Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/228

 him from that; and if he behaves well, he will be treated kindly, and may come in time to be promoted. But you are not yet certain that he is enlisted. The person who gave the information, may himself have been misinformed. Make inquiry into the fact, and then take the steps that, on consideration, appear to be most prudent and judicious."

The gleam of hope which was presented in these words, revived the spirits of the disconsolate parents; and the father in haste set off for the village, to learn to a certainty the fate of his untoward son.

Evening was now far advanced. The cows, which the boys should have brought home to have milked, were still lowing in the West Croft; and when Mrs MacClarty desired Robert to go for them, she obtained no other answer, than that "Grizzy might gang as weel as him." Grizzel was busy in washing up the dishes wanted for supper, and which had remained unwashed from breakfast time till