Here Spink detailed to his helpmate, who sat with folded hands and staring eyes opposite to her husband, all that had happened. When he had concluded, they discussed the subject together. Presently the little girl came bouncing into the room, with rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes, a dirty face, and fair ringlets very much dishevelled, and with a pitcher of hot soup in her hands.
Davy caught her up, and kissing her, said abruptly, "Maggie, Big
Swankie's awa' to the wars."
The child looked enquiringly in her father's face, and he had to repeat his words twice before she quite realized the import of them.
"Are ye jokin', daddy?"
"No, Maggie; it's true. The press-gang got him and took him awa', an'
I doot we'll never see him again."
The little girl's expression changed while he spoke, then her lip trembled, and she burst into tears.
"See there, Janet," said Spink, pointing to Maggie, and looking earnestly at his wife.
"Weel-a-weel," replied Janet, somewhat softened, yet with much firmness, "I'll no deny that the man was fond o' the bairn, and it liked him weel enough; but, my certes! he wad hae made a bad man o' you if he could. But I'm real sorry for Ruby Brand; and what'll the puir lassie Gray dot Ye'll hae to gang up an' gie them the message."
"So I will; but that's like somethin' to eat, I think?"
Spink pointed to the soup.