“Did he now? Well, that was right down handsome,” cried Annie and Polly together, while Grandma, overcome with emotion, fairly wept.
“’Ees, I d’ ’low I thought it kind of him.
“‘Three cheers for this fine old Briton,’ says he. ‘He’s made of the right stuff. He has come here at great personal inconvenience to offer his services to Queen and Country, and I say we may be proud to think there are such men among us. Come, lads, a hearty cheer. Hip, hip, hip—’
“Well, I’d managed to get up on Chrissy by this time, an’ they all run round me, cheerin’ an’ wavin’ their caps, and I saluted ’em back, pleasant-like, and Chrissy and me walked off so proud as Punch. So, though they didn’t take us on, ye see we’ve had what we mid call a good day.”
“’Ees, indeed, Granfer,” returned his missus, delighted, but tearful still. “I’m sure we may all feel proud. And I am but too thankful as they didn’t take ye on. Dear heart alive! ’twas a narrow escape—ye’ll be seventy in next to no time.”
“True, true,” agreed Granfer. “’Twas a thing I didn’t ever think on, but ’tis plain to be seen the reason why they didn’t take I. They did ax for old soldiers and I weren’t old enough.”
PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY
THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, ABERDEEN