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 something to eat, for I havena had a morsel down my throat this day, I wad streek mysel down for twa three hours aside the beast, and be on and awa' to Mucklestane wi' the first skreigh o' morning."

"And what for no the night, Hobbie?" said Harry, "and I'll ride wi' ye."

"My nag is tired," said Hobbie.

"Ye may take mine, then," said John.

"But I am a wee thing wearied mysel."

"You wearied?" said Harry, "shame on you! I have kenn'd ye keep the saddle four-and-twenty hours thegither, and ne'er sic a word as weariness in your wame."

"The night's very dark," said Hobbie, rising and looking through the casement of the cottage; "and, to speak truth, and shame the de'il, though Elshie's a real honest fallow, yet somegate I would rather take day-light wi' me when I when I gang to visit him."

This frank avowal put a stop to farther argument; and Hobbie, having thus com-