"As what, Mary?"
"As----" And she wept as if her heart would break.
"As what, Mary?"
"As the Sergeant was an awfu' bad man," she added, in her sobs.
"Don't cry, Mary--be calm," said Adam.
"But I've com'd, as I kent it was a lee," the child said, looking up to Adam's face.
Mary had faith! But if the Sergeant had any doubt as to Mary's story, it was soon dispelled by the sudden appearance of Mrs. Craigie, demanding the child in a very decided tone of voice, and without making any apology for the sudden intrusion, or offering any explanation. "Did I no' tell ye to bide at hame, ye guid-for-nothing lassie? Come awa' wi' me this minute!" she said, advancing to take hold of Mary.
Mary sprang to the Sergeant and hid herself behind his back.
"Not so hasty, Mrs. Craigie," said the Sergeant, protecting her; "not so hasty, if you please. What's wrong?"
"Dinna let her tak' me! Oh, dinna let her tak' me!" cried Mary, from behind the Sergeant, and holding fast by his coat-tails. "She struck me black and blue; look at my arm," she continued, and she showed him her little thin arm, coloured by Mrs. Craigie.