“Yes; and would Sandie step into the parlour for a minute. Mary would soon find him.”
“Why, Sandie, man, what brings you here at so early an hour?”
Sandie took a lordly pinch of snuff, and handed the box to Craig Nicol.
“I’ve something to tell ye, sir. But, hush! take a peep outside, for fear anybody should be listening.”
“Now,” he continued, in a half-whisper, “ye’ll never breathe a word of what I’m going to tell you?”
“Why, Sandie, I never saw you look so serious before. Sit down, and I’ll draw my chair close to yours.”
The arrangement completed, Sandie’s face grew still longer, and he told him all he heard while listening behind the arbour.
“I own to being a bit inquisitive like,” he added; “but man, farmer, it is a good thing for you on this occasion that I was. I’ve put you on your guard.”
Craig laughed till the glasses on the sideboard jingled and rang.
“Is that all my thanks?” said Sandie, in a disheartened tone.