'Gang in there, and creep like a moose to the fit o' the stair. I
maun close the door ahin' 's,' said he, opening the door as he
spoke.

'I'm fleyt (frightened), Robert.'

'Dinna be a fule. Grannie winna bite aff yer heid. She had ane
till her denner, the day, an' it was ill sung (singed).'

'What ane o'?'

'A sheep's heid, ye gowk (fool). Gang in direckly.'

Shargar persisted no longer, but, taking about four steps a minute,
slunk past the kitchen like a thief--not so carefully, however, but
that one of his soles yet looser than the other gave one clap upon
the flagged passage, when Betty straightway stood in the kitchen
door, a fierce picture in a deal frame. By this time Robert had
closed the outer door, and was following at Shargar's heels.

'What's this?' she cried, but not so loud as to reach the ears of
Mrs. Falconer; for, with true Scotch foresight, she would not
willingly call in another power before the situation clearly
demanded it. 'Whaur's Shargar gaein' that gait?'

'Wi' me. Dinna ye see me wi' him? I'm nae a thief, nor yet's
Shargar.'

'There may be twa opingons upo' that, Robert. I s' jist awa' benn
to the mistress. I s' hae nae sic doin's i' my hoose.'