Sentence:  "It's a' true!" exclaimed Bauldie Queech, in voice of great distress, "it's an ower true tale, as I ken fu' weel, and fu' sadly, though I didna think to hae tauld what I ken o't to ony ane but the minister: but Rory, ye're a fearless and lang-headed chiel at a <WSD>hard pass</WSD>, and as ever ye did gude to a puir body at their wits' ends, ye maun e'en help me now." 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A difficult time in one's life, especially one characterized by financial difficulties.