The Eskdale Herd-boy / A Scottish Tale for the Instruction and Amusement of Young People

Produced by Ted Garvin, S.R. Ellison, Charles Franks, and
the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
A Scottish Tale
Description of Eskdale.—History of Marion Scott and John Telfer.—He loses his Parents.—Mr. Martin, the Pastor, befriends him.—John engaged by Mr. Laurie as his herd-boy.—Helen Martin's first attempt at horsemanship.—Her mother points out the advantages of perseverance and self-command.
Excursion towards the Glen.—Beautiful scenery.—Account of the Borderers .—The Minister visits David Little's cottage—Rustic manners.—Canine sagacity.—The visitors take their departure.
John gains the approbation of the Pastor.—Visit to Mr. Elliott.—His cottage delightfully situated.—Helen cautioned by her father against affectation.—Arrival at Minkirk.—Visit at Craigie Hall.—Mrs. Scott's hospitality.—John dispatched on an errand.—His unlucky disaster.—The party returns by moonlight.—Their arrival at the Manse relieves Mrs. Martin's anxiety.
John's reflexions on entering service.—Receives advice from the Minister for his future conduct.—John's good intentions the cause of great anxiety.
Sunday morning.—The family assembled for morning prayer.—Interesting description of the villagers' manners on the Sabbath.—Serious illnesses.—John in an awkward dilemma.—Hateful effects of intoxication.—Miss Helen taken seriously ill.—A curtain lecture.
Uncertainty of human events.—News of Captain Elliott.—An agreeable present.—John gains the approbation of the Minister for his activity.
John enters Mr. Laurie's service.—New companions.—He receives instruction in his new employ.—Surprising sagacity of the shepherds' dogs.—Marion recovered.
Arrival of Capt. Elliott.—Unfavourable character of William Martin.—His hasty temper the cause of uneasiness to his parents.—He is placed under the care of Mr. Lamont.—Helen's amiability.—The party take their departure for Kelso.
Hospitable reception at Kelso.—Interview between Capt. Elliott and his nephew William.—The party return to the Manse .—Helen's attachment to home.—Capt. Elliott joins his vessel.—Alarm of the family at the sudden disappearance of William Martin.