Page:Remarkable family adventure of Saunders Watson (1).pdf/14

Rh they’r makin.’ If we’re no fast they’ll hae oot the coffin. I think I hear them dunnerin’ on the lid o’t already!”

There was, in truth, something about the grave making a considerable noise; but still the shadow of the tree prevented them from discovering it. At times, however, they tought they could perceive a low figure moving a little upon the top of the grave; and as imagination had full liberty to invest it with whatever shape and attributes it pleased, the trembling father and son had not a doubt of its being one of a party of resurrectionists.

“For heeven’s sake,” Saundy, cried the afflicted father, “lay the barrel o’ the gun ower the wundow-sole, and that’ll steddy her! Ye maun shoot; an’ I’ll stan’ near ye wi’ die Bible i’ my han’, and cry at them afore ye draw die tricker. They’ll maybe rin aff an’ than there’ll be nae blood shed.” “O stan’ ahin me then, faither, an’ kep me if I’m knocket back ower when she gaes aff! I doot she’s to strike terribly.” I’ll do that my bairn.—Noo, ye’r ready, I’ll cry at them, and I’ll pu ye’r coat tails when ye’r to fire”, Saundy groaned assent for his fears had deprived him of speech; and the father laying the Bible upon his son’s shoulders, and leaning forward along upon his back with his hands upon it, cried out