Page:Tales for the farmers' ingle-neuk (2).pdf/7

 but losing his balance when he reached the other side, he stumbled forward, and fell on the point of his knife. He was now overtaken and secured, and as he was losing much blood, he was conveyed to the manse, which happened to be the nearest house; the surgeon, who was present, attending him for the purpose of dressing his wound. The knife had entered the bowels, and made a dangerous wound, which the surgeon immediately pronounced likely to prove mortal. The unfortunate wretch overheard the opinion of the surgeon, and cried out with a savage joy, which filled every person present with horror. 'Then I'll disappoint the law yet. If I could na mak' my escape in ae way, I'll do it in another. Sleep, sleep, they say, it's a sleep.' 'Alas! young man,' said Mr, shuddering as he spoke, 'in that, sleep there are awful dreams to the wicked. Dreams, do I say? they are horrible realities. God grant that you may not find—' It's a lie! interrupted he with a dreadful oath, 'I'll no believe it—sae ye need na preach to me." Mr, finding he could do no good by continuing the conversation, left the room; and it was not long after this he learned, that the wretched murderer died, still hardened and impenitent.

on long-gone-by times I approached my brother's cottage, and a thousand little inci-