"But it's a pity I ha'e nothin' in her at the minute.
"Come on, too, Mr. Auld. It'll do ye good to learn something aboot chickens, even if you are busy enough lookin' after the sheep."
Andrew took a huge key from a nail in the wall and we followed him out to the log cabin, both of us full of forced interest and bubbling over with pent-up excitement.
Old man Clark talked all the way on his favourite topic; he talked while he inserted the key in the door and he kept on talking as he walked in, all intent on his wonderful egg-hatcher.
He left the key in the door.
Just as I was due to enter, I stepped back. With a quick movement, the minister pulled the door to and turned the key, taking it out of the lock and putting it in his trouser pocket.
"Hey!—what's the matter?" came a voice from the inside.
We did not answer.
Andrew Clark battered on the door with his fists.
"Hey there! The door has snappit to. Open it and come awa' in."