"Ach, Sandy," he cried. Then he stood back and pointed to the lamb. Evidently Sandy had not noticed it.
"And do you not see our beastie, Sandy? 'Tis the same you left with me, and well and fat she is."
Sandy turned and looked at Betty. But he did not talk as Ian had expected him to, nor did he compliment Ian on the lamb's well-being. He only stood fingering his pipes and slowly shaking his head.
"SANDY HIMSELF WILL TEACH YOU TO PLAY"
As Ian stared in wonderment, the piper lifted his bagpipes from his shoulder and handed them to the boy.
"Your pipes are here, lad, and Sandy keeps his promise!" he said.
Without thinking Ian put out his arms to receive the instrument. His eyes, however, did not leave his friend's face.
"But, Sandy, these are your own pipes you're giving me!" he said, as if he could hardly believe it, after looking down at what Sandy had placed in his arms.
"Ay, lad," answered Sandy, "and now you can be a fine piper, and Sandy himself will teach you to play."