But I am sure that you are joking about the soldiering." "I'll let you see if I am joking." Then and there I set off running over the moor, until I burst into the kitchen where my mother and father were sitting on either side of the ingle.
"Mother," I cried, "I'm off for a soldier!" Had I said I was off for a burglar they could not have looked worse over it, for in those days among the decent canny country folks it was mostly the black sheep that were herded by the sergeant.

But, my word, those same black sheep did their country some rare service too.

My mother put up her mittens to her eyes, and my father looked as black as a peat hole.
"Hoots, Jock, you're daft," says he.
"Daft or no, I'm going." "Then you'll have no blessing from me." "Then I'll go without." At this my mother gives a screech and throws her arms about my neck.
I saw her hand, all hard and worn and knuckly with the work she had done for my up-bringing, and it pleaded with me as words could not have done.
My heart was soft for her, but my will was as hard as a flint-edge.
I put her back in her chair with a kiss, and then ran to my room to pack my bundle.

It was already growing dark, and I had a long walk before me, so I thrust a few things together and hastened out.

As I came through the side door someone touched my shoulder, and there was Edie in the gloaming.
"Silly boy," said she, "you are not really going." "Am I not?
You'll see." "But your father does not wish it, nor your mother." "I know that." "Then why go ?" "You ought to know." "Why, then ?" "Because you make me!" "I don't want you to go, Jack." "You said it.