Викрадений

           Henderlandafterexpressinghisdelightinmycompany,andsatisfactionatmeetingwithafriendofMr.Campbell’s(“whom,”sayshe,“IwillmakeboldtocallthatsweetsingerofourcovenantedZion”),proposedthatIshouldmakeashortstage,andliethenightinhishousealittlebeyondKingairloch.Tosaytruth,Iwasoverjoyed;forIhadnogreatdesireforJohnoftheClaymore,andsincemydoublemisadventure,firstwiththeguideandnextwiththegentlemanskipper,IstoodinsomefearofanyHighlandstranger.Accordinglyweshookhandsuponthebargain,andcameintheafternoontoasmallhouse,standingalonebytheshoreoftheLinnheLoch.ThesunwasalreadygonefromthedesertmountainsofArdgouruponthehitherside,butshoneonthoseofAppinonthefarther;thelochlayasstillasalake,onlythegullswerecryingroundthesidesofit;andthewholeplaceseemedsolemnanduncouth.

           WehadnosoonercometothedoorofMr.Henderland’sdwelling,thantomygreatsurprise(forIwasnowusedtothepolitenessofHighlanders)heburstrudelypastme,dashedintotheroom,caughtupajarandasmallhorn-spoon,andbeganladlingsnuffintohisnoseinmostexcessivequantities.Thenhehadaheartyfitofsneezing,andlookedrounduponmewitharathersillysmile.

           “It’savowItook,”sayshe.“ItookavowuponmethatIwouldnaecarryit.Doubtlessit’sagreatprivation;butwhenIthinkuponthemartyrs,notonlytotheScottishCovenantbuttootherpointsofChristianity,Ithinkshametomindit