And honourably quit, too, for he would have played a manly part in a most unpleasant affair.
He could retire to the idyllic with the knowledge that he had not been wanting when Romance called.

Not a soul should ever hear of it, but he saw himself in the future tramping green roads or sitting by his winter fireside pleasantly retelling himself the tale.
Before they came to the Garple bridge Dougal insisted that they should separate, remarking that "it would never do if we were seen thegither." Heritage was despatched by a short cut over fields to the left, which eventually, after one or two plunges into ditches, landed him safely in Mrs.Morran's back yard.

Dickson and Dougal crossed the bridge and tramped Dalquharter-wards by the highway.

There was no sign of human life in that quiet place with owls hooting and rabbits rustling in the undergrowth.

Beyond the woods they came in sight of the light in the back kitchen, and both seemed to relax their watchfulness when it was most needed.