'
'He wants a guide and a horse frae hence to Edinburgh?'
'Aye, and ye maun find it him forthwith.'
'Ahem! It will be chargeable.'
'He cares na for that a bodle.'
'Aweel, Duncan--did ye say your name was Duncan, or Donald?'
'Na, man--Jamie--Jamie Steenson--I telt ye before.'
This last undaunted parry altogether foiled Mr. Cruickshanks, who,
though not quite satisfied either with the reserve of the master, or
the extreme readiness of the man, was contented to lay a tax on the
reckoning and horse-hire, that might compound for his ungratified
curiosity. The circumstance of its being the fast-day was not forgotten
in the charge, which, on the whole, did not, however, amount to much
more than double what in fairness it should have been.
Callum Beg soon after announced in person the ratification of this
treaty, adding, 'Ta auld deevil was ganging to ride wi' ta Duinhe-wassel
hersell.'
'That will not be very pleasant, Callum, nor altogether safe, for our
host seems a person of great curiosity; but a traveller must submit to
these inconveniences. Meanwhile, my good lad, here is a trifle for you
to drink Vich Ian Vohr's health.'
The hawk's eye of Callum flashed delight upon a golden guinea, with
which these last words were accompanied.
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