Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/226

 "No, no, he's war' than killed! O that I shou'd have seen this day!"

"Speak, Robert," said Mrs Mason, "you can tell what has befallen your brother, let your father know the truth." Robert was silent; but the youngest boy eagerly came forward, and said, that "Jamie Bruce had brought word that Sandy was aff to be a soger."

"And where did you see Jamie Bruce?" asked his father.

"It was Rob that spoke wi' him; it was na me," said the little boy, hanging down his head.

"Where cou'd you, Rob, meet Jamie Bruce?" said the farmer. "Did not I send you to the West Craft? how cou'd you then see ony ane comin' frae the fair? Speak, sir! and tell truth, I desire you."

"I just thought I wad gang a wee while up to the road to see the folk coming frae the fair, before I gaid to the Craft," returned Robert. "I kent there wad be time eneugh."