CHAPTER VIII
PIPERS AND TROUBLES
At the beginning of that same summer, Jamie Robinson, Aberfoyle's piper, became restless. Jamie was not a steady man. He had never been a good provider. His poor wife and babies were often hungry and cold in the stormy winter months.
Jamie Robinson earned his living by his piping. He marched back and forth through the village street, playing his bagpipes. He hoped that the noisy, celebrating crowds, which arrived from Glasgow, would like his music and throw him pennies.
When the people were generous, his family might have a good dinner. But often Jamie Robinson did not bring the money home to his family. Unfortunately Jamie, who was a weak man, was often led by some of the village men into public houses. Here men gamble and drink.
Sometimes poor Mrs. Robinson waited until very late for her husband to come home. When at last he arrived, he came penniless.
But now Jamie was buoyed up by the balmy weather. He felt a longing for the open road.
"Come away, wife," he pleaded. "'Tis no living for a man here."
But Mrs. Robinson only shook her head and reminded him of their large family and of the hardships of a wandering life. After all, they were comfortable here, when Jamie brought home the pennies.