"There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip," says the old adage. But here was many a slip 'tween the toes and the lip and many a stumble also. Soon, however, they came to a wide and level plain of snow.
"Cheerily does it now, lads," cried the skipper. "Who is going to give us some music?"
A stirring old song was soon rising high on the morning air, and everyone joined in the chorus.
But when the last notes had died away, Duncan produced his great Highland bagpipes and began to get them into position across his broad right shoulder.
The skipper laughed.
"I declare," he said, "there is no end to the enthusiasm and patriotic feelings of you Scots. But tune up, lad."
Duncan strutted on in front and soon started the Gordon Highlanders' march.
The bold and beautiful notes put life and spirit into every heart.
Then he played all kinds of airs, not forgetting either the pibroch or quick-step. But not the coronach. That wild wail is--
"A lilt o' dool (grief) and sorrow ",