The figure raised itself and looked sharply round to make certain that the coast was clear.

Then it stood up and saluted, revealing the well-known lineaments of Wee Jaikie.
At the sight Dickson knew that he was safe by that certainty of instinct which is independent of proof, like the man who prays for a sign and has his prayer answered.

He observed that the boy was quietly sobbing.

Jaikie surveyed the position for an instant with red-rimmed eyes and then unclasped a knife, feeling the edge of the blade on his thumb.

He darted behind the fir, and a second later Dickson's wrists were free.