Запретный лес
XII. The Man with the Squint
WegotthewordfromtheEmbrocarrier,butIwasnalookingforyeyetawhile,forweheardyewereliketobethrangwi’thelawyerbodies....Hejustslippitawa’,forhowcouldanauldmanstandoutagainstyonwanchancypestilence?It’sagaitwemauna’gang,andhewouldbeweelpreparedGodward,andateaseinhismindaboutwarldlythings,fortheytellmehewasbrawlysetupwi’gear.Andthere’sjustyoursel’toheirit,Mr.David?...Butshamefa’metospeako’gearinthissorrowfuldispensation,forafaitherisafaitherthoughheliveayontthethreescoreandtenyearswhilkisourallottedspan."
"Hediedashelived,Isobel,ahumblebutconfidentChristian.IthinkhewaspleasedtoknowthatIwassettledinhisforebears’countryside."
"Hewadbethat,honestman.FineImindo’yourgudesire,andmonyanievefu’o’mealIgatfromhimwhenIwasabairn.ButI’mconcernedforyoursel’,Mr.David,andfearfu’lestyehavegotasmittalo’thepestilence.Ye’refineandruddy,butthere’smaybefeverinyourveins.Drinkoffthiswershbrew,sir--itwasmymither’swaytocallertheblood--justkirnmilkboiledwi’soorocks."
Davidaskedconcerningtheparish.
"Woodilee!"Isobelcried."IfEmbro’sastrickenbit,it’snaewaurthanthisparochine.Forthelastse’endaysit’sbeennaethingbutwarsandrumourso’war.Ye’llhaeheardo’howMontrosehasguiditourauldSion,andnowwe’veAntichristhimsel’onourwaterside.
