His whip, however, had not been brought to Scotland, but Mr Maclean, who thought he was in fun, cut him a long stick, and helped the children up the hill with the carriage. When they got on level ground, he wished them good-bye, and Fanny dragging the carriage into which Norman got, they proceeded on their journey.
The carriage was roughly made, being merely a wooden box cut out, on either side with thick wooden wheels, and a pole by which it was dragged. Norman, however, thought it very good fun to sit in it, and be drawn along. At first, he contented himself with merely flourishing the stick, but when Fanny did not go fast enough to please him, he began to hit at her with it.
“Go on, my little horse, go on. I wish you were a coolie, and I would soon make you move faster,” he shouted out, hitting at her several times.
As long as he only struck her dress, Fanny did not mind, but when the young tyrant, leaning forward, began to beat her on the shoulders, she turned round and declared that she would go no farther if he did so again.
“But I will make you,” he answered; “go on, I say.”
Fanny stopped, and again told him not to use his stick as he was doing.
“Well, go on and you will see,” he said, letting his stick hang out behind the carriage, for he was afraid that she would take it from him.
Fanny once more began to drag the carriage forward, but she had not got far when she felt the stick on her shoulders.
“You are not going fast enough to please me,” cried Norman.
“I told you that I would not draw you at all if you hit me, and you have done so notwithstanding,” said Fanny, feeling very angry.