greyfriars bobby by eleanor atkinson
Post on 27-Sep-2015
12 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
-
GREYFRIARSBOBBYbyEleanorAtkinson
I.
WhenthetimegunboomedfromEdinburghCastle,Bobbygaveastartledyelp.HewasonlyalittlecountrydogtheveryyoungestandsmallestandshaggiestofSkyeterriers-bredonaheatheryslopeofthePentlandhills,wheretheloudestsoundwasthebarkofacollieorthetinkleofasheep-bell.ThatmorninghehadcometotheweeklymarketwithAuldJock,afarmlaborer,andtheGrassmarketoftheScottishcapitallayinthenarrowvalleyatthesouthernbaseofCastleCrag.Twohundredfeetaboveitthetimegunwasmountedinthehalf-moonbatteryonanoverhanging,crescent-shapedledgeofrock.Inanypartofthecitythereportoftheone-oclockgunwassufficientlyalarming,butintheGrassmarketitwasanearth-rendingexplosiondirectlyoverhead.Itneededtobeheardbutoncetheretoberegisteredonevenalittledogsbrain.Bobbyhadhearditmanytimes,andheneverfailedtoyelpasharpprotestattheoutragetohisears;but,asthegunshotwasalwaysfollowedbyacertainhappyevent,itstartedinhisactivelittlemindatrainofpleasantassociations.
InBobbysdayofyouth,andthatwasin1858,whenQueenVictoriawasahappywifeandmother,withallherbairnsaboutherkneesinWindsororBalmoral,theGrassmarketofEdinburghwasstillabitoftheMiddleAges,aspicturesquelydecayingandGothicasGermanNuremberg.Besidetheclassiccornexchange,ithadnomodernbuildings.Northandsouth,alongitsgreatestlength,thesunkenquadranglewasfacedbytall,old,timber-frontedhousesofstone,plasteredlikeswallowsneststotherockyslopesbehindthem.
Acrosstheeasternend,wherethevalleysuddenlynarrowedtotheravine-likestreetoftheCowgate,themarketwasspannedbythelofty,crowdedarchesofGeorgeIVBridge.Thishigh-hung,viaductthoroughfare,thatcarriedadoublelineofbuildingswithinitsparapet,leapedthegorge,fromthetall,old,GothicrookeriesonHighStreetridge,justbelowtheCastleesplanade.Itclearedtheroofsofthetallest,oldesthousesthatswarmedupthesteepbanksfromtheCowgate,andranon,byeasydescent,tothemaingatewayofGreyfriarskirkyardatthelowertopofthesouthernrise.
Greyfriarstwokirksformedtogether,underonecontinuousroof,along,low,buttressedbuildingwithouttowerorspire.ThenewkirkwasofQueenAnnesday,buttheoldkirkwasbuiltbeforeeverthePilgrimssetsailforAmerica.Ithadbeenbutoneofseveralsacredbuildings,setinamonasterygardenthatslopedpleasantlytotheopenvalleyoftheGrassmarket,andlookeduptheCastleheightsunhindered.InBobbysdaythisgardenhadshrunktoalong,narrow,high-piledburying-ground,thatextendedfromtherearofthelineofbuildingsthatfrontedonthemarket,uptheslope,acrossthehilltop,andtowherethelandbegantofallawayagain,downtheBurghmuir.FromtheGrassmarket,kirkandkirkyardlayhiddenbehindandabovethecrumblinggrandeurofnoblehallsandmansionsthathadfallentothegrimiesttenementsofEdinburghsslums.Fromtheendofthebridgeapproachtherewasaglimpseofmassivewalls,ofpointedwindows,andofmonumentaltombsthroughadouble-leafedgateofwroughtiron,thatwasalcovedandwedgedinbetweentheancientguildhallofthecandlemakersandarowofprosperouslittleshopsinGreyfriarsPlace.
Arock-rimmedquarrypit,intheveryheartofOldEdinburgh,theGrassmarketwasaplaceofhistoricechoes.Theyelpofalittledogtherewouldscarceseemworthyofrecord.Moreinharmonywithitsstirringhistorywasthereportofthetimegun.Atoneoclockeveryday,therewasapuffof
-
smokehighupintheblueorgrayorsquallysky,thenadeafeningcrashandabackfirefusilladeofechoes.Theoldestfrequenterofthemarketnevergotusedtoit.OnWednesday,astheshotbrokeacrossthebabelofshrillbargaining,everymanintheplacejumped,andnotonewasquickerofrecoverythanweeBobby.Instantlyashamed,asanintelligentlittledogwhoknewtheimportofthegunshouldbe,Bobbydeniedhisalarminatinypinkyawnofboredom.ThenhewentbrisklyabouthisurgentbusinessoffindingAuldJock.
Themarketwasclosed.InfiveminutesthegreatopenspacewasasemptyoflivingmenasGreyfriarskirkyardonaweek-day.DroversandhostlersdisappearedatonceintothecheapandnoisyentertainmentoftheWhiteHartInnthatfrontedthemarketandsetitssqualidbackagainstCastleRock.Farmersrapidlydeserteditforthecleancountry.Dwellersinthetenementsdartedupwyndsandblindcloses,climbedtwistingturnpikestairstowindyroostsunderthegables,ortheyscuttledthroughnobledoorsintofoulcourtsandhallways.Beggarsandpickpocketsswarmedunderthearchesofthebridge,toswelltheevilsmellinghumanriverthatflowedatthedarkandslimybottomoftheCowgate.
AchillNovemberwindtoreatthecreakingironcrossoftheKnightsofSt.John,onthehighestgableoftheTempletenements,thatturneditsdecayingbackonthekirkyardoftheGreyfriars.LowcloudsweretangledandtornontheCastlebattlements.Afewhorsesstoodabout,munchingoatsfromfeed-boxes.Flocksofsparrowsfluttereddownfromtimberedgalleriesandrockyledgestofeastonscatteredgrain.Swallowswheeledinwide,descendingspiralsfrommudvillagesunderthecornicestocatchflies.Ratsscurriedoutofholesandgleanedinthedesertedcornexchange.Androundandroundtheemptymarket-placeracedthefranticlittleterrierinsearchofAuldJock.
Bobbyknew,aswellasanyman,thatitwasthedinnerhour.WiththetimegunitwasAuldJockscustomtogouptoasnuglittlerestaurant;thatwaspatronizedchieflybythedecentpoorsmallshopkeepers,clerks,tenantfarmers,andmedicalstudentslivingincheaplodgingsinGreyfriarsPlace.There,inYeOldeGreyfriarsDiningRooms,ownedbyMr.JohnTraill,andfourdoorsbeyondthekirkyardgate,wasacozylittleinglenookthatAuldJockandBobbyhadcometolookuponastheirown.Atitsback,abovearecessedoakensettleandatable,atinypanedwindowlookedupandoveraretainingwallintotheancientplaceofthedead.
Theviewoftheheaped-upandcrowdedmoundsandthicketsofoldslabsandthroughstones,girtallaboutbytimestainedmonumentsandvaults,andshutinonthenorthandeastbythebacksofshopsandloftyslumtenements,couldnotbesaidtobecheerful.ItsuitedAuldJock,however,forwhatmindhehadwasofamelancholyturn.Fromhisplaceonthefloor,betweenhismaster shob-nailedboots,Bobbycouldnotseethekirkyard,butitwouldnot,inanycase,havedepressedhisspirits.Hedidnotknowthefaceofdeathand,amerrylittleruffianofaterrier,hewasreadyforanyadventure.
OnthestonegatepillarwasanoticeinplainEnglishthatnodogswerepermittedinGreyfriars.Aswellasifhecouldread,Bobbyknewthatthekirkyardwasforbiddenground.Hehadlearnedthatbybitterexperience.Once,whenthelittlewicketgatethatheldthetwotallleavesajarbyday,chancedtobeopen,hehadjoyouslychasedacatacrossthegravesandoverthewesternwallontothebroadgreenlawnofHeriotsHospital.
Therethelittledogsescapadebredothermischief,forHeriotsHospitalwasnotahospitalatall,inthemodernEnglishsenseofbeingarefugeforthesick.BuiltandchristenedinadaywhenaStuartkingreignedinHolyroodPalace,andFrenchwasspokenintheScottishcourt,Heriotswasa
-
splendidpileofacharityschool,alltowersandbattlements,andcheerfulcolor,andcountlessbeautifulwindows.Endowedbyaberuffedanddoubletedgoldsmith,JinglinGeordieHeriot,whohadnaebraveladdieohisain,itwasdevotedtothecareandeducationofpuirorphananfaderlessboys.Thereithadstoodformorethantwocenturies,inaspaciouspark,likethecountry-seatofaLowlandlaird,buthemmedinbysordidmarketsandswarmingslums.Theregionroundaboutfurnishedanunfailingsupplyofpuirorphananfaderlessboyswhowereaslight-heartedandirresponsibleasBobby.
HundredsoftheHeriotladdieswereoutinthenoonrecess,playingcricketandleap-frog,whenBobbychasedthatunluckycatoverthekirkyardwall.Hecouldgonofartherhimself,buttheladdiestookupthepursuit,yellinglikeHighlandclansofoldinaforayacrosstheborder.Theunholydindisturbedthesacredpeaceofthekirkyard.Bobbydashedback,barkingfuriously,inpureexuberanceofspirits.Hetumbledgailyovergrassyhummocks,friskedsaucilyaroundterrifyingoldmausoleums,wriggledunderthemostenticingoflow-settabletombsandsprawled,exhausted,butstillhappyandnoisy,atAuldJocksfeet.
Itwasascandalousthingtohappeninanykirkyard!TheangrycaretakerwasinstantlyoutofhislittlestonelodgebythegateandtakingAuldJocksharplytotaskforBobbysmisbehavior.Thepiousoldshepherd,shockedhimselfandpubliclydisgraced,stood,bonnetinhand,humblyapologetic.Seeingthathismasterwasgettingtheworstofit,Bobbyrushedintothefray,ananimatedlittlemuffofpluckandfury,andnippedthecaretaker sshins.Therewasahowlofpain,andamaistmichtywordthatmadetheancienttombsstandaghast.Masteranddogwerehustledoutsidethegateandintoarabbleofjeeringslumgamin.
Whatato-doaboutamiserablecat!ToBobbytherewasnologicatallinthedenouementtothisswift,excitingdrama.ButheunderstoodAuldJocksshameanddispleasureperfectly.Good-temperedashewasgayandclever,thelittledogtookhispunishmentmeekly,andherememberedit.Thereafter,hepassedthekirkyardgatedecorously.Ifhesawacatthatneededharryinghemerelylickedhislittleredchopstheoutwardsignofadesperateself-control.And,atruesport,heborenomalicetowardthecaretaker.
DuringthatfirstsummerofhislifeBobbylearnedmanythings.Helearnedthathemightchaserabbits,squirrelsandmoor-fowl,andsea-gullsandwhaupsthatcameuptofeedinplowedfields.Ratsandmicearoundbyreanddairywerelegitimateprey;buthelearnedthathemustnotannoysheepandsheepdogs,norcattle,horsesandchickens.Andhediscoveredthat,unlesshehungclosetoAuldJocksheels,hisfreedomwasindangerfromaweelassiewhoadoredhim.Hewasnoladyslap-dog.FromthebairniessoftcossetingheayefledtoAuldJockandtheroughhospitalityofthesheepfold.Beingexactoppositesintemperaments,butalikeintastes,BobbyandAuldJockwereinseparable.InthequietcornerofMr.Traillscrowdeddiningroomtheyspenttheoneidlehouroftheweektogether,happily.Bobbyhadtheleavingsofaherringorhaddie,foraroughlittleSkyewilleatanythingfromsmokedfishtomoor-fowleggs,andhehadthetidbitofafarthingbonetoworryathisleisure.AuldJocksmokedhiscuttypipe,gazedatthefireorintothekirkyard,andmeditatedonnothinginparticular.
Insomestrangewaythatnodogcouldunderstand,BobbyhadbeenseparatedfromAuldJockthatNovembermorning.ThetenantofCauldbraefarmhaddriventhecartin,himself,andthatwasunusual.Immediatelyhehaddrivenoutagain,leavingAuldJockbehind,andthatwasquiteoutside
-
Bobbysbriefexperienceoflife.Beguiledtotheloftyandcoveteddriver sseatwhere,withlollingtongue,hecouldviewthisinterestingworldbetweenthehorsesears,Bobbyhadbeenspiritedoutofthecityandcarriedallthewaydownanduptothehilltoptoll-barofFairmilehead.Itcouldnotoccurtohisloyallittleheartthatthistreacherywasplannednor,stanchlittledemocratthathewas,thatthefarmerwasreallyhisowner,andthathecouldnotfollowahumblermasterofhisownchoosing.Hemighthavebeencarriedtothedistantfarm,andshutsafelyinthebyrewiththecowsforthenight,butforanincautiousremarkofthefarmer.Withthefirstscentofthenativeheatherthehorsequickenedhispace,and,atsightofthepurpleslopesofthePentlandsloominghomeward,afondthoughtatthebackofthemansmindverynaturallytookshapeinspeech.
Eh,Bobby;theweelassiewullbeatthetapothebraetoraceyehame.
Bobbyprickedhisdropears.Withinanarrowlimit,andconcerningfamiliarthings,theunderstandingofhumanspeechbytheseintelligentlittleterriersisverytrulyremarkable.Atmentionoftheweelassiehelookedbehindforhisrougholdfriendandunfailingrefuge.AuldJocksabsencediscovered,Bobbypromptlydroppedfromtheseatofhonorandfromthecarttail,sniffedthesmokeofEdinborotownandfacedrightabout.Tothefarmer speremptorycallhereturnedthespicyreparteeofacheerfulbark.Itwasasmuchastosay:
Dinnafashyersel!IkenwhatImaboot.
Afteranhour shardrunbackoverthedippingandrisingcountryroadandalongquartercircuitofthecity,Bobbyfoundthehigh-walled,windingwayintothewestendoftheGrassmarket.Toahumanbeingafoottherewasashortercut,butthelittledogcouldonlyretracethefamiliarrouteofthefarmcarts.Itwasanotablefeatforasmallcreaturewhosetuftedlegswerenotmorethansixinchesinlength,whosethatchoflonghairalmostswepttheroadwayandcaughtateveryburrandbramble,andwhowasstillsoyoungthathisnosecouldnotbesaidtobeeducated.
Inthemarket-placeheranhereandtherethroughthecrowd,hopefullyinvestigatingnarrowclosesthatweremereriftsinprecipicesofbuildings;nosingoutsidestairs,doorways,stables,bridgearches,standingcarts,andevenhob-nailedboots.Heyelpedatthecrashofthegun,butitwasanothermatteraltogetherthatsethislittlehearttopalpitatingwithalarm.Itwasthedinner-hour,andwherewasAuldJock?
Ah!Ahappythought:hismasterhadgonetodinner!
Ahumanfriendwouldhaveresentedtheideaofsuchbasedesertionandsulked.Butinalittledogsheartoftrustthereisnoroomforsuspicion.ThethoughtsimplylentwingstoBobbystiredfeet.Asthemarket-placeemptiedhechasedattheheelsoflaggards,upthecrescent-shapedriseofCandlemakersRow,andstraightontothefamiliardiningrooms.Throughtheforestoftableandchairandhumanlegshemadehiswaytotheback,tofindasoldierfromtheCastle,insmartredcoatandpolishedboots,lounginginAuldJocksinglenook.
Bobbystoodstockstillforashockedinstant.Thenhehowleddismallyandboltedforthedoor.Mr.JohnTraill,thesmooth-shaven,hatchet-facedproprietor,standingmidwayinshirtsleevesandwhiteapron,caughttheflyingterrierbetweenhislegsandgavehimafriendlyclapontheside.
Didyoucomebyyourainselwithafarthinginyoursilky-purseeartobuyabone,Bobby?Whaur s
-
AuldJock?
Afearmaybecrowdedbackintothemindandstoutlydeniedsolongasitisnotnamed.AtthegoodlandlordsverynaturalquestionWhaur sAuldJock?therewastheshapeofthelittledogsfearthathehadlosthismaster.Withawhimperingcryhestruggledfree.Outofthedoorhewent,likeashot.Hetumbleddownthesteepcurveanddoubledonhistracksaroundthemarket-place.
Athisonslaught,thesparrowsroselikebrownleavesonagustofwind,anddrifteddownagain.AcoldmistveiledtheCastleheights.FromthestonecrownoftheancientCathedralofSt.Giles,onHighStreet,floatedthemelodyofTheBluebellsofScotland.Nodaywastoobleakforbell-ringerMcLeodtoclimbtheshakingladderinthewindytowerandplaythemusicbellsduringthehourthatEdinburghdined.Bobbyforgottodinethatday,firstinhisdistractedsearch,andtheninhisjoyoffindinghismaster.
For,allatonce,intheverystrangestplace,intheverystrangestway,BobbycameuponAuldJock.AratscurryingoutfromafoulandnarrowpassagethatgavetotherearoftheWhiteHartInn,pointedthelittledogtoanookhithertoundiscoveredbyhiscuriousnose.Hiddenawaybetweenthenoisytavernandthegrim,islandcragwastheoldcock-fightingpitofaruderday.There,inabroken-downcarrier scart,abandonedamongthenamelessabominationsofpublichouserefuse,AuldJocklayhuddledinhisgreatcoatofhoddengrayandhisshepherdsplaid.Onabundleofclothingtiedinatartankerchiefforapillow,helayverystillandbreathingheavily.
Bobbybarkedasifhewouldbursthislungs.Hebarkedsolong,soloud,andsofuriously,runningroundandroundthecartandunderitandyelpingateveryturn,thataslatternlyscullerymaidopenedadoorandangrilybadehimnotodeavefolkwiisblatterin.AuldJockshedidnotseeatallinthemurkypitor,ifshesawhim,thoughthimsomedrunkenforeignsailorfromLeithharbor.Whenshewentin,sheslammedthedoorandlightedthegas.
Whetherfromsomeinstinctofprotectionofhishelplessmasterinthatfoulandhostileplace,orbecausebarkinghadprovedtobeofnouseBobbysatbackonhishaunchesandconsideredthisstrange,disquietingthing.ItwasnotlikeAuldJocktosleepinthedaytime,orsosoundly,atanytime,thatbarkingwouldnotawakenhim.Acleverandresourcefuldog,Bobbycrouchedbackagainstthefarthestwall,tookarunningleaptothetopofthelowboots,dughisclawsintothestout,homeknittedstockings,andscrambledupoverAuldJockslegsintothecart.Inaninstanthepokedhislittleblackmopofawetmuzzleintohismaster sfaceandbarkedonce,sharply,inhisear.
ToBobbysdelightAuldJocksatupandblinkedhiseyes.Theoldeyeswerebrighter,thegrizzledfaceredderthanwasnatural,butsuchmatterswerequiteoutsideofthelittledogsken.ItwasadazedmomentbeforethemanrememberedthatBobbyshouldnotbethere.Hefrowneddownattheexcitedlittlecreature,whowaswaggingsatisfactionfromhisnose-tiptotheendofhiscrestedtail,inapuzzledefforttorememberwhy.
Eh,Bobby!Histonewasoneofvaguereproof.Naedootyerefairsatisfiedwiyerainsel.
Bobbysfeatheredtaildrooped,butitstillquivered,allreadytowagagainattheslightestencouragement.AuldJockstaredathimstupidly,hisdizzyheadinhishands.Averytired,verydraggledlittledog,Bobbydroppedbesidehismaster,panting,subduedbythereproach,buthappy.Hissofteyes,veiledbythesilveryfringethatfellfromhishighforehead,weredeepbrownpoolsof
-
affection.AuldJockforgot,byandby,thatBobbyshouldnotbethere,andfeltonlythecomfortofhiscompanionship.
Weel,Bobby,hebeganagain,uncertainly.Andthen,becausehisScotchpeasantreticencehadbeenquitebrokendownbyBobbysshamelessdevotion,sothathetoldthelittledogmanythingsthathecannilyconcealedfromhumankind,heconfidedthestrangeweaknessanddizzinessintheheadthathadovertakenhim:AuldJockisjuistfairsillytheday,bonnyweeladdie.
Downcameashaking,hotoldhandinaroughcaress,andupagallantyoungtailtowavelikeabanner.Allwasrightwiththelittledogsworldagain.Butitwasplain,eventoBobby,thatsomethinghadgonewrongwithAuldJock.Itwasthemanwhoworetheairofaculprit.AScotchlaborerdoesnotlightlyconfesstofeelingfairsilly,norsleepawaythebusyhoursofdaylight.Theoldmanwaspuzzledandhumiliatedbythisdiscreditablething.Ahumanfriendwouldhaveunderstoodhisplight,ledthefeveredmanoutofthatbleakandfetidcul-de-sac,tuckedhimintoawarmbed,comfortedhimwithahotdrink,andthengoneswiftlyforskilledhelp.Bobbyknewonlythathismasterhadunusualneedoflove.
Very,veryearlyadoglearnsthatlifeisnotassimpleamattertohismasterasitistohimself.Therearetimeswhenhereadstrouble,thathecannothelporunderstand,inthemanseyeandvoice.Thenhecanonlylookhisloveandloyalty,wistfully,asifhefelthisownshortcominginthematterofspeech.Andifthetroubleissogreatthatthemasterforgetstoeathisdinner;forgets,also,theneedsofhisfaithfullittlefriend,itisthedogsdearprivilegetobearneglectandhungerwithoutcomplaint.Therefore,whenAuldJocklaydownagainandsank,almostatonce,intosoddensleep,Bobbysnuggledinthehollowofhismaster sarmandnuzzledhisnoseinhismaster sneck.
II.
WhilethebellsplayedThereGrowsaBonnyBriarbushinOurKaleYard,AuldJockandBobbyslept.Theysleptwhilethetavernemptieditselfofnoisyguestsandclatteringcrockerywaswashedatthedingy,gas-lightedwindowsthatoverlookedthecockpit.Theysleptwhilethecoldfellwiththefallingdayandthemistwaswhippedintodrivingrain.Almostacave,betweenshelvingrockandhousewall,agustofwindstillfounditswayinnowandthen.AtasplashofrainAuldJockstirreduneasilyinhissleep.Bobbymerelysniffedthefreshenedairwithpleasureandcurledhimselfupforanothernap.
NoraincouldwetBobby.Underhisroughoutercoat,thatwaspartedalongthebackasneatlyasthethatchalongacottageridge-pole,wasadense,woollyfleecethatdefiedwindandrain,snowandsleettopenetrate.Hecouldnotknowthatnaturehadnotbeenasgenerousinprotectinghismasteragainsttheweather.Althoughofasubarcticbreed,fittedtoliveshelterlessifneedbe,andtoearnhislivingbynativewit,Bobbyhadthebeauty,thegrace,andthecharmingmannersofaladyspet.Inalitterofprick-eared,wire-hairedpuppiesBobbywasasport.
ItissaidthatsomeoftheshipsoftheSpanishArmada,withFrenchpoodlesintheofficerscabins,wereblownfarnorthandwest,andbrokenupontheicycoastsofTheHebridesandSkye.Somesuchcrossingofhisfar-awayancestry,itwouldseem,hadgivenagreaterlengthandacrispwavetoBobbysoutercoat,droppedandsilkilyfringedhisears,andpowderedhisuseful,slate-graycolor
-
withsilverfrost.Buthehadthehardinessandintelligenceofthesturdierbreed,andtheinstinctofdevotiontotheworkingmaster.Sohehadturnedfromasoft-heartedbitlassieofamistress,andthecozychimneycornerofthefarm-housekitchen,andlinkedhisfortuneswiththisforlornoldlaborer.
Agrizzled,gnarledlittlemanwasAuldJock,oftoughfiber,butwornoutatlastbyfiftywintersasashepherdonthebleakhillsofMidlothianandFife,andadozenmoreinthelowstablesandstorm-buffetedgarretsofEdinburgh.Hehadcomeintotheworldunnotedinashepherdslonelycot.Withlittlewitofmindorskillofhandhehadbeenacommontool,usedbythismasterandthatfortheroughesttasks,whenneeded,putaside,passedon,anddroppedoutofmind.Nothingeverbelongedtothemanbuthisscantearnings.Wifeless,cotless,bairnless,hehadslept,sinceearlyboyhood,understrangeroofs,eatenthebreadofthehireling,andsatdumbatothermensfiresides.Ifhehadanothernameithadbeenforgotten.InyouthhewasJock;inage,AuldJock.
Inhissixty-thirdsummertherewasabelatedbloominginAuldJockssoul.OutofsomemiraculouscapriceBobbylavishedonhimariotousaffection.Thenupoutofthemanssubconsciousmemorycamewordslearnedfromthelipsofalong-forgottenmother.Theywerewordsnotmeantforlittledogsatall,butforsweetheart,wifeandbairn.AuldJockusedthemcautiously,fearingtobeoverheard,forthematterwasasubjectofwonderandroughjestatthefarm.HeusedthemwhenBobbyfollowedhimattheplow-tailorscamperedovertheheatherwithhimbehindtheflocks.Heusedthemonthemarketdayjourneyings,andonsummernights,whentheseawindcamesweetlyfromthebroadFirthandthetwoslept,likevagabonds,onahaycockunderthestars.ThepurestpleasureAuldJockeverknewwasthetakingofabrightfarthingfromhispockettopayforBobbysdelectableboneinMr.Traillsplace.
Givenwhatwasduehimthatmorninganddismissedfortheseasontofindsuchworkashecouldinthecity,AuldJockdidnotquestionthefarmer srighttotakeBobbybackhame.Besides,whatcouldhedowiththenoisylittlerascalinanEdinburghlodging?But,dullerofwitthanusual,feelingveryoldandlonely,andshakyonhislegs,anddizzyinhishead,AuldJockpartedwithBobbyandwithhiscourage,together.Withtheinstinctofthedumbanimalthatsuffers,hestumbledintothefoulnookandfell,almostatonce,intoaheavysleep.OutofthatBobbyrousedhimbutbriefly.
Longbeforehismasterawoke,Bobbyfinishedhisseriesofrefreshinglittlenaps,satup,yawned,stretchedhisshort,shaggylegs,sniffedatAuldJockexperimentally,andtrottedaroundthebedofthecartonatourofinvestigation.Thisprovingtobeofsmallinterestandnoprofit,helaydownagainbesidehismaster,noseonpaws,andwaitedAuldJockspleasurepatiently.Asweepofdrenchingrainbroughttheoldmansuddenlytohisfeetandstumblingintothemarketplace.Thealertlittledogtumbledabouthim,barkingecstatically.ThefeverwasgoneandAuldJocksheadquiteclear;butinitsplacewasaweakness,anachingofthelimbs,aweightonthechest,andagreatshivering.
AlthoughthebellofSt.Gileswasjuststrikingthehouroffive,itwasalreadyentirelydark.Alamp-lighter,withladderandtorch,wassettingadoublelineofgasjetstoflaringalongtheloftyparapetsofthebridge.IftheGrassmarketwasaquarrypitbyday,onanightofstormitwasthe.bottomofareservoir.TheheightofthewallswasmarkedbyaluminouscrownfrommanylightsabovetheCastlehead,andbyastudentsdimcandle,hereandthere,atagarretwindow.Thehugebulkofthebridgecastashadow,velvetblack,acrosstheeasternhalfofthemarket.
HadnotBobbygonebeforeandbarked,andrunback,againandagain,andjumpeduponAuldJockslegs,themanmightneverhavewonhiswayacrossthedrownedplace,intheinkyblacknessand
-
againsttheslantedblastoficyrain.WhenhegainedthefootofCandlemakersRow,acrescentoftall,oldhousesthatcurvedupwardaroundthelowerendofGreyfriarskirkyard,waterpoureduponhimfromtheheavytimberedgalleryoftheCunzieNeuk,oncetheroyalmint.Thecartingofficethatoccupiedthestreetfloorwasclosed,orAuldJockwouldhavesoughtshelterthere.Hestruggleduptherise,madeslipperybyrainandgrime.Then,asthestreetturnedsouthwardinitseasycurve,therewassomeshelterfromthehousewalls.ButAuldJockwasquiteexhaustedandincapableofcaringforhimself.Intheancientguildhallofthecandlemakers,atthetopoftheRow,wasanothercartingofficeandHarrowInn,aresortofcountrycarriers.Themanwouldhavegoneintherewherehewasquiteunknownor,indeed,hemightevenhavelaindowninthebleakcourtthatgaveaccesstothetenementsabove,butforBobbyspersistentandcheerfulbarking,beggingandnipping.
Maister,maister!hesaid,asplainlyasalittledogcouldspeak,dinnabidehere.Itsjuistastaportwotofoodanfireinthecozyauldingleneuk.
Andthen,thelevel.roadwaywonatlast,therewastherailingofthebridge-approachtoclingto,ontheonehand,andtheuprightbarsofthekirkyardgateontheother.BythehelpoftheseandtheurgingofweeBobby,AuldJockcametheshort,steepwayupoutofthemarket,totherowoflightedshopsinGreyfriarsPlace.
Withthewindatthebackandabovethehousetops,Mr.Traillstoodbareheadedinadryhavenofpeaceinhisdoorway,firelightbehindhim,andwelcomeinhisshrewdgrayeyes.IfAuldJockhadshownanyintentionofgoingby,itisnotimpossiblethatthelandlordofYeOldeGreyfriarsDiningRoomsmighthavedraggedhiminbodily.Thestormhaddrivenallhiscustomershome.Foranhourtherehadnotbeenasoulintheplacetospeakto,anditwassoentirelynecessaryforJohnTrailltohearhisownvoicethathehadbeenknown,insuchstraits,totalktohimself.AuldJockwasnotaninspiringauditor,butadealbetterthannaething;and,ifheprovedhopeless,entertainmentwastobefoundinBobby.SoMr.Traillbustledinbeforehisguests,pokedtheopenfireintoleapingflames,andheapeditupskillfullyatthebackwithfreshcoals.ThegoodlandlordturnedfromhishospitabletasktofindAuldJockstreamingandshakingonthehearth.
Man,butyourewet!heexclaimed.Hehustledtheoldshepherdoutofhisdrippingplaidandgreatcoatandspreadthemtotheblaze.AuldJockfoundadry,knittedTam-o-Shanterbonnetinhislittlebundleandsetitonhishead.Itwasamomentortwobeforehecouldspeakwithoutthehumiliatingbetrayalofchatteringteeth.
Ay,itsamistynicht,headmitted,withcaution.
Misty!Man,itsraininglikeallthesevendeilswereabroad.Havingdeliveredhimselfofthisviolentopinion,Mr.Traillfellintohisusualphilosophicvein.IhavesmapatiencewiththeScotchwayofmakinglittleofeverything.IfNoahhadbeenaLowlandScothedasaidthedelugewasjuistfairwet.
Helaughedathisownwit,histhin-featuredfaceandkeengrayeyeslightinguptoakindlinessthathisbrusquespeechdeniedinvain.HehadafluencyofgoodEnglishatcommandthathewould.havethoughtostentatioustouseinspeakingwithasimplecountrybody.
AuldJockstaredatMr.Traillandponderedthematter.Byandbyheasked:Wasnathedelugefairwet?
-
Thelandlordsighedbut,broughttobooklikethat,admittedthatitwas.Conversationflagged,however,whilehebusiedhimselfwithtoastingasmokedherring,anddraggingroastedpotatoesfromthelittleironoventhatwasfittedintothebrickworkofthefireplacebesidethegrate.
Bobbywasattendingtohisownentertainment.Thefamiliarplaceworeanewandenchantingaspect,andneededinstantexploration.Bydayitwasfittedwithtables,picketedbychairsandallmannerofboots.Noisyandcrowded,alittledogthatwanderedabouttherewasliabletobetroddenupon.Onthatnightofstormitwasavast,brightplace,sosilentonecouldhearthetickingofthewag-at-the-waclock,thecrispcracklingoftheflames,andthesnappingofthecoals.Theuncovereddealtablesweresetbackinadoublelinealongonewall,withthechairspiledontop,leavingawidepassageoffreshlyscrubbedandsandedoakenfloorfromthedoortothefireplace.Firelightdancedonthedarkoldwainscotingandhigh,carvedovermantel,winkedonrowsofdrinkingmugsandmetalcoversovercoldmeatsonthebuffet,andevenpickedoutthegilttitlesonthebacksofashelfofbooksinMr.Traillsprivatecornerbehindthebar.
Bobbyshookhimselfonthehearthtofreehisrain-coatofsurpluswater.TothelandlordsdryWerenoneedingashowerinthehouse.Liedown,Bobby,hewaggedhistailpolitely,asasignthatheheard.But,asAuldJockdidnotrepeattheorder,heignoreditandscamperedbusilyabouttheroom,leavinglittletrailsofwetbehindhim.
Thisgrill-roomofTraillsplacewasmoreliketheparlorofacountryinn,orafarm-housekitcheniftherehadbeenabuilt-inbedortwo,thanarestaurantinthecity.There,ahumblemanmightseehisherringtoasted,hisbannocksbakedontheoven-top,orhisteabrewedtohisliking.Onsuchanightasthisthelandlordwouldpullthesettleoutoftheinglenooktothesetbeforethesolitaryguestasmalltable,andkeepthekettleonthehob.
Spreadyourselonbothsidesothefire,man.Therellbenanetokeepuscompany,Imthinking.Ilkamanthathasaroofohisainwillbewearingitforabonnetthenicht.
Astherewasnoanswertothis,theskilledconversationalanglerdroppedabitofbaitthatthewariestmanmustriseto.
Thatsaveraintelligentbitdog,AuldJock.Hewasherewiththetimegunspieringforyou.Whenhedidnafindyouhegreetedlikeabairn.
AuldJock,huddledinthecornerofthesettle,sonearthefirethathisjacketsmoked,tooksolongatimetofindananswerthatMr.Trailllookedathimkeenlyashesetthewoodenplateandpewtermugonthetable.
Man,youreveraill,hecried,sharply.Intruthhewasshockedandself-accusingbecausehehadnotobservedAuldJocksconditionbefore.
Imnosoawfuill,camebackinirritateddenial,asifhehadbeenaccusedofsomemisbehavior.
Weel,itsnoadryherrinyellhaeinmyshopthenicht.Itsahotmuttonbroowiporridgeinit,anbitsomeattotakthecauldootoyerauldbanes.
Andthere,theplatewaswhiskedaway,andthecoverliftedfromabubblingpot,andthekettlewas
-
overthefireforthebrewingoftea.Ataperemptoryorderthesoakedbootsandstockingswereoff,anddrysocksfoundinthekerchiefbundle.AuldJockwasusedtotakingordersfromhissuperiors,andofferednoresistancetobeinghustledafterthismannerintowarmthandgoodcheer.Besides,whocouldhavewithstoodthatfloodofhomelyspeechonwhichthegoodlandlordcamerightdowntotheoldshepherdshumblelevel?SuchwarmfeelingwasestablishedthatMr.Traillquiteforgothisusualcautionandcertainwell-knownprejudicesofoldcountrybodies.
Noo,hesaidcheerfully,ashesetthehotbrothonthetable,yemaunjuisthaeadoctor.
Adoctoristhelastresortoftheunletteredpoor.TheverythreatofonetotheScotchpeasantofahalf-centuryagowasasentenceofdeath.AuldJockblanched,andheshooksothathedroppedhisspoon.Mr.Traillhastenedtoundothemischief.
Itsnoadoctoryellbeneeding,ava,butabitdoseophysicanabedintheinfirmaryadayortwa.
Iwullnagangtotheinfairmary.Itsjuistforpuirtoonbodiesthatareayeailinandeein.Frightandresentmentlentthesilentoldmananastonishingeloquenceforthemoment.Yewadnagangtotheinfairmaryyerainsel,antakcharity.
WouldIno?IwouldgoifIsomuchascutmysmafinger;andIwouldletastudentladdiebinditupforme.
Weel,yereasaftane,saidAuldJock.
Itwasaterriblewordsaft!JohnTraillflusheddarkly,andrelapsedintodiscouragedsilence.DeepdowninhisheartheknewthataregimentofsoldiersfromtheCastlecouldnottakehimalive,afreepatient,intotheinfirmary.
Butwhatwasonetodobutlee,rightheartily,forthegoodofthisverysick,verypoor,homelessoldmanonanightofpitilessstorm?Thathehadleedtonopurposeandgotasaftnameforitwasablowtohispride.
Hearingtheclatterofforkandspoon,Bobbytrottedfrombehindthebarandsavedthedayofdiscomfiture.Timefordinner,indeed!Uphecameonhishindlegsandpolitelybeggedhismasterforfood.Itwastheprettiestthinghecoulddo,andthelandlorddelightedinhim.
Gieimapennyplateothegudebroo,saidAuldJock,andhetookthecoppercoinfromhispockettopayforit.Heforgothisownmealinwatchingthehungrylittlecreatureeat.WarmedandsoftenedbyMr.Traillskindness,andbythehearteningfood,AuldJockbetrayedathoughtthathadrankledinthedepthsofhismindallday.
Bobbyisnamaaindog.Hisvoicewasdullandunhappy.
Ah,herewasmiserydeeperthananyphysicalill!Thepennywashis,asenselessthing;but,poor,old,sick,hamelessandkinless,thelittledogthatlovedandfollowedhimwasnahisain.TohidethehuskinessinhisownvoiceMr.Traillrelapsedintobroad,burryScotch.
Dinnafashyersel,man.Theweebeastieismaistmichtyfondoye,anilkadogayechoosesisain
-
maister.
AuldJockshookhisheadandgaveabriefaccountofBobbysperversity.OntheverynextmarketdaythelittledogmustberestoredtothetenantofCauldbraefarmand,ifnecessary,tiedinthecart.Itwasunlikely,youngashewas,thathewouldtrytofindhiswayback,allthewayfromnearthetopofthePentlands.InadayortwohewouldforgetAuldJock.
IcannasayitwullnabesairpartinAndthen,seeingthesympathyinthelandlordseyeandfearingadisgracefulbreakdown,AuldJockcheckedhisselfbetrayal.DuringthetalkBobbystoodlistening.Attheabruptending,heputhisshaggedpawsuponAuldJocksknee,wistfullyinquiringaboutthisemotionalmatter.Thenhedroppedsoberly,andslunkawayunderhismaster schair.
Ay,hekensweretalkinabootim.
Hesaknowingbitdog.Haveyouattendedtohissairouseducation,man?
Nae,hesoweryoung.
Youngisayethetimetoteachadogorabairnthatlifeisnoallplay.Man,youshouldputasmaterrierattheverminanmakhimusefu.
Itseneugh,ginhesgudecompanyfortheweelassiewhasfairfondoim,AuldJockanswered,briefly.Thiswasastrangesentimentfromthework-brokenoldmanwho,forhimself,wouldhaveheldornamentalidlenesssinful.Hefinishedhissupperinbroodingsilence.AtlasthebrokeoutinapeevishirritationthatonlymadehisgriefatpartingwithBobbymoreapparenttoanunderstandingmanlikeMr.Traill.
IdinnakenwhattodowiimianEdinburghlodginthenicht.TheauldwifieIlodgewiisdourbytheordinar ,anwadnabideisblatterin.Icouldnagetimpasterauldeen,anthaeterriersareayebarkinabootnaethinava.
Mr.TraillseyessparkledatrecollectionofanaptliterarystorytowhichDr.JohnBrownhadgivencurrency.LikemanyEdinburghshopkeepers,Mr.Traillwasamanofsuperioreducationandanomnivorousreader.Andhehadmanycustomersfromthenear-byUniversitytogivehimafundofstoriesofScotchwritersandotherworthies.
Youhaveadoubleplaid,man?
Ay.Ilkashepherdsgotatwa-foldplaidie.ItseemedafoolishquestiontoAuldJock,butMr.Traillwentonblithely.
Theresapocketintheplaidaneendleftopenatthesidetomakapouch?Naedoubtyouvecarriedmonyathinginthatpouch?
Nae,nosomony.Juistthenew-bornlambs.
Weel,SirWalterhadashepherdsplaid,andtherewasabitlassiehewasverafondofSyne,whenhehadbeenatthewritingatheday,andwasaffhisheidlike,withtoomonythoughts,hedgoacrossthetownandfetchthebairnietokeephimcompany.Shewasaweel-bornlassie,saxorsevenyears
-
auld,andsmaofherage,butnohalfassmaasBobby,Imthinking.HestoppedtoletthissignificantcomparisonsinkintoAuldJocksmind.ThelassiehadnaelikingfortheunmannerlywindandsnawofEdinburgh.SoSirWalterjusthappedherinthepouchofhisplaid,andtumbledherout,snugasalambandnanethewiser,inthebigroomwhaswallswerelinedwithbooks.
AuldJockbetrayednotaglimmerofintelligenceastothepersonalbearingofthestory,butheshowedpoliteinterest.IkennaethinabootSirWalteroronyothegrandfolk.Mr.Traillsighed,clearedthetableinsilence,andmendedthefire.Itwasillhavingnoonetotalktobutasimpleoldbodywhocouldntputtwoandtwotogetherandmakefour.
Thelandlordlightedhispipemeditatively,andhelightedhiscruiseylampforreading.AuldJockwasdryandwarmagain;oh,very,verywarm,sothathepresentlyfellintoadoze.Thediningroomwassocompassedonallsidesbutthefrontbyneighboringhouseandkirkyardwallandbythefloorsabove,thatonlyamurmurofthestormpenetratedit.Itwassoquiet,indeed,thatatiny,scratchingsoundinadistantcornerwashearddistinctly.Astreakofdarksilver,asofanimatedmercury,Bobbyflashedpast.Ascuffle,asqueak,andhewasbackagain,droppingabigratatthelandlordsfeetand,wagginghistailwithpride.
Weeldone,Bobby!Theresabiteandaboneforyouhereonytimeodayyoucallforit.Ay,asensiblebitdogwillattendtohisaineducationandmakhimselusefu.
Mr.Traillfeltasuddenaccessofwarmlikingfortheattractivelittlescrapofknowingnessandpluck.Hepattedthetousledhead,butBobbybackedaway.Hehadnomindtobecaressedbyanymanbesidehismaster.AfteramomentthelandlordtookGuyManneringdownfromthebook-shelf.KnowinghisWaverleybyheart,heturnedatoncetothepassagesaboutDandieDinmontandhisterriersMustardandPepperandotherspicyweerascals.
Ay,terriersaresonsie,lealdogs.AuldJockwillhaveanetruemournerathisfuneral.Iwouldnomindif
OnimpulsehegotupanddroppedacoupleofhardScotchbuns,verygooddog-biscuit,indeed,intothepocketofAuldJocksgreatcoatforBobby.Theoldmanmightnotbeabletobeoutthemorn.Withthethoughtinhismindthatsomeoneshouldkeepafriendlyeyeontheman,hemendedthefirewithsuchanunnecessaryclatteringofthetongsthatAuldJockstartedfromhissleepwithacry.
Whaurisityouhaveyourlodging,Jock?thelandlordasked,sharply,forthemanlookedsodazedthathisunderstandingwasnottobereachedeasily.Hegottheindefiniteinformationthatitwasatthetopofoneofthetall,oldtenementsjuistafftheCoogate.
Alangclimbforanauldman,JohnTraillsaid,compassionately;then,optimisticasusual,butitsalangclimborafoulsmell,inthepoorquartersofEdinburgh.
Ay.Itsweelaboonthefousmell.WithsomecomfortingthoughtthathedidnotconfidetoMr.Traillbutthatironedlinesoutofhisoldface,AuldJockwenttosleepagain.Well,thelandlordreflected,hecouldremaintherebythefireuntiltheclosinghourorlater,ifneedbe,andbythattimethestormmighteaseabit,sothathecouldgettohislodgingwithoutanotherwetting.
Foranhourtheplacewassilent,exceptforthefallingclinkersfromthegrate,therustlingofbook-
-
leaves,andtheplumpingofrainonthewindows,whenthewindshiftedapoint.Lostintheromance,Mr.Trailltooknonoteofthepassingtimeorofhisquietguestsuntilhefeltalittletugathistrouser-leg.
Eh,laddie?hequestioned.Upthelittledogroseinthebeggingattitude.Then,withasharpbark,hedashedbacktohismaster.
Somethingwasverywrong,indeed.AuldJockhadsunkdowninhisseat.Hisarmshunghelplesslyovertheendandbackofthesettle,andhislegsweresprawledlimplybeforehim.Thebonnetthathealwayswore,outdoorsandin,hadfallenfromhisscant,graylocks,andhisheadhaddroppedforwardonhischest.Hisbreathingwaslabored,andhemutteredinhissleep.
InamomentMr.Traillwasinsidehisowngreatcoat,stormbootsandbonnet.Atthedoorheturnedback.Theshopwasunguarded.AlthoughGreyfriarsPlacelayonthehilltop,withthesanctuaryofthekirkyardbehindit,andtheUniversityatnogreatdistanceinfront,itwasbutastepupfromthethief-infestedgorgeoftheCowgate.Thelandlordlockedhismoneydrawer,pushedhiseasy-chairagainstit,androusedAuldJocksofarastomovehimoverfromthesettle.Thechiefresponsibilityhelaidontheanxiouslittledog,thatwatchedhiseverymovement.
Liedown,Bobby,andmindAuldJock.Andyourenoagudedogifyoucannabarktowakenthedeadinthekirkyard,ifonystrangebodycomesabout.
Whaurareyegangin?criedAuldJock.Hewaswideawake,withburning,suspiciouseyesfixedonhishost.
Sityoudown,man,withyourbacktomysiller.Imgoingforadoctor.Thenoiseofthestorm,asheopenedthedoor,preventedhishearingthefrightenedprotest:
Dinnaging!
Therainhadturnedtosleet,andMr.Traillhadtroubleinkeepinghisfeet.HelookedfirstintothefamousBookHunter sStallnextdoor,onthechanceoffindingamedicalstudent.Theplacewasopen,butithadnocustomers.Hewentontothebridge,buttherethesheriffscourt,theMartyr schurch,thesocietyhallsandallthesmartshopswereclosed,theirdarkfrontslightedfitfullybyflaringgas-lamps.ThebitternighthaddrivenallEdinburghtoprivatecover.
Fromtherearcameaclearwhistle.SomeHeriotladdiewho,beingnotentirelyapuirorphan,butonlyfaderlessand,therefore,livingoutsidetheschoolwithhismother,hadbeenkeptafternightfallbecauseofill-preparedlessonsormisbehavior.Mr.Traillturned,passedhisowndoor,andwentonsouthwardintoForestRoad,thatskirtedthelongarmofthekirkyard.
FromtheBurghmuir,allthewaytotheGrassmarketandtheCowgate,wasdownhill.So,witharmswinged,andstoutlegsspreadwideandbraced,GeordieRosswasslidinggailyhomeward,hisknittedtippetagallantpennantbehind.HerewasaMercuryforanurgenterrand.
Laddie,doyouknowwhaur sadoctorwhocanbehadforashullingortwoforapoorauldcountrybodyinmyshop?
-
Ishesoawfuill?Geordieaskedwiththemorbidcuriosityoflustyboyhood.
Hesathat.Hesaffhisheid.Run,laddie,anddinnabestandingtherewaggingyourfuletonguefornaething.
GeordiewasoffwithspeedacrossthebridgetoHighStreet.Mr.Traillstruggledbacktohisshop,againstwindandtreacherousice,thinkingwhatkindofabedmightbecontrivedforthesickmanforthenight.Inthemorningthedaftauldbodycouldbehurried,willy-nilly,toabedintheinfirmary.AsforweeBobbyhewouldntmindif
Andthereheranintohisownwide-flungdoor.Agaleblewthroughthehastilydesertedplace.Asheswerescatteredaboutthehearth,andthecruiseylampflaredinthegusts.AuldJockandBobbyweregone.
III.
Althoughdismayedandself-accusingforhavingfrightenedAuldJockintotakingflightbyhisincautioustalkofadoctor,notforaninstantdidthelandlordofGreyfriarsDiningRoomsentertaintheideaoffollowinghim.TheoldmanhadonlytocrossthestreetanddropdowntheinclinebetweenthebridgeapproachandtheancientChapelofSt.Magdalentobelostinthedeepest,mostdenselypeopled,andblackestgorgeinChristendom.
Wellknowingthathewassafefrompursuit,AuldJockchuckledashegainedthelastlowlevel.Feverlenthimabriefstrength,andthecolddampwasgratefultohishotskin.NonewereabroadintheCowgate;andthatwasluckyfor,inthisblackholeofEdinburgh,evensooldandpooramanwasliabletobesetuponbythieves,onthechanceofafewshillingsorpence.
Usedashewastofollowingflocksuptreacherousbraesandthroughdriftedglens,andsurefootedasacollie,AuldJockhadtopickhiswaycarefullyovertheslimy,ice-glazedcobblestonesoftheCowgate.Hecouldseenothing.Thescatteredgas-lamps,blurredbythewet,onlymadeatimberedgalleryorstonestairsstandouthereandthereorlightedupaGothicgargoyletoafantasticgrin.Thestreetlaysodeepandnarrowthatsleetandwindwastedlittletimeinfindingitout,butroaredandrattledamongthegables,dormersandchimney-stacksoverhead.Happyinfindinghismasterhimselfagain,andsniffingfreshadventure,BobbytumblednoisilyaboutAuldJocksfeetuntilreproved.Andherewasstrangegoing.Ancientandwarringsmellsconfusedandinsultedthelittlecountrydogsnose.AfterafewinquiringandprotestingbarksBobbyfellintoasubduedtrotatAuldJocksheels.
TothisshepherdinexiletheromanceofOldEdinburghwasasealedbook.Itwas,indeed,difficultforthemostimaginativetobelievethattheCowgatewasoncealovely,woodedravine,witharusticburnbabblingoverpebblesatitsbottom,andalongthebrookastragglingpathwornsmoothbycattleontheirdrivenwaytotheGrassmarket.Then,whentheScottishnobilitywascrowdedoutofthepiled-upmansions,ontheslopingridgeofHighStreetthatranthemilefromtheCastletoHolyroodPalace,splendorcampedintheCowgate,invillassetinfairgardens,andseparatedbyhedge-rowsinwhichbirdsnested.
Intimethisravine,too,becameoverbuilt.Housestumbleddownbothslopestothewindingcattle
-
path,andtheburnwasarchedovertomakeathoroughfare.Laterally,thebuildingswerecrowdedtogether,untiltheupperfloorswerepushedoutontimberbracketsforlightandair.Galleries,stairsandjuttingwindowswereaddedtoouterwalls,andthemansionsclimbed,storyabovestory,untiltheCowgatewasanundercutcanon,suchasiswornthroughrockbytheriversofwesternAmerica.Lairdsandleddies,powdered,jeweledandsatin-shod,wereborneinsedanchairsdowntenflightsofstonestairsandthroughtorch-litcourtsandtunnelstreets,toroutsinCastleorPalaceandtotourneysintheGrassmarket.
FromitslowsituationtheCowgatecameinthecourseoftimetosmelltoheaven,andoutofitwasasuddenexodusofgrandfolktothenorthernhills.Thelowestlevelwasgivenoveratoncetothepoorandtosmalltrade.Thewyndsandclosesthatclimbedthesouthernslopewereeagerlypossessedbydivines,lawyersandliterarymenbecauseoftheirnearnesstotheUniversity.LongbeforeBobbysdaythewell-to-dohadfledfromtheCowgatewyndstothehilltopstreetsandopensquaresaboutthecolleges.Afewdecentworking-menremainedinthedecayinghouses,someofwhichwereatleastthreecenturiesold.Butthereswarmedinupon,andsubmergedthem,thousandsofcriminals,beggars,andthemiserablypooranddegradedofmanynationalities.Businessesthatfattenonmisfortunethesaloon,pawn,oldclothesandcheapfoodshops-linedthesqualidCowgate.Palaceswerecutupintohoneycombsoftalltenements.Everystairwasacrowdedhighway;everypassageaplaceofdepositforfilth;almosteveryroomshelteredahalffamishedfamily,indarknessandancientdirt.Grandandgreat,piousandwise,decent,wretchedandterriblefolk,ofeverysort,hadprecededAuldJocktohislodginginasteepandnarrowwynd,andninegustyflightsupunderabeautiful,oldGothicgable.
Awrought-ironlanternhanginginanarchedopening,lightedtheentrancetothewynd.Withahandoutstretchedtoeitherwall,AuldJockfelthiswayup.Anotherlanternmarkedasculptureddoorwaythatgavetothefoulcourtofthetenement.Noskycouldbeseenabovetheopenwellofthecourt,andthecarved,oakenbanisterofthestairshadtobefeltforandclungtobyonesoshortofbreath.Ontheseventhlanding,fromtheexertionofthelongclimb,AuldJockwasshakenintohelplessness,andhisheartsettopounding,byaviolentfitofcoughing.Overheadashutterwasslammedback,andanangryvoicebadehimstopdeavingfolk.
Thelasttwoflightsascendedwithinthewalls.Theoldmanstumbledintothepitch-black,stiflingpassageandsatdownontheloweststeptorest.Onthelandingabovehemustencountertheauldwifieofalandlady,rousingher,itmightbe,andnonetoogood-tempered,fromsleep.Unawarethatheaddedtohismaster sdifficulties,Bobbyleapeduponhimandlickedthebelovedfacethathecouldnotsee.
Eh,laddie,Idinnakenwhattodowiye.Wemaunjuisthaetosleepoot.ItdidnotoccurtoAuldJockthathecouldabandonthelittledog.AndthentheredriftedacrosshismemoryabitofMr.Traillstalkthat,atthetime,hadseemedtonopurpose:SirWalterhappedtheweelassieinthepocketofhisplaidHeslappedhiskneeinsilenttriumph.Inthedarkhefoundthebroad,openendoftheplaid,andtherough,excitedheadofthelittledog.
Ahap,anastap,analoup,aninyegang.Loupin,laddie.
Bobbyjumpedintothepocketandturnedroundandround.Hislittlemuzzleopenedforadelightedbarkatthisoriginalplay,butAuldJockcheckedhim.
-
Cuddledoonnoo,anliecannyaspussy.Withadeftturnhebroughttheweightedendoftheplaidupunderhisarmsotherewouldbenobetrayingdrag.Wellputhewoolowertheauldwifieseen,hechuckled.
Hemountedthestairsalmostblithely,andknockedononeofthethreenarrowdoorsthatopenedonthetwo-by-eightlanding.Itwasopenedafewinches,onachain,andasordidoldface,framedinstragglinggraylocksandadirtymutchcap,peeredsuspiciouslyathimthroughthecrevice.
AuldJockhadhismoneyinhandashillingandasixpencetopayforaweekslodging.Hehadsleptinthisplaceforseveralwinters,andtheoldwomanknewhimwell,butsheheldhiscoinstothecandleandbitthemwithherteethtotestthem.Withoutawordofgreetingsheshovedthekeytothesleeping-closethehadalwaysfancied,throughthecrackinthedoor,andpointedtoajugofwateratthefootoftheatticstairs.Ontheprofferofahalfpennyshegavehimatallowcandle,lighteditatherownandfitteditintotheneckofabeerbottle.
Yehaeacauld.shesaidatlast,withsomehostility.Ginyewaukenyerneeborsyelljuisthaetofechtitootwiem.
Ay,Ikenathat,AuldJockanswered.Hesmotheredacoughinhischestwithsucheffortthatitthrewhimintoaperspiration.Insomeway,withthejugofwaterandthelightedcandleinhishandsandthehiddenterrierunderonearm,theoldmanmountedtheeighteen-inchwide,walled-inatticstairsandunlockedthefirstofanumberofnarrowdoorsonthepassageatthetop.
Weelaboonthefousmell,indeed;weelworththelangclimb!Aroundthelooseframesoftwoweesouthward-lookingdormerwindows,thatjuttedfromtheslopeofthegable,cameagushofrain-washedair.AuldJocktumbledBobby,warmandhappyandnanethewiser,outintothecoldcellofaroomthatwasoh,sovery,verydifferentfromthehigh,warm,richlycoloredlibraryofSirWalter!ThisgarretclosetintheslumsofEdinburghwasallofcutstone,exceptfortheworn,oakenfloor,aflimsy,moderndoor,andathin,boardpartitionononesidethroughwhichaneeborcouldbeheardsnoring.Fillingalloftheouterwallbetweenthepeephole,leadedwindowsandrunning-uptotheslopeoftheceiling,wasagreatfireplaceofnativewhitefreestone,carvedintoflutedcolumns,foliatedcapitals,andaflatpedimentofpurestclassiclines.TheballroomofanobleofQueenMarysdayhadbeencutupintonumeroussmallsleepingclosets,manyofthemwindowless,andwerelettothechancelodgeratthreepencethenight.Here,wheregenerationsofdancingtoeshadbeenwarmed,thechimneyventwasbrickedup,andaboxed-inshelffitted,toserveforabed,aseatandatable,forsuchashadneithertimenorheartfordancing.Fortheromantichistoryandthebeautyofit,AuldJockhadnomindatall.But,ah!hehadotherjoyoftenmissedbythemorefortunate.
Becanny,Bobby,hecautionedagain.
Thesagaciouslittledogunderstood,andpatteredabouttheplacesilently.Exhaustingitinamoment,andveryplainlypuzzledandbored,hesatonhishaunches,yawnedwide,andlookedupinquiringlytohismaster.AuldJocksetthejugandthecandleonthefloorandslippedoffhisboots.Hehadnowishtowaukenisneebors.Withnervoushastehethrewbackoneofthewindowsonitshinges,reachedacrossthewidestoneledgeandbroughtin-wonderofwonders,insuchaplaceatinyearthenpotofheather!
Isitnoabonnyposie?hewhisperedtoBobby.Withthischerishedbitofthecountrythathehadleft
-
behindhimtheAprilbeforeinhishands,hesatdowninthefireplacebedandliftedBobbybesidehim.Hesniffedattheredtuftofpurplebloomfondly,andhisoldfaceblossomedintosmiles.Itwasthesecretthoughtofthis,andofthehillwardoutlookfromthelittlewindows,thathadironedthelinesfromhisfaceinMr.Traillsdiningroom.Bobbysniffedatthestarvedplant,too,andwaggedhistailwithpleasure,foradogskeenestmemoriesarerecordedbythenose.
Overhead,loosetilesandfinialsrattledinthefind,thatwasdyingawayinfitfulgusts;butAuldJockheardnothing.Infancyhewasawayonthebraes,intheshysunandwildwetofAprilweather.Shepherdswereshouting,sheepdogsbarking,ewesbleating,andaweepuppy,stillunnamed,scamperingathisheelsintheswift,dramaticdaysoflambingtime.Andso,presently,whentheforlornhopeofthelittlepothadbeenrestoredtotheledge,masteranddogwereintunewiththeopencountry,andbeganarompsuchastheyoftenhadindulgedinbehindthebyreonaquiet,Sabbathafternoon.
Theyhadlearnedtoplaythereliketwowell-brought-upchildren,inpantomime,soasnottoscandalizepiouscountryfolk.Now,inobediencetoagesture,anod,aliftedeyebrow,Bobbywentthroughallhisprettytricks,andshowedhowfarhisseriouseducationhadprogressed..Herolledoverandover,begged,vaultedthelowhurdleofhismaster sarm,andplayeddeid.Hescamperedmadlyoverimaginarypastures;ran,straightasastring,alongastonewall;scrambledunderathornyhedge;chasedrabbits,anddugfoxesoutofholes;swamaburn,flushedfeedingcurlews,andfrozebesidearat-hole.Whentheexcitementwasatitsheightandthelittledogwasburstingwithexuberance,AuldJockforgothiscaution.Holdinghisbonnetjustoutofreach,hecriedaloud:
Loup,Bobby!
Bobbyjumpedforthebonnet,missedit,jumpedagainandbarked-thehigh-pitched,penetratingyelpoftheterrier.
Instantlytheirlittlehouseofjoytumbledabouttheirears.Therewasapoundingonthethinpartitionwall,anoathandashoutWhaur sthedeiloadog?Bobbyflewattheinsultingclamor,butAuldJockdraggedhimbackroughly.Inavoicemadeharshbyfearforhislittlepet,hecommanded:
Haudyergabortheyllhaeyeoot.
Bobbydroppedlikeashot,cringingatAuldJocksfeet.Themostsensitiveoffour-footedcreaturesintheworld,theSkyeterrierisutterlyabasedbyarebukefromhismaster.Thewholegarretwassooninanuproarofvileaccusationandshrilldenialthatspreadfromcelltocell.
AuldJockglowereddownatBobbywithfrightenedeyes.Inthewintershehadlodgedtherehehadlivedunmolestedonlybecausehehadmanagedtoescapenotice.Timidoldcountrybodythathewas,hecouldnotfechtitootwiththethievesandbeggarsanddrunkardsoftheCowgate.Byandbythebrawlingdieddown.Inthedoublerowoflittledensthisonealonewassilent,andtheoffendingdogwasnotlocated.
Butwhenthedangerwaspast,AuldJocksheartwaspoundinginhischest.Hislegsgavewayunderhim,whenhegotuptofetchthecandlefromnearthedoorandsetitonaprojectingbrickinthefireplace.ByitslighthebegantoreadinasmallpocketBiblethePsalmthathadalwaysfascinatedhimbecausehehadneverbeenabletounderstandit.
-
TheLordismyShepherd;Ishallnotwant.
Sofaritwasplainandcomforting.Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures.Heleadethmebesidethestillwaters.
Nae,thepastureswerebrown,orpurpleandyellowwithheatherandgorse.Rockscroppedouteverywhere,andthepeatytarpsweremostlybleakandfrozen.ThebroadFirthwaseverebbingandflowingwiththerestlesssea,andtheburnsbickeringdowntheglens.TheministerofthelittlehillkirkhadsaidoncethatinEnglandthepasturesweregreenandthelakesstillandbright;butthatwasafey,foreigncountrytowhichAuldJockhadnodesiretogo.Hewondered,wistfully,ifhewouldfeelathomeinGodsheaven,andiftherewouldberoominthatlushsilenceforanoisylittledog,astherewasontheroughPentlandbraes.Andtherehisthoughtscamebacktothiscoldprisoncellinwhichhecouldnotdefendtherightofhisonefaithfullittlefriendtolive.HestoopedandliftedBobbyintothebed.Humble,andeagertobeforgivenforanoffensehecouldnotunderstand,thelovinglittlecreatureleapedtoAuldJocksarmsandlavishedfranticendearmentsuponhim.
Lyingsotogetherinthedark,mananddogfellintoasleepthatwasbrokenbyAuldJocksfitfulcoughingandtheabuseofhisneighbors.Itwasnotuntilthewindhadlongdiedtoamuffledmurmuratthecasements,andeveryotherlodgerwasout,thatAuldJocksleptsoundly.HeawokelatetofindBobbywaitingpatientlyonthefloorandthebarecellfloodedwithwhiteglory.Thatcouldmeanbutonething.Hestumbleddizzilytohisfeetandthrewasashaback.Overthehuddleofhighhousetops,theUniversitytowersandthescatteredsuburbsbeyond,helookedawaytothesnow-cladslopesofthePentlands,runninguptoheavenandshiningunderthepalewintersunshine.
Thesnaw!Eh,Bobby,butitsabonnysichttoauldeen!hecried,withthesimpledelightofachild.HestoopedtoliftBobbytothewonderofit,whentheworldsuddenlywentblackandroaringaroundinhishead.Staggeringbackhecrumpledupinapitifulheaponthefloor.
Bobbylickedhismaster sfaceandhands,andthensatquietlydownbesidehim.Somanystrange,uncannythingshadhappenedwithinthelasttwenty-fourhoursthatthelittledogwasrapidlyoutgrowinghisirresponsiblepuppyhood.AfteralongtimeAuldJockopenedhiseyesandsatup.Bobbyputhispawsonhismaster skneesinanxioussympathy.BeforethemanhadgothiswitsabouthimthetimegunboomedfromtheCastle.Panic-strickenthatheshouldhavesleptinhisbedsolate,andthenlainsenselessonthefloorforheknewnothowlong,AuldJockgotupandstruggledintohisgreatcoat,bonnetandplaid.InfeelingforhiswoolenmittenshediscoveredthebunsthatMr.TrailhaddroppedintohispocketforBobby.
Theoldmanstaredandstaredattheminpiteousdismay.Mr.Traillhadbelievedhimtobesoillthathewouldnabeootthemorn.Itwasastaggeringthought.
ThebellsofSt.GilesbrokeintoOvertheHillsandFarAway.ThemelodycametoAuldJockclearly,unbrokenbyechoes,forthegarretwasonalevelwiththecathedralscrownonHighStreet.ItbroughttohimagainavisionoftheMidlothianslopes,butitremindedBobbythatitwasdinner-time.HetoldAuldJocksobyrunningtothedoorandbackandbegginghim,byeveryprettywileathiscommand,togo.Theoldmangottohisfeetandthenfellback,paleandshaken,hishearthammeringagain.BobbyatethebunsoberlyandthensatupagainstAuldJocksfeet,thatdangledhelplesslyfromthebed.Thebellsdiedawayfromthemansearsbeforetheyhadceasedplaying.BoththechurchandtheUniversitybellsstruckthehouroftwothenthreethenfour.DaylighthadbeguntofailwhenAuld
-
Jockstirred,satup,anddidastrangething:takingfromhispocketaleatherbag-pursethatwasclosedbyadraw-string,hecountedthefewcrownsandshillingsinitandthemanysmallersilverandcoppercoins.
Thereseneugh,hesaid.Therewasenough,bycarefulspending,topayforfoodandlodgingforafewweeks,tosavehimselffromthecharityoftheinfirmary.Bythisactheadmittedthehumiliatingandfearfulfactthathewasveryill.Thepreciouslittlehoardmustbehiddenfromthechanceprowler.Helookedforaloosebrickinthefireplace,butbeforehefoundone,heforgotallaboutit,andabsent-mindedlyheapedthecoinsinalittlepileontheopenBibleatthebackofthebed.
ForalongtimeAuldJocksattherewithhisheadinhishandsbeforeheagainslippedbacktohispillow.Darknessstoleintothequietroom.Thelodgersreturnedtotheirdensoneafterone,trampingorslippingorhobblingupthestairsandalongthepassage.Bobbybristledandfroze,onguard,whenastealthyhandtriedthelatch.Thenthereweresoundsoffighting,ofcryingwomen,andthelong,lowwailingof-wretchedchildren.TheeveningdrumandbuglewereheardfromtheCastle,andhourafterhourwasstruckfromtheclockofSt.GileswhileBobbywatchedbesidehismaster.
AllnightAuldJockwasaffisheid.Whenhemutteredinhissleeporcriedoutinthedeliriumoffever,thelittledogputhispawsuponthebed-rail.Hescratchedonitandbeggedtobeliftedtowherehecouldcomforthismaster,fortheshelfwassettoohighforhimtoclimbintothebed.Unabletogethismaster sattention,helickedthehothandthathungovertheside.AuldJocklaystillatlast,notcoughinganymore,butbreathingrapid,shallowbreaths.Justatdawnheturnedhisheadandgazedinbewildermentatthealertandtroubledlittlecreaturethatwasinstantlyupontherail.Afteralongtimeherecognizedthedogandpattedtheshaggylittlehead.Feelingaroundthebed,hefoundtheotherbunanddroppeditonthefloor.Presentlyhesaid,betweenstrangledbreaths:
PuirBobby!Gangawahameladdie.
Afterthatitwassuddenlyverystillinthebrighteningroom.Bobbygazedandgazedathismasteronelong,heartbrokenlook,thendroppedtoallfoursandstoodtrembling.Withoutanotherlookhestretchedhimselfuponthehearthstonebelowthebed.
Morningandeveningfootstepswentdownandcameuponthestairs.Throughoutthedaythebabelofcrowdedtenementstrife;thecryingoffishwivesandfagot-vendersinthecourt;thestrikingofthehours;theboomofthetimegunandsweetclamorofmusicbells;thefailingofthelightandthesoaringnoteofthebuglehewatchedmotionlessbesidehismaster.
Verylateatnightshufflingfootstepscameupthestairs.Theauldwifiekeptasharpeyeonthecomingsandgoingsofherlodgers.Itwasnocannythatthisoldman,withacauldinhischest,hadgoneupfulltwodaysbeforeandhadnotcomedownagain.Tobittercomplaintsofhiscoughingandofhisstrangetalkingtohimselfshegavescantattention,butfoulplaywasdoneoftenenoughinthesedenstomakeheruneasy.ShehadnodesiretohavetheBurghpolicecomingaboutandinterferingwithherbusiness.Sheknockedsharplyonthedoorandcalled:
AuldJock!
Bobbytrottedovertothedoorandstoodlookingatit.Insuchastraithewouldnaturallyhavewelcomedthevisitor,scratchingonthepanel,andcryingtoanyhumanbodywithouttocomeinand
-
seewhathadbefallenhismaster.ButAuldJockhadbadehimhaudisgabthere,asinGreyfriarskirkyard.Soheheldtoloyalsilence,althoughtheknockingandshakingofthelatchwasinsistentandthelodgerswereastir.Thevoiceoftheoldwomanwasshrillwithalarm.
AuldJock,canyenowauken?And,afteramoment,inwhichtheunlatchedcasementwindowwithincouldbeheardcreakingonitshingesinthechillbreeze,therewasahushedandfrightenedquestion:
Areyedeid?
Thefootstepsfleddownthestairs,andBobbywaslefttowatchthroughthelonghoursofdarkness.
Veryearlyinthemorningtheflimsydoorwasquietlyforcedbyauthority.ThefirstmanwhoenteredanofficeroftheCrownfromthesheriffscourtonthebridgetookoffhishattothemajestythatdominatedthatbarecell.TheCowgateregionpresentedmanyastartlingcontrast,butsuchaoneasthismustseldomhavebeenseen.Theclassicfireplace,andthemotionlessfigureandpeacefulfaceofthepiousoldshepherdwithinit,hadthedignityandbeautyofsomemonumentaltombandcarvedeffigyinoldGreyfriarskirkyard.Onlylessstrangewasthecontrastbetweenthemarksofpovertyandtoilonthedeadmanandthedaintygraceofthelittlefluffofadogthatmournedhim.
NosuchmenastheseofficersofherMajestytheQueen,Burghpolicemen,andlearneddoctorsfromtheRoyalInfirmaryhadeverbeenawareofAuldJock,living.Dead,andnoneedingthemanymore,theystoodguardoverhim,andinquiredsternlyastothemannerinwhichhehaddied.TherewasahystericalbreathofrelieffromthecrowdoflodgersandtenantswhenthelittlepileofcoinswasfoundontheBible.Therehadbeennofoulplay.AuldJockhaddiedofheartfailure,frompneumoniaandwornoutoldage.
Thereseneugh,aBurghpolicemansaidwhenthemoneywascounted.HemeantmuchthesamethingAuldJockhimselfhadmeant.Therewasenoughtosavehimfromthelastindignityalifeofusefullaborcanthrustuponthehonestpoorpauperburial.ButwheninquiriesweremadeforthenameandthefriendsofthisoldmanthereappearedtobeonlyAuldJocktoenterintotherecord,andalittledogtofollowthebodytothegrave.ItwasaBiblereaderwhochancedtocomeinfromtheMedicalMissionintheCowgatewhothoughttolookinthefly-leafofAuldJocksBible.
HisnameisJohnGray.
HelaidthewornlittlebookonAuldJocksbreastandcrossedthework-scarredhandsuponit.Itssomethingbytheordinar tofindagudeauldcountrybodyinsuchafoulplace.HestoopedandpattedBobby,andnotedthebun,untouched,uponthefloor.Turningtoawildelfofabarefootedchildinthecrowdhespoketoher.Wouldyoushareyourgudebrosewiththebitdog,lassie?
Shedarteddownthestairs,andpresentlyreturnedwithherownscantybowlofbreakfastporridge.Bobbyrefusedthefood,buthelookedathersomournfullythatthefirsttearsofpityherunchildlikeeyeshadevershedwelledup.Sheputoutherhandtimidlyandstrokedhim.
Itwasjustbeforethereportofthetimegunthattwopolicemenclearedthestairs,shroudedAuldJockinhisowngreatcoatandplaid,andcarriedhimdowntothecourt.Theretheylaidhiminaplainboxofwhitedealthatstoodonthepavement,closedit,andwentawaydownthewyndonanecessary
-
errand.TheBiblereadersatonanemptybeerkegtoguardthebox,andBobbyclimbedonthetopandstretchedhimselfabovehismaster.Thecourtwasawell,morethanahundredfeetdeepWhatskymighthavebeenvisibleaboveitwashiddenbytierabovetierofdingy,tatteredwashings.Thestairwayfilledagain,andthrongsofoutcastsofeverysortwentabouttheirsqualidbusinesses,withonlyacuriousglanceorsoatthepatheticgroup.
PresentlythepolicemenreturnedfromtheCowgatewithamotleyassortmentofpallbearers.Therewasagood-temperedIrishlaborerfromanear-bybrewery;adecayedgentleman,unsteadyofgaitandblear-eyed,ingreasyfrock-coatandbrokenhat;aflashilydressedbartenderwhofoundthetaskdistasteful;astout,bent-backedfagot-carrier;adrunkenfishermanfromNewHaven,suddenlysoberedbythisuncannyduty,andafurtive,gaol-bleachedthiefwhofearedatrapandtriedtoescape.
Tailedbyscufflinggamins,thestrangelittleprocessionmovedquicklydownthewyndandturnedintotheroaringCowgate.Thepolicemenwentbeforetoforceapassagethroughthepress.TheBiblereaderfollowedthebox,andBobby,headandtaildown,trottedunnoticed,beneathit.ThehumblefuneraltrainpassedunderabridgearchintotheemptyGrassmarket,andwentupCandlemakersRowtothekirkyardgate.SuchasAuldJock,now,byunnumberedthousands,werecomingtolieamongthegrandandgreat,lairdandleddy,poetandprophet,persecutorandmartyr,inthepiled-up,historicburying-groundofoldGreyfriars.
Byagesturethecaretakerdirectedthebearerstotheright,pastthechurch,andondownthecrowdedslopetothenorth,thatwascircledaboutbythebacksofthetenementsintheGrassmarketandCandlemakersRow.Theboxwasloweredatonce,andthepallbearershastilydepartedtodelayeddinners.Thepolicemenhadurgentdutieselsewhere.OnlytheBiblereaderremainedtoseethegravepartlyfilledin,andtotrytopersuadeBobbytogoawaywithhim.Butthelittledogresistedwithsuchpiteousstrugglesthatthemanputhimdownagain.Thegravediggerleanedonhisspadeforabitofprofessionaltalk.
Manyadoggangsdaftangreetslikeahumanbodywhenhismaisterdees.Theyreayeputoot,atimeortwa,antheygangtofolicthatkenthem,ansynetheytaktoithers.Dinnafashyerselabootim.Hewullnagreetlang.
SinceBobbywouldnotgo,therewasnothingtodobutleavehimthere;butitwaswithmanyabackwardlookanddisturbingdoubtthatthegoodmanturnedaway.Thegrave-diggerfinishedhistaskcheerfully,shoulderedhistools,andleftthekirkyard.Theearlydarkwascomingonwhenthecaretaker,inmakinghislastrounds,foundthelittleterrierflattenedoutonthenew-mademound.
Gangawaoot!heordered.Bobbylookeduppleadinglyandtrembled,buthemadenomotiontoobey.JamesBrownwasnotanunfeelingman,andhewasbutdoinghisduty.FromanimpulseofpityforthisbonnyweebitofloyaltyandgriefhepickedBobbyup,carriedhimallthewaytothegateandsethimoverthewicketonthepavement.
Gangawahame,noo,hesaid,kindly.Akirkyardisnaaplaceforabitdogtobeleevin.
Bobbylaywherehehadbeendroppeduntilthecaretakerwasoutofsight.Then,findingtheapertureunderthegatetoosmallforhimtosqueezethrough,hetried,inhisancestralway,toenlargeitbydigging.Hescratchedandscratchedattheunyieldingstoneuntilhislittleclawswerebrokenandhistoesbleeding,beforehestoppedandlaydownwithhisnoseunderthewicket.
-
Justbeforetheclosinghouracarriagestoppedatthekirkyardgate.Ablack-robedlady,carryingflowers,hurriedthroughthewicket.Bobbyslippedinbehindheranddisappeared.
Afternightfall,whenthelampswerelightedonthebridge,whenMr.Traillhadcomeouttostandidlyinhisdoorway,lookingforsomeonetotalkto,andJamesBrownhadlockedthekirkyardyardgateforthenightandgoneintohislittlestonelodgetosupper,BobbycameoutofhidingandstretchedhimselfproneacrossAuldJocksgrave.
IV.
FifteenminutesafterthereportofthetimegunonMonday,whenthebellswereplayingtheirmerriestandthediningroomswerebusiest,Mr.Traillfeltsuchatinytugathistrouser-legthatitwasrepeatedbeforehegaveitattention.InthepressofhungryguestsBobbyhadlittlemorethanroomtoriseinhispretty,beggingattitude.Thelandlordwassorelievedtoseehimagain,afterfiveconsciencestrickendays,thathestoopedtoclapthelittledogonthesideandtogreethimwithjocoseapproval.
GudedogtofetchAuldJock
WithafaintandpiteouscrythatwasheardbynoonebutMr.Traill,Bobbytoppledoveronthefloor.Itwasalimplittlebundlethatthelandlordpickedupfromunderfootandheldonhisarmamoment,whilehelookedaroundforthedogsmaster.ShockedatnotseeingAuldJock,byakindofinspirationhecarriedthelittledogtotheinglenookandlaidhimdownunderthefamiliarsettle.Bobbywaslittlemorethanbreathing,butheopenedhissilkilyveiledbrowneyesandlickedthefriendlyhandthathaddonethisrefinementofkindness.IttookMr.Traillmorethanamomenttorealizethenatureofthetrouble.Adogwithsothickafleeceofwool,undersocrisplywavinganoutercoatasBobbys,mayperishforlackoffoodandshownooutwardsignofemaciation.
Thesonsie,weewhy,hesallbutstarved!
Palewithpity,Mr.Traillsnatchedaplateofbrothfromthehandsofagapingwaiterladdie,setitunderBobbysnose,andwatchedhimbegintolapthewarmliquideagerly.Inthebusyplacetheincidentpassedunnoticed.Withhisusual,briskdecisionMr.Traillturnedthebacksofacoupleofchairsoveragainstthenearesttable,tosignifythatthecornerwasreserved,andhewentabouthisdutieswithunwontedsilence.AsthecrowdthinnedhereturnedtotheinglenooktofindBobbyasleep,notcurledupinatousledball,assuchalittledogshouldbe,butstretchedonhissideandbreathingirregularly.
IfBobbywasinsuchstraits,howmustitbewithAuldJock?Thiswasthefifthdaysincethesickoldmanhadfledintothestorm.WithnewdisquietMr.Traillrememberedamatterthathadannoyedhiminthemorning,andthathehadbeeninclinedtochargetomischievousHeriotboys.LowdownontheoutsideofhisfreshlyvarnishedentrancedoorweremanyscratchesthatBobbycouldhavemade.HemayhavecomeforfoodontheSabbathdaywhentheplacewasclosed.
AfteranhourBobbywokelongenoughtoeatagenerousplateofthatdelectableandhighlynourishingScotchdishknownashaggis.Hefellasleepagaininaneasierattitudethatrelievedthetensiononthelandlordsfeelings.Confidentthatthedevotedlittledogwouldleadhimstraighttohis
-
master,Mr.Traillclosedthedoorsecurely,thathemightnotescapeunnoticed,andarrangedhisownworldlyaffairssohecouldleavethemtohirelingsontheinstant.Intheidletimebetweendinnerandsupperhesatdownbythefire,lightedhispipe,repentedhisunrulytongue,andwaited.AstheshortdaydarkenedtoitsclosethesunsetbuglewasblownintheCastle.Atthefirstnote,Bobbycreptfromunderthesettle,alittleunsteadyonhislegsasyet,waggedhistailforthanks,andtrottedtothedoor.
Mr.Traillhadnotroubleatallinkeepingthelittledoginsighttothekirkyardgate,forintheduskhiscoatshonesilverywhite.Indeed,byabackwardlooknowandthen,Bobbyseemedtoinvitethemantofollow,andwaitedatthegate,withsomeimpatience,forhimtocomeup.Helpwasneededthere.ByrisingandtuggingatMr.TraillsclothingandthenjumpingonthewicketBobbyplainlybeggedtohaveitopened.Hemadenonoise,neitherbarkingnorwhimpering,andthatwasverystrangeforadogoftheterrierbreed;buteachinstantofdelayhebecamemoreinsistent,andevenfrantic,tohavethegateunlatched.Mr.TraillrefusedtobelievewhatBobbysbehaviorindicated,andreprovedhiminthebroadScotchtowhichthecountrydogwasused.
Nae,Bobby;beagudedog.GangdoontotheCoogatenoo,anfindAuldJock.
Utteringnocryatall,Bobbygavethemansuchawoebegonelookanddroppedtothepavement,withhislongmuzzleasfarunderthewicketashecouldthrustit,thatthetruthshothometoMr.Traillsunderstanding.Heopenedthegate.Bobbyslippedthroughandstoodjustinsideamoment,andlookingbackasifheexpectedhishumanfriendtofollow.Then,verysuddenly,asthedoorofthelodgeopenedandthecaretakercameout,Bobbydisappearedintheshadowofthechurch.
Abig-boned,slow-movingmanofthebestcountryhouse-gardenertype,serviceablydressedincorduroy,woolbonnet,andribbedstockings,JamesBrowncollidedwiththesmallandwirylandlord,tohisownverygreatembarrassment.
Eh,MaisterTraill,yegiedmeaturn.Itsnocannytobeproolinabootthekirkyairdithegloamin.
Whaurdidthebitdoggo,man?demandedtheperemptorylandlord.
Dog?Theresnoonydogithekirkyaird.Itisnapermeetted.Ginitsapussyyereneedin,noo
ButMr.Traillbrushedthisirrelevantpleasantryaside.
Ay,theresadog.Ilethiminmyainsel.
Thecaretakerexplodedwithwrath:SyneIllhaethelawonye.Canyenoread,man?
Tut,tut,JeemesBrown.Dontstandtherearguing.Itsagudeandnecessaryregulation,butitsnothelawotheland.Iturnedthedogintosettleamatterwithmyainconscience,andJohnKnoxwouldhavedonethesamethinginthebonnyfaceoQueenMary.Whatitis,isnaebeesinessofyours.ThedogwasasmayoungterrieroftheHighlandbreed,butwithadroptohisearsandacrinkleinhisfrostycoatnojustanordinar dog.Iknowhimweel.Hecametomyplacetobefed,neardeadofhunger,thenledmehere.Ifhismasterliesinthiskirkyard,Illtakthebitdogawawithme.
Mr.Traillsastonishingfluencyalwayscarriedallwallsofresistancebeforeitwithmenofslowerwit
-
andspeech.Onlyasuperiormancouldbrushtime-honoredrulesasidesocurtlyandstandonhishumanrightssosurely.JamesBrownpulledhisbonnetoffdeferentially,scratchedhisshockheadandshiftedhispipe.Finallyheadmitted:
Weel,therewasabittykeithekirkyairdtwadayssyne.Iputimoot,anhaenaseenimabootonymainHeoffered,however,toshowthenew-mademoundonwhichhehadfoundthedog.Leadingthewaypastthechurch,hewentondowntheterracedslope,prolongingthewalkwithconversation,fortheguardianshipofanoldchurchyardoffersverylittlesuchlivelycompanyasJohnTraills.
Imind,noo,itwassomepuirbodyfraetheCoogate,winoonymournersbutthesmaterrieraneaththecoffin.Iletimpass,notomakadisturbanceataburyin.Thedealboxwasfetchedupbythepolice,ancarriedbysicacrewogaol-birdsaswadmakyeturnowerinyerainGodshole.Buthepaidforhisburyinwihisainsiller,annooliesascannyasthenobeelity.Naebootherestheplace,MaisterTraill;anyecanseeforyerainseltheresnoanydog.
Ay,thatwouldbeAuldJockandBobbywouldnobeleavinghim,insistedthelandlord,stubbornly.Hestoodlookingdownattheroughmoundoffrozenclodsheapedinalittlespaceoftrampledsnow.
JeemesBrown,Mr.Trailsaid,atlast,themanwhaliesherewasadecent,piousauldcountrybody,andIdrovehimtohismeeserabledeathintheCowgate.
Man,yedinnakenwhatyeresayin!wastheshockedresponse.
DoIno?Imcanny,bytheordinar ,butmyfuletonguewillgetmeintotroublewiththemagistratesoneofthesedays.Itayewagsatbothends,andisnotiedinthemiddle.
Then,stanchCalvinistthathewas,andneverdreamingthathewasindulginginthesinfulpleasureofconfession,Mr.TraillpouredoutthestoryofAuldJocksplightandofhisown.shortcomings.Itwasabitter,upbraidingthingthathe,anuncommonlycapableman,hadmeantsowellbyahumbleoldbody,anddonesoill.Andhehadfailedagainwhenhetriedtoundothemischief.TheverynextmorninghehadgonedownintotheperilousCowgate,andinquiredineveryplacewhereitmightbepossibleforsuchatimidoldshepherdtobeknown.Butthere!Aswelllookforaburrthistleinabinofoats,aslookforahumanatomintheCowgateandthewyndsjuistaff.
Weel,noo,yecouldnahaeduneaethingwitheauldbody,ava,ginhewouldnagangtotheinfairmary.Thecaretakerwastryingtoconsoletheself-accusingman.
CouldIno?Yedinnakenmeasweelasyemicht.ThedisgustedlandlordtumbledintobroadScotch.Giemetodoitancemair,anIdchairgeAuldJockwithievinmasiller,wiawinkotheeeatthepolicetomakthemkenIwasleein;ansynetheydhaehustledimaff,willy-nilly,toasnugbed.
TheenergeticlittlemanlookedsoentirelycapableofanydaringdeedthathefiredthecaretakerintoenthusiasticsearchforBobby.Itwasnotentirelydark,fortheskywasstuddedwithstars,snowlayinbroadpatchesontheslope,andallaboutthelowerendofthekirkyardsuppercandlesburnedateveryrearwindowofthetalltenements.
Thetwomensearchedamongthenear-byslabsandtable-tombsandscatteredthornbushes.They
-
circledthemonumenttoallthemartyrswhohaddiedheroically,intheGrassmarketandelsewhere,fortheirfaith.Theyhuntedinthedeepshadowsofthebuttressesalongthesideoftheauldkirkandamongthepillarsoftheoctagonalporticotothenew.Attherearofthelong,lowbuilding,thatwasclumsilypartitionedacrossfortwopulpits,stoodtheornatetombofBluidyMcKenzie.ButBobbyhadnotcommittedhimselftothemercyofthehangingjudge,noryettothecareofthedoughtyminister,who,fromthepulpitofGreyfriarsauldkirk,hadflungthebloodandtearstainedCovenantintheteethofpersecution.
ThesearchwascontinuedpastthemodestScottfamilyburialplotandontothewestwall.TherewasabroadoutlookoverHeriotsHospitalgrounds,asmoothandshiningexpanseofunsulliedsnowabouttheearlyElizabethanpileofbuildings.Returning,theyskirtedthelowestwallbelowthetenements,forinthecirclinglineofcourtyardedvaults,wherethenobeelityofScotlandlayhaughtilyapartundertimestainedmarbles,weremanyshadowynooksinwhichsosmalladogcouldstowhimselfaway.Skulkingcatswereflushedthere,andsentflyingoveraristocraticbones,buttherewasnotraceofBobby.
Thesecondtierofwindowsofthetenementswaslevelwiththekirkyardwall,andseveraltimesMr.Traillcalleduptoalightedcasementwhereafamilysatatascantsupper
Haveyouseenabitdog,man?
Therewasmuchcordialinterestinhisquest,windowsopeningandfacesstaringintothedusk;butnotuntilnearthetopoftheRowwasacluegained.Then,atthequery,anunkempt,illcladlassieslippedfromherstoolandleanedoutoverthepedimentofatomb.Shehadseenawee,weedoggiejinkinamangthestanes.ItwasontheSabbathevening,whenthewell-dressedfolkhadgonehomefromtheafternoonservices.Shewaseatingherporridgeatthewindow,byherlane,whenhekeekedupathersoknowing,andbeggedsobonny,thatshebalancedherbitbowlonalath,andpusheditoveronthekirkyardwall.Asshefinishedthestorythebig,blueeyesofthelittlemaid,whodoubtlesshadherselfknownwhatitwastobehungry,filledwithtears.
Theweetykecouldnaloupuptoit,anadeiloapussygotita.Hewassobonny,likealeddyspet,ansynehefelloweronthesnawancreepitawa.Hedidnacryoot,buthewasabutdeidwihunger.Atthememoryofitsoft-heartedAilieLindseysobbedonhermother sshoulder.
Thetalewasretoldfromoneexcitedwindowtoanother,allthewayaroundandallthewayuptothegables,soquicklycouldsomeincidentofhumaninterestmakeasocialgatheringinthepopuloustenements.Mostofall,thechildrenseizeduponthetouchingstory.Eagerandpinchedlittlefacespeeredwistfullyintothemelancholykirkyard.
Isheyeraindog?crippledTammyBarrpipedout,inhisthintreble.GinIhadabonnyweedogIdgieimmaainbrose,ancuddleim,anhecouldnagangawa.
Nae,laddie,hesnomydog.Hismasterliesburiedhere,andthelealHighlandermournsforhim.Withkeenerappreciationofitspathos,Mr.TraillrecalledthatthiswaswhatAuldJockhadsaid:Bobbyisnamaaindog.AndhewasconsciousofwishingthatBobbywashisown,withhisunpurchasableloveandaloyaltytofacestarvation.Ashemountedtheturfedterraceshethoughttocallback:
-
Ifyouseehimagain,lassie,callhimBobby,andfetchhimuptoGreyfriarsDiningRooms.Ihaveabrightsillershulling,withtheQueensbonnyfaceonit,togivethebairnthatfindsBobby.
Therewasexcitedcommentonthis.Hemust,indeed,beanattractivedogtobeworthashilling.ThechildrengenerouslysharedplansforcapturingBobby.Butpresentlythewindowswereclosed,andsupperwasresumed.Thecaretakerwasirritable.
Noo,yellhaethemaootswarminowerthekirkyaird.Theresnaecoontinthebairnsotheneeborhood,annaneothemaresoweelbrouchtupastheymichtbe.
Mr.Traillcommenteduponthisphilosophically:Abairnislikeadoginmonyways.Takasticktooneortheotherandhellmisbehave.Thechildrenherearepoorandneglected,buttheyrenoviciousliketheawfuimpsoftheCowgate,whadstealfromtheirblindgrandmithers.Getonthegudesideofthebairns,man,andyoullliveeasieranddiehappier.
ItseemeduselesstosearchthemuchlongerarmofthekirkyardthatransouthwardbehindtheshopsofGreyfriarsPlaceandForestRoad.IfBobbywasintheenclosureatallhewouldnotbefarfromAuldJocksgrave.Nearestthenew-mademoundweretwoveryoldanddarktable-tombs.Thefartheronelayhorizontally,onitsuprightthroughstanes,somedistanceabovetheearth.Thesupportsoftheotherhadfallen,andthetablelayontheirthicknesswithinsixinchesoftheground.Mr.Traillandthecaretakersatuponthisslab,whichtestifiedtothepietyandworthofoneMistressJeanGrant,whohaddiedlangsyne.
Encroachedupon,asitwas,byunlovelylife,Greyfriarskirkyardwasyetaplaceofsolitudeandpeace.Thebuildinghadthedignitythatonlyoldagecangive.Ithadlostitstowerbyanexplosionofgunpowderstoredthereinwartime,anditswallsandmanyoftheancienttombsborethemarksoffireandshot.WithinthelastdecadesomeoftheGothicopeningshadbeenfilledwithbeautifulmemorialwindows.Despitethehorrorsandabsurditiesandmutilationofmuchofthefuneralsculpturing,thekirkyardhadasaddistinction,suchasbecameitsfameasScotlandsWestminster.And,therewasoneheavenwardoutlookandheavenlyview.OverthetallestdecayingtenementonecouldlookuptotheCastleofdreamsonthecrag,anddroptheglanceallthewaydownthepinnacledcrestofHighStreet,tothedarkanddesertedPalaceofHolyrood.Afternightfalltheturretedheightsworealuminouscrown,andthesteepridgeuptoittwinkledwithmyriadlights.Afteratimethecaretakerofferedawell-consideredopinion.
Thedogmaunhaeleftthekirkyaird.Thaeterriersareayebarkin.Itdbemaistmichtynoo,ginhedbesolangithekirkyaird,annomakablatterin.
AsamanofsuperiorknowledgeMr.Traillfoundpleasureinupsettingthistheory.TheHighlandbreedarenolikeordinar terriers.Noisyenoughtodeaveone,bynature,giveabitSkyeareasonandhelllieathedayunderawhinbushonthebrae,ascannyasafox.YougaveBobbyareasonforhidingherebyturninghimout.AndAuldJockwasaverareleegiousman.ItwouldnobesurprisingifhetaughtBobbytoholdhistongueinakirkyard.
Man,hedidthatverathing.JamesBrownbroughthisfistdownonhisknee;forsuddenlyheidentifiedBobbyasthesnappylittleruffianthathadchasedthecatandbittenhisshins,andAuldJockasthescandalizedshepherdwhohadrebukedthedogsobitterly.Herelatedtheincidentwithgusto.
-
Theauldmancriedootonthemisbehavintyketohaudisgab.Syne,yeneersawthebitdogslikeforabairnthatdhaenalickin.Hedagaenintoapit,gintheredbeenane,anpuditinahindim.Iturnedembaithoot,antoldemnotocomeback.Eh,man,itsfearsomehooilkabodycomestoakirkyaird,toesaforeim,inalongbox.
Mr.Brownwassoberedbythisgrimthoughtandthen,inhisturn,heconfessedasliptothistolerantmanoftheworld.TheweedeiloasperitydognippedmesoIletootanaith.
Ay,thatsBobby.Hewouldnobeafraidofonythingwithhideorhaironit.Man,theSkyeterriersgointodensoffoxesandwildcats,andworrybullstilltheytaktotheirheels.AndBobbyssagaciousbytheordinar .Hethoughtintentlyforamoment,andthenspokenaturally,andmuchasAuldJockhimselfmighthavespokentothedog.
Whaurareye,Bobby?Comeawaoot,laddie!
Instantlythelittledogstoodbeforehimlikesomeconjuredghost.Hehadslippedfromundertheslabonwhichtheyweresitting.Itlaysoneartheground,andinsuchamatofdeadgrass,thatithadnotoccurredtothemtolookforhimthere.HecameuptoMr.Traillconfidently,submittedtohavinghisheadpatted,andlookedpleadinglyatthecaretaker.Then,thinkinghehadpermissiontodoso,helaydownonthemound.JamesBrowndroppedhispipe.
Itsmaistmichty!hesaid.
Mr.Traillgottohisfeetbriskly.Illjusttakthedogwithme,Mr.Brown.OnmarketdayIllfindthefarmerthatownshimandsendhimhame.Asyousay,akirkyardsnaeplaceforadogtobelivingneglected.Comeawa,Bobby.
Bobbylookedup,but,ashemadenomotiontoobey,Mr.Traillstoopedandliftedhim.
Fromsheersurpriseatthisunexpectedmovethelittledoglaystillamomentonthemansarm.Then,withalithetwistofhismuscularbodyandaspring,hewasontheground,trembling,reproachfulforthebreachoffaith,butbracedforresistance.
Eh,yourenogoing?Mr.Traillputhishandsinhispockets,lookeddownatBobbyadmiringly,andsighed.Theresadogaftermyainheart,andhellhavenaethingtodowithme.Hehasamindofhisain.Illjusthavetobeleavinghimherethetwodays,Mr.Brown.
Yewullnaleaveim!Yelltakimwiye,orIllhaetoputimoot.Man,IcouldnahaudtheplaceginIbraktherules.
Youwillnoputtheweedogout!Mr.Traillshookaplayful,emphaticfingerunderthebigmansnose.
WhywullIno?
Because,man,youhaveaverasoftheart,andyoucannadenyit.Itwaswithagenial,confidentsmilethatMr.Traillmadethisterribleaccusation.
Maheartsnososaftastopermitabitdogtoscandalizethedeid.
-
Hesbeenheretwodays,younoknowingit,andhehasscandalizedneitherthedeadnortheliving.HesaslealasonyCovenanterhere,andbetterconductedthanmonyalaird.Hesnothequarrelsomekind,but,man,foraprinciplehedfightlikeauldClootie.Herethelandlordsheatgavewaytopureenjoymentofthesituation.Eh,Idliketoseeyouputhimout.ItwouldbeanotherFloddenField.
Theangrycaretakershruggedhisbroadshoulders.
Yecanseeit,ginyestandby,injuistonemeenit.Fechtashemay,itwullsoonbeower.
Mr.Trailllaughedeasily,andventuredtheopinionthatMr.Brownsbarkwasworsethanhisbite.Ashewentthroughthegatewayhecouldnotresistcallingbackachallenge:Idauryoutodoit.
Mr.Brownlockedthegate,wentsulkilyintothelodge,lightedhiscuttypipe,andsmokeditfuriously.HereadaPsalmwithdeliberation,pokedupanalreadybrightfire,andgloweredathisplacidgudewife.Itwasnottobebornetobedefiedbyaten-inch-highterrier,anddared,byamanathirdunderhisownweight,todohisduty.Afteranhourorsoheworkedhimselfuptothepointofgoingoutandslammingthedoor.
AteightoclockMr.TraillfoundBobbyonthepavementoutsidethelockedgate.Hewasnotsorrythatthefortunesofunequalbattlehadthrownthefaithfullittledogonhishospitality.Bobbybeggedpiteouslytobeputinside,butheseemedtounderstandatlastthatthegatewastoohighforMr.Trailltodrophimover.Hefollowedthelandlorduptotherestaurantwillingly.Hemayhavethoughtthischampionhadanothersolutionofthedifficulty,forwhenhesawthemansettlecomfortablyinachairherefusedtolieonthehearth.Herantothedoorandback,andbeggedandwhinedtobeletout.Foralongtimehestooddejectedly.Hewasnotsullen,forheatealightsupperandthankedhishostwithmuchpolitewagging,andheevenallowedhimselftobepetted.Suddenlyhethoughtofsomething,trottedbrisklyofftoacornerandcrouchedthere.
Mr.Traillwatchedtheattractivelittlecreaturewithinterestandgrowingaffection.Verylikelyheindulgedinaday-dreamthat,perhaps,thetenantofCauldbraefarmcouldbeinducedtopartwithBobbyforaconsideration,andthathehimselfcouldwinthedogtotransferhislovefromacoldgravetoawarmhearth.
Withaspringtheratwascaptured.AjerkofthelongheadandtherewasproofofBobbysprowesstolayathisgoodfriendsfeet.Mademuchof,andinapositiontoaskfreshfavors,thelittledogwasofftothedoorwithcheerful,staccatobarks.Hisreasoningwasasplainasprint:Ihaedoneyeaservice,nootakmebacktothekirkyaird.
Mr.Trailltalkedtohimashemighthavereasonedwithabrightbairn.Bobbylistenedpatiently,butremainedofthesamemind.Atlasthemovedaway,disappointedinthishumanperson,discouraged,butundefeatedinhispurpose.Helaydownbythedoor.Mr.Traillwatchedhim,forifanychancelatecomeropenedthedoorthemasterlesslittledogwouldbeoutintotheperilsofthestreet.Bobbyknewwhatdoorswereforand,verylikely,expected.somesuchrelease.Hewaitedalongtimepatiently.Thenhebegantorunbackandforth.HeputhispawsuponMr.Traillandwhimperedandcried.Finallyhehowled.
Itwasadreadful,dismal,heartbrokenhowlthatechoedbackfromthewalls.Hehowledcontinuously,untilthelandlord,quitedistracted,and-concernedaboutthepeaceofhisneighbors,thrustBobbyinto
-
thedarksculleryattherear,andbadehimstophisnoise.Forfullytenminutesthedogwasquiet.Hewasprobablyengagedinexploringhisnewquarterstofindanoutlet.Thenhebegantohowlagain.Itwastrulyastonishingthatsosmalladogcouldmakesolargeanoise.
Abattlewasonbetweentheenduranceofthemanandthepersistenceoftheterrier.Mr.Traillwasspeculatingonwhichwaslikelytobevictorinthecontest,whenthefrontdoorwasopenedandtheproprietoroftheBookHunter sStallputinabare,baldheadandtheabstractedfaceofthebook-wormthatismildlyamused.
Haveyoutakntoadogatyourtimeolife,Mr.Traill?
Ay,man,anditwouldbeallrightifthebitdogwouldjusttaktome.
Thispleasantryannoyedagoodmanwhohadsmallsenseofhumor,andheremarkedtestilyThebarkindisturbsmycustomerssotheycannaread.Theplacewasaresortforstudentladdieswhohadtobesavingofcandles.
Thatsnoright,thelandlordadmitted,sympathetically.Readingmakthafullman.Eh,whatadeeferencetothewarldifRobbieBurnshadayepreferredabooktoabottle.Thebooksellerrefusedtobebeguiledfromhisjustcauseofcomplaintintotheflowerymeadsofliteraryreminiscencesandspeculations.
Youllstopthatdogscleavingnoise,Mr.Traill,orIllappealtotheBurghpolice.
Thelandlordreturnedablandandchildlikesmile.Youdbeweelwithinyourlegalrightstodoit,neebor.
Thedoorwasshutwithsuchabusiness-likeclickthatthesituationsuddenlybecameserious.Bobbysvocalpowers,however,gavenosignsofdiminishing.Mr.Traillquietedthedogforafewmomentsbylettinghimintotheouterroom,buttheswiftnessandenergywithwhichherenewedhisattacksonthedoorandonthemanswillshowedplainlythatthetrucewasonlytemporary.Hedidnotknowwhathemeanttodoexceptthathecertainlyhadnointentionofabandoningthelittledog.Togaintimeheputonhishatandcoat,pickedBobbyup,andopenedthedoor.Thethoughtoccurredtohimtotrythegateattheupperendofthekirkyardor,thatfailing,togetintoHeriotsHospitalgroundsandputBobbyoverthewall.Asheopenedthedoor,however,heheardGeordieRossswhistlearoundthebendinForestRoad.
Hey,laddie!hecalled.Comeawainameenit.Whenthesturdyboywasinsideandthedoorsafelyshut,hebeganinhismostguilelessandpersuasivetone:Wouldyouliketoearnashulling,Geordie?
Ay,Iwould.Gieittomeipenniesanhapennies,MaisterTraill.Itseemsmair,anmaksabrawjinglininapocket.
Thepricewaspaidandthetaletold.Thequickchampionshipoftheboywasengagedforthegallantdog,andGeordieseyessparkledattheprospectofdarkadventure.Bobbywasonthefloorlistening,earsandeyes,bramblymuzzleandfeatheredtailalert.Helistenedwithhiswhole,small,excitedbody,andhungontheanswertothemomentousquestion.
-
Istherenoawaytosmugglethebitdogintothekirkyard?
Itappearedthatnothingwaseasier,ainceyekenhoo.DidMr.TraillknowoftheinternalhighwaythroughtheoldCunzieNeukatthebottomoftheRow?Onewentupthestairsonthefronttothelow,timberedgallery,thenthroughapassageasblackasBluidyMcKenziesheart.Attheendofthat,onecametoapeepholeofawindow,setoutonwoodenbrackets,thathungrightoverthekirkyardwall.FromthatwindowBobbycouldbedroppedonacertainnoblevault,fromwhichhecouldjumptotheground.
Twameenitswark,stouthearts,sleekitfootstaps,anthefearsomedeedisdone,declaredtwelve-year-oldGeordie,whosesenseofthedramaticmatchedhisdaring.
Butwhenthedeedwasdone,andthetwostoodinnocentlyonthebrightlylightedapproachtothebridge,Mr.Traillhadhismisgivings.Awell-respectedbusinessmanandchurch-member,hefeltuneasytobeatthemercyofaladdiewhomightbeboastful.
Geordie,ifyoutellonybodyaboutthisIllhavetogiveyoualicking.
Iwullnatell,Geordiereassuredhim.Itsnosorespectable,ansynemamither dgiemeanitherlickin,antheydgiemetwamoreawfuaces,anblackmarksforamonth,atHeriots.
V.
WordhadbeenleftatalltheinnsandcartingofficesaboutbothmarketsforthetenantofCauldbraefarmtocallatMr.TraillsplaceforBobby.ThemanappearedWednesdayafternoon,drivingabigClydesdalehorsetoastoutfarmcart.Thelow-ceileddiningroomsuddenlyshrankaboutthebig-boned,longleggedhillman.Thefactembarrassedhim,asdidalsoavoicecultivatedoutofallproportiontotownhouses,byshoutingtodogsandshepherdsonwindyshouldersofthePentlands.
Haeyegotthedogwiye?
Mr.TrainpointedtoBobby,deepinablissful,afterdinnernapunderthesettle.
Thefarmerbreathedasighofrelief,satatatable,andateafrugalmealofbreadandcheese.AsroughlydressedasAuldJock,inametal-buttonedgreatcoatofhoddengray,awoolenbonnet,andtheshepherdstwofoldplaid,hewasadifferentspeciesofhumanbeingaltogether.Along,lean,sinewymanofearlymiddleage,hehadasmooth-shaven,bonyjaw,far-seeinggrayeyesunderfurzybrows,andashockofauburnhair.Whenhespoke,itwastogivebitsoutofhisownexperience.
Thaeterriersareusefueneughonanordinar fairmanithetoontokeepawathevermin,butIwadnagieatwapenny-bitforaneothemonasheep-fairm.TheresaweelassieatCauldbraewhawantsBobbyforapet.ItwasnarichtforAuldJocktowinimawafraethebairn.
Mr.Traillshandwasliftedinrebuke.Speaknaeill,man;AuldJocksdead.
Thefarmer sruddyfaceblanchedandhedroppedhisknife.Hesnoburiedsosane?
-
Ay,hesburiedfourdayssinceinGreyfriarskirkyard,andBobbyhasslepteverynightontheauldmansgrave.
Illjuisttakaleukatthegrave,moil,ginyellhaeaneeonthedog.
Mr.TraillcautionedhimnottoletthecaretakerknowthatBobbyhadcontinuedtosleepinthekirkyard,afterhavingbeenputouttwice.Thefarmerwasbackintenminutes,withacannyfacethatdefiedreading.HelightedhisshortDublinpipeandsmokeditoutbeforehespokeagain.
ItsowergrandforapuirauldshepherdbodytobeburiediGreyfriars.
Nosograndasheaven,Imthinking.Mr.Traillsresponsewasdry.
Ay,anwereacoontinonganginthere;butitsaproodthingtohaeyerbanesputawainGreyfriars,anceyerethroughwiem!
NaedoubtthegudeauldmanwouldratherbealiveonthePentlandbraesthandeadinGreyfriars.
Ay,thefarmeradmitted.Hewasfairfondothehills,annolikinthetoon.An,moil,hewasawonderwithelambs.Hedgangwiacollieowermilesocountryinroarinweather,anhedayefetchthelostsheephame.Theauldmoilwasnanesoweelfurnisheditheheid,butbairniesandbeastswereuncofondoim.ItwasnahisfautthatBobbywasayeathisheels.Thelassiewadabeenafter im,ginermitherhadpermeetedit.
Mr.Traillaskedhimwhyhehadletsovaluableamango,andthefarmerrepliedatoncethathewasgettingoldandcouldnolongerdothewinterwork.ToanybutaScotchmanbroughtupnearthesheepcountrythiswouldhavesoundedhard,butMr.Traillknewthatthefarmersonthewild,tipped-upmoorswerethemselveshardpressedtomeetrentandtaxes.Tokeepashepherdincapacitatedbyageandliabletoloseaflockinasnow-storm,wastoinviteruin.Andpresentlythemanshowed,unwittingly,howsweetakerneltheheartmaylieundertheshellofsordidnecessity.
Ididnakentheauldmanwasfairillorhemichthaebidedatthefairmantaknisaintimetodeeatisease.
AsBobbyunrolledandstretchedtoanawakening,thefarmergotup,tookhimunawareandthrusthimintoacoveredbasket.Hehadnointentionoflettingthelittlecreaturegivehimtheslipagain.Bobbyhowledattheindignity,andstruggledandtoreatthestoutwickerwork.ItwenttoMr.Traillshearttohearhim,andtoseethegallantlittledogsodefenseless.Hetalkedtohimthroughthelatticedcoverallthewayouttothecart,tellinghimAuldJockmeantforhimtogohome.Atthatbelovedname,Bobbydroppedtothebottomofthebasketandcriedinsuchaheartbrokenwaythattearsstoodinthelandlordseyes,andeventhefarmerconfessedtoasuddencauldinisheid.
Idgieimtoye,mon,ginitwasnathatthebitlassiewadgreetherbonnyeenootginIdidnafetchimhame.Naebootthebittykewadadeedginyehadnafedim.
Eh,man,hellnobidewithme,orIdbebargainingforhim.Andhellnobepermittedtoliveinthekirkyard.Iknownaethinginthislifemorepitifulthanamasterless,hamelessdog.Andthen,todelaythemomentofpartingwithBobby,whostoppedcryingandbegantolickhishandinfrantic
-
appealthroughaholeinthebasket,Mr.TraillaskedhowBobbycamebyhisname.
ItwasaleddyotheneeborhoodoSwanston.ShecamdrivinbyCauldbraeiherbitcartwishaggyShetlandstoitanstappedatthedairyforadrinkobuttermilkfraethekirn.SyneshesawthesonsiepuppyloupinatAuldJocksheels,bonnyasapoodle,butmairknowin.Theleddygiedmeapoondnoteforim.Iputimupontheseat,anshesaidthatnooshehadasmartHielandgroomtomatcherHielandsteeds,ansheflickedtheponieswierwhup.Synethebitdogwasontheairthanflyinawadoontheroadlikethedeilwasafterim.Antheleddylauchedanlauched,anwentawawiootim.Atthefutothebraeshewasstilllauchin,anshecaedback:GieimthenameoBobby,gudemon.Heslefttheplow-tailansafftoEdinburghtomakhisfameanfortune.Ididnakenwhattheleddymeant.
Man,shemeanthewaslikeBobbyBurns.
HerewasaliteraryflavorthatgaveaddedattractiontoamanwhosatatthefeetoftheScottishmuses.Thelandlordsighedashewentbacktothedoorway,andhestoodtherelisteningtotheclatterofthecartandrough-shodhorseandtothemournfulhowlingofthelittledog,untilthesoundsdiedawayinForestRoad.
Mr.Traillwouldhavebeensurprisedtoknow,perhaps,thattheconfinesofthecitywerescarcelypassedbeforeBobbystoppedprotestingandgrievingandsettleddownpatientlytomoreprofitablework.Ahumanbeingthuskidnappedandcarriedawaywouldhavebeenquitehelpless.ButBobbyfittedhismopofablackmuzzleintothelargestholeofhiswickerprison,andsethisusefullittlenosetogatheringnewsofhiswhereabouts.
IfitshouldhappentoadoginthisdaytobetakenfromYeOldeGreyfriarsDiningRoomsandcarriedsouthwardoutofEdinburghtherewouldbetwomilesormoreofcityandsuburbanstreetstobetraversedbeforecomingtotheopencountry.ButahalfcenturyormoreagoonecouldstandattheuppergateofGreyfriarskirkyardorHeriotsHospitalgroundsandlookdownaslopedottedwithsemi-rustichouses,avillageortwoandwater-mills,andthencultivatedfarms,allthewaytoastone-bridgedburnandatoll-baratthebottomofthevalley.ThishillsidewastheancientBurghmuirwhereKingJamesofoldgatheredagreathostofScotstomarchandfightandperishonFloddenField.
Bobbyhadnotgonethiswayhomewardbefore,andwaspuzzledbythesmellofprosperouslittleshops,andbythepark-likeodorsfromcollegecampusestotheeast,andfromthewell-keptresidenceparkofGeorgeSquare.ButwhenthecartrattledacrossLauristonPlacehepickedupthefamiliarscentsofmilkandwoolfromthecattleandsheepm
top related