Page:Humorist.pdf/11

 11 In enter’d James, Hab saw and kend him. And offer’d kindly to befriend him With sic good cheer as he cou’d make, Baith for his ain and father's sake. The scholar thought himself right sped. And gave him thanks in terms well bred. Quoth Hab, “ I canna leave my mill As yet;—but stap ye wast the kill A bow shot, and ye'll find my hame: Gae warm ye, and crack with our dame, ’Till I set aff the mill, syne we Shall tak what Bessy has to gi’e.” James, in return, what’s handsome said. O’er lang to tell; and aff he gade. Out of the house some light did shine, Which led him till’t as with a line: Arriv’d, he knock’d,—for doors were steckit;- Straight through a window Bessy keekit, And cires, “ Wha’s that gie’s fowk a fright At sick untimous time of night ? ” James, with good humour, most discreetly. Told her his circumstance completely. “ I dinna ken ye,” quoth the Wife, " And up and down the thieves are rife;