The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-11-28

ing foot. There is ford near by over
the little water of Cluden and cross
ing of stepping-stOpes, about which as
BARNS We had played the day py the
length. before ever we heard sound or
the weary Covenants that have worked
50 muckle strife in this land. i had my
foot ON the first stone when Duncan
nudged Gilbert to speak: He was fine.
solid lad, Duncan, but not gleg at the
talking.
Duncan wants me to say, Patie.
said Gilbert, taking the signal reiuc-
| family. that we are heart sorry for ms
cast cot. And we are a veXed for ye,
and we do not think that ye have been
rightly used. But ye are to mind that
the lronsray is your ain, and We Will
work ii for you as the rightful heir.
There's name q us that are Jacobs, or
would supplant our brother Is that not
RIGHT, lads?"
AYE" gruify enough responded
| Duncan. And the others also said
Aye" with one voice.
And ye are no to do anything rash,
| Patie," he went ON, for we lfaVe mere
some pickle siller that we mad laid by
us. It's no better than twenty scots
pounds, but ye are welcome, Patie tstop
| that whingein and greetin', Martin;
think sham o yourself, mani. And ye
are to tax it and look about ye wee,
ana no do onythinS rash that yS Wouiu
be sorry for after, like!'
Lads" | answered them, slowly, fo"
| was near overcome, =. cannot TAX
your hard-won silver. "Ye'll he need
ing new plaids and bonncts, and ken
Duncan was saving for Bible.
Ma, ma. so long as Patrick Vernon
has a pair of strong hands. the world
will no come greatly wrong to him,
I,n lads Seq and
humOr my father. gin ye can. 1t was
never a thing | was good at mysel.
So shook hands with them al! five,
| ard turned away. | could hear poor
Martin, that was ever Il kcnnin% sort
III the heart. break into passion or
tears. at which Duncan took him hy the
neck of his coat to shake the folly out
of him.
Have We no more senSe?' he said,
''niEEa make ii harder than it Is for
Patie."
God for five brothers that are neither
time-servers nor hypocrites.
Iut i. was at the kirk stile. as
went by the village. that | got the
heaviest stroke. For there | met lso-
bel Weir. She came daintily over, lift
| Ing at psalm, and putting uD her
| hand. as she saw me. to the blue maid
ems snood that belted her yellow hair
You are bound for Holland. hear"
she said: they tell me that Mr.. Welsh
has gone uD to settle the matter with
| your father"
Not l." | made answer, gloomily
enough, but Robert, my brother. goes
| tn Holland in my stead. He. as We all
ken. is the lad of grace in our house,
hold. and keeps himself first in favor
with the godly. Who can contend with
such a flower of sanctity?'
| You forget yourself, Patrick Yer
nor" answered !sohel Weir. holding
up her head severely: better would
| it be for YOU to be likewise in favor
with things honorable and great with
godly men. Your brother Robert is
truly IA lad of promise
| And also of comeliness-a very
young David. with his lovelocks and
ruddy cheeks" said /, bitterly. well
am aware that he has the favor of all
you women, and especially of lsoDel
Weir of the TOrwood."
And though he hath. what is that to
you, Patrick Ncrnor?" the girl an
swered me. And there was fire in her
eyes. for saw that she had taken my
meaning but too well. Now all my
days, though | loved her dear. yet had
! never any power to please here. nor
| were my words ever agreeable to her.
like the cunningly patient smiles. the
quick observance and Difference, of
Robert, my brother.
Truly it is nothing to me: there say
you rightly, Isobel Weir" ! said. III
you had loved me it might have mat
tered more. But since you will not,
why then, there is no more to the busi-
ness, but just to shake hands and part
| | bid YOU farewell, Tsobcl. 1t is a long
day since l carried you over Cluden