Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/214

 pass; "a' the folk in the Glen are gain', and I'll gang too, say what ye wull."

Mrs Mason scarcely believed it possible that he could be so very hardy, until she saw him set off with sullen and determined step, followed by his mother's eye, who, on seeing him depart, exclaimed, "Hegh me! ye're an unco laddie."

The farmer appeared to feel more deeply, but he said nothing. Grasping the mane of the mare, he turned to lead her down the road to his fields, and had advanced a few steps, when his wife called after him, to enquire what he was going to do with the saddle, which he carried on his shoulders? "Do wi' it!" repeated he, "I have naething to do wi' it!" Then dashing it on the ground, he proceeded with quickened pace down the steep.

"Wae's me!" said Mrs MacClarty, "the gudeman taks Sandie's doorness mickle to heart!"

"And is it any wonder that he should take it to heart!" said Mrs Mason.—