Page:Thomas Raeburn.pdf/3



Gentle reader, did you ever see a hermit? If not, mayhap you have heard that such things are. I shall introduce you to one: but first let me relate a small anecdote:—Some years ago I diueddined [sic] in a small tavern in Greenock, with about a dozen other wayfarers. A jolly Skipper was present, who amused the company considerably with his yarns. Said he “some four years ago, we were wrecked upon a small uninhabited island near Newfoundland: we all got safe ashore, and a miserable looking place it was; but after climbing over a hill, we were all quite delighted to meet with 15 hermits and their dogs.” at this, ourselves and some others burst out in a horse laugh: “what the devil are you laughing at?” said Jack, somewhat nettled. “Oh, nothing at all; begging your pardon; I was only wondering where the 15 hermitesses would be all the while, “Well, you may laugh as you please, young man, but