So bear it, if ye please, in mind, and conduct yourself according." "Well, well," said I, "have it as you will." As we got near the clachan, he made me take his arm and hang upon it like one almost helpless with weariness; and by the time he pushed open the change-house door, he seemed to be half carrying me.

The maid appeared surprised (as well she might be) at our speedy return; but Alan had no words to spare for her in explanation, helped me to a chair, called for a tass of brandy with which he fed me in little sips, and then breaking up the bread and cheese helped me to eat it like a nursery-lass; the whole with that grave, concerned, affectionate countenance, that might have imposed upon a judge.

It was small wonder if the maid were taken with the picture we presented, of a poor, sick, overwrought lad and his most tender comrade.

She drew quite near, and stood leaning with her back on the next table.
"What's like wrong with him ?" said she at last.
Alan turned upon her, to my great wonder, with a kind of fury.

"Wrong ?" cries he.