly a style, that he was instantly ranked as one of her musicians, and shortly after appointed her own piper. Allan continued at the castle upwards of two years, during which his conduct was irreproachable. He soon acquired an easy, genteel, and insinuating address, and having a retentive memory, he readily acquired much useful knowledge. As his knowledge