left hand as you go out, and at the back of the door you will see a coat
hanging up; put your hand in to the pocket, and bring me a whistle you
will find there. I have been making it, Jeannie, for your nephew, Tom
Little; poor fellow, he was so good natured the other day, in running down
to help me to drive the sheep over the hill; he is too young yet to be a
herd; but if he live he will be a fine, active, spirited fellow, some day.
I promised him a whistle, and I never break my word."

John found the whistle where Will had directed him to look, and brought it
to him. "Now, that is a clever fellow; and I think the least I can do, in
return, is to play you a tune. I hope you like music; it is the chief
pleasure we shepherds have; and it seems to me that it never sounds so
sweetly as it does up among the hills." So saying, he began to play a
pretty Scotch air upon Tom's whistle. When he had finished, John, whose
eyes were sparkling with delight (for he did, indeed, like music), lost
part of his timidity, and starting up said, "And did you make that whistle
all yourself?" "That I did, my man; and I am glad it has made you find
your tongue; for I began to be afraid that master had got a dumb boy for a
herd; and that would not suit me at all. If I find you a brisk, merry
fellow, that can sing a song, and dance a reel at times, you shall have a
whistle too; and, perhaps I may teach you to make it yourself; but it will
all depend upon your good behaviour. If you were always to look as grave
as you were when I first saw you, I don't think I should ever trouble my
head about you; but we had better go to bed. Mind that you be ready for me
tomorrow morning; I do not like to be kept waiting."

In the morning, John took good care not to keep Will waiting; but was up
and standing at the door when he made his appearance. "So you are ready, I
see, my lad; that's well: but take care you continue alert; for that
stupid boy, Sandy Laing, whom we had last, was the plague of my life, he