"N-no," said his brother; "but I could have done with another hour myself to-day. But we are Scotsmen, and must show an example. Noblesse oblige. Well," he added, "we'll have time to run up the hill anyhow, and see the sun rise."
So off they went, Vike making all the rocks and braes resound with his barking.
It was, indeed, a glorious and beautiful morning, and from their elevated situation they could see all the wild and romantic country on every side of them, for daylight was already broadening in the east. To the west the gray Atlantic ocean, the horizon buried in mist, away to the south woods and forests. Forests to the north also, while behind them hills on hills successive rose.
But the eastern sky was already aglow with clouds of crimson fire and gold. What artist could paint, what poet describe, such glory?
Then low towards a wood shines forth a brighter, more fiery gleam than all, and even at this distance the boys can see the branches, aye, and even the twigs, of the trees silhouetted against it.
And that is the sun itself struggling up behind the radiant clouds.
They stayed but little longer, for by this time breakfast would be ready, and Frank himself getting up.
After this meal was discussed, as a light breeze, sufficient to ripple the stream, had sprung up, the young folks determined to go fishing.
They took luncheon with them, and spent the whole forenoon on the banks of the bonnie wimpling burn.
But so well engaged were they that they did not at first observe that the sky was becoming rapidly overcast, and that the wind had begun to wail and moan in the trees of the adjoining forest. It had turned terribly cold too.