The old man enjoyed the situation mightily and made the most of it.

"When ye are come to your growth, you will be more patient of sma' crossings.

Here is no case for argle-bargle.

You have taken yon twa brisk lads into composition with you"-- he nodded toward the brisk lads--"the compact being that they were to provide fodder for yonder mine-beastie, so far as in them lies, and, when they should grow short of siller, to seek more for you.

Weel, they need seek no farther, then.