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 been at hame, Will Græme's stomach shouldna hae wanted it's morning; but it's biding him, is it na, Hobbie?"

"Our neighbours hae ta'en a day at the Castleton to gree wi' him at the sight o' men," said Hobbie mournfully; "they behoved to have it a' their ain gate, or there was nae help to be got at their hand."

"To gree wi' him!" exclaimed both his brothers at once, "after siccan an act of stouthrife as hasna been heard o' in the country since the auld riding days!"

"Very true, billies, and my blood was e'en boiling at it; butthe sight o' Grace Armstrong has settled it brawly."

"But the stocking, Hobbie?" said John Elliot; "we're utterly ruined. Harry and I hae been to gather what was on the outbye land, and there's scarce a cloot left. I kenna how we're to carry on—We maun a' gang to the wars, I think Westburnflat hasna the means, e'en if he had the will, to make up our loss; there's nae mends to