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 aneugh to gang on wi' themsels; ne'er a friend hae we that can, or will, help us to stock the farm again."

"Then, Hobbie, we maun trust in Him that can raise up friends and fortune out o' the bare moor, as they say."

Hobbie sprung upon his feet. "Ye are right, grannie!" he exclaimed; "ye are right. I do ken a friend on the bare moor, that baith can, and will, help us—The turns o' this day hae dung my head clean hirdie girdie. I left as much gowd lying on Mucklestane-Moor this morning as would plenish the house and stock the Heughfoot twice ower, and I am sure Elshie wadna grudge us the use of it."

"Elshie!" said his grandmother in astonishment; "what Elshie do you mean?"

"What Elshie should I mean, but canny Elshie, the Wise Wight o' Mucklestane," replied Hobbie.

"God forefend, my bairn, you should gang to fetch water out o' broken cisterns, or seek for relief frae them that deal wi'