And that's a queer tale, too," he added.

"And if ye would like, I'll tell it ye." To be sure we were all of the one mind, and even the Highlander that had the least English of the three set himself to listen with all his might.
THE TALE OF TOD LAPRAIK My faither, Tam Dale, peace to his banes, was a wild, sploring lad in his young days, wi' little wisdom and less grace.

He was fond of a lass and fond of a glass, and fond of a ran-dan; but I could never hear tell that he was muckle use for honest employment.

Frae ae thing to anither, he listed at last for a sodger and was in the garrison of this fort, which was the first way that ony of the Dales cam to set foot upon the Bass.

Sorrow upon that service! The governor brewed his ain ale; it seems it was the warst conceivable.