"Can you tell me which of them did it?"
"No, sir. There maun hae been mair nor twa or three at it, or she wad hae worried them. The best-natered beast i' the toon!"
"William Macwha," cried Malison.
"Here, sir."
"Come up."
Willie ascended to the august presence. He had made up his mind that, seeing so many had known all about it, and some of them had turned cowards, it would be of no service to deny the deed.
"Do you know anything about this cruelty to the poor dog, William?" said the master.
Willie gave a Scotchman's answer, which, while evasive, was yet answer and more.
"She bet me, sir."
"When? While you were stoning her?"