Page:Tales for the farmers' ingle-neuk (1).pdf/11



11

his fears, but finding himself overlooked and neglected, suddenly brought himself into notice, by bursting out anew into a bitter squall of vexation and disappoint- ment. My brother, after his wife had briefly explained to him the circumstances of the case, turned to the little boy, and in a soft soothing voice said, ‘Did they frigh- ten my wee Jock with the bogles? I think they were nae blate. Ah! ah !’ continued he, pretending to strike the mother, ‘tak’ ye that, nasty mamma, for sending for the bogles. Come to dady, my dear pet, and the bogles shallna touch ye. Awa’, dirty bogles, ye shallna touch my gude bairn.’ Jock, however, had a will of his own, and he knew from experience, that by holding out he could bring his father to his own terms. He therefore obstinately refused to leave his hiding-place, and persisted in crying, though in a lower tone. Come awa’, my bonny man,’ resumed the fond father, pretending to search for something in his pocket, ‘come awa’, and see what I ha’e gotten here. Here’s an apple for a good boy. A bonny red cheekit apple! There’s a good bairn. Isna he a gude bairn, uncle George?’ I made no answer to this ap- peal, but waited in silence to see how this curious scene would end. In the mean time, the little fellow, bribed by the deceitful