Tommy Toby at last answered the rather embarrassing question with, “Let us consult the barometer.”
The barometer, too, wore a cloudy face, and frowned at them, as though it meant never to predict fine weather again.
But, after waiting awhile at the station, there were signs of lifting clouds and clearing skies. A weather-wise old Scotchman promised the party a fair day, and bid them “God speed” for the home of “Robbie Burns.” Presently, the sun began to shoot his lances through the mist, and the tourists set out for their first walk, which was to be a two-mile one, to Burns’s cottage.
BIRTHPLACE OF ROBERT BURNS.
The cottage was indeed an humble one. It was built by the father of Burns, with his own hands, before his marriage, and originally contained two rooms.