"Mistress Conal, there is nothing for it but carry her home in my arms!"
"Give me the cursed brog then. I will draw the nail."
But the chief would not yield the boot; he went out and searched the hill-side until he found a smooth stone of suitable size, with which and a pair of tongs, he beat down the nail. Christina put on the boot, and they left the place. The chief stayed behind the rest for a moment, but the old woman would not even acknowledge his presence.
"What a rude old thing she is! This is how she always treats us!" said Christina.
"Have you done anything to offend her?" asked Alister.
"Not that we know of. We can't help being lowlanders!"
"She no doubt bears you a grudge," said Ian, "for having what once belonged to us. I am sorry she is so unfriendly. It is not a common fault with our people."
"Poor old thing! what does it matter!" said Christina.
A woman's hate was to her no more than the barking of a dog.
They had not gone far, before the nail again asserted itself; it had been but partially subjugated. A consultation was held. It resulted in this, that Mercy and the chief went to fetch another pair of boots, while Ian remained with Christina.