CHAPTER IX
THE ADVENTURE AT BRUCE’S CAVERN
On their arrival at the manse, they found that the minister himself had been called away to pray with a poor woman who was supposed to be dying.
But Maggie May was eminently suited to perform the duties of hostess, and a right hearty welcome did she give them.
With her own hands did she prepare them a delicious hot draught of mulled heather-ale, with soft biscuit broken up in it, for it was a long time ere the dinner-hour.
Lord Raglan was put in the best stall in the stable, and the sleigh was drawn into the shed.
Given three people all in their teens, a good piano, plenty of books and music, and I think there is no danger of the time feeling irksome. It did not in this case, at all events; and when Mackenzie entered the room three hours after, he found them all as merry as crickets, and merrier.
He was glad to see the boys, and said he really envied them their pleasant ride. “For,” he added, “of all kinds of vehicular motion, that of the sledge is undoubtedly the most pleasant.”
Sandie was a true gentleman at heart, and he at once proposed to place his sleigh and Lord Raglan at the disposal of Mackenzie and his little daughter for next day, if he chose to enjoy a ride. He himself would be going back to Aberdeen, he said, in three days’ time, but his father would let him have the sleigh at any time, all the same.
“Besides,” said Sandie, “it will hold you and me, sir, and little Maggie May easily; so, if you like, I will come over if it is fine to-morrow and give you an outing.”