Had I said I was off for a burglar they could not have looked worse over
it, for in those days among the decent canny country folks it was mostly
the black sheep that were herded by the sergeant. But, my word, those
same black sheep did their country some rare service too. My mother put
up her mittens to her eyes, and my father looked as black as a peat
hole.

"Hoots, Jock, you're daft," says he.

"Daft or no, I'm going."

"Then you'll have no blessing from me."

"Then I'll go without."

At this my mother gives a screech and throws her arms about my neck.
I saw her hand, all hard and worn and knuckly with the work she had done
for my up-bringing, and it pleaded with me as words could not have done.
My heart was soft for her, but my will was as hard as a flint-edge.
I put her back in her chair with a kiss, and then ran to my room to pack
my bundle. It was already growing dark, and I had a long walk before
me, so I thrust a few things together and hastened out. As I came
through the side door someone touched my shoulder, and there was Edie in
the gloaming.

"Silly boy," said she, "you are not really going."

"Am I not? You'll see."