Ian hung his head.
"No, Sandy. I like finer to go about and have adventures and make up that I am—" He hesitated.
"What, lad? Speak. Do not be afraid of Sandy for he knows the hearts of laddies well."
"If I could play the pipes, Sandy, I would go away and be a piper in the band some day," confessed Ian.
This was, indeed, a dream so near to his heart that he had never before spoken it aloud. After the admission, Ian turned his head away and did not look at Sandy. But the old man's voice was very soft and his tone caressing, as he said, "And a fine dream it is, Ian lad, for to be a piper is a great and honored calling."
"Ay," answered Ian huskily, "but 'tis not for me, Sandy."
Sandy turned the boy around then and looked him squarely in the eye.
"Ian, lad, do not speak so, for nothing is too hard to get when you want it."