He descended the path, therefore, and entering the cottage, he communicated, in a hasty and troubled voice, which indicated mental agitation, his determination to take his instant departure.
Somewhat to his surprise, Elspat appeared not to combat his purpose, but she urged him to take some refreshment ere he left her for ever.

He did so hastily, and in silence, thinking on the approaching separation, and scarce yet believing it would take place without a final struggle with his mother's fondness.

To his surprise, she filled the quaigh with liquor for his parting cup.
"Go," she said, "my son, since such is thy settled purpose; but first stand once more on thy mother's hearth, the flame on which will be extinguished long ere thy foot shall again be placed there." "To your health, mother!" said Hamish; "and may we meet again in happiness, in spite of your ominous words." "It were better not to part," said his mother, watching him as he quaffed the liquor, of which he would have held it ominous to have left a drop.
"And now," she said, muttering the words to herself, "go--if thou canst go." "Mother," said Hamish, as he replaced on the table the empty quaigh, "thy drink is pleasant to the taste, but it takes away the strength which it ought to give." "Such is its first effect, my son," replied Elspat.

"But lie down upon that soft heather couch, shut your eyes but for a moment, and, in the sleep of an hour, you shall have more refreshment than in the ordinary repose of three whole nights, could they be blended into one." "Mother," said Hamish, upon whose brain the potion was now taking rapid effect, "give me my bonnet--I must kiss you and begone--yet it seems as if my feet were nailed to the floor." "Indeed," said his mother, "you will be instantly well, if you will sit down for half an hour--but half an hour.

It is eight hours to dawn, and dawn were time enough for your father's son to begin such a journey." "I must obey you, mother--I feel I must," said Hamish inarticulately; "but call me when the moon rises." He sat down on the bed, reclined back, and almost instantly was fast asleep.