Why, man, the lads of Westburnflat, for ten lang
descents, have been reivers and lifters. They have all drunk hard, lived
high, taking deep revenge for light offence, and never wanted gear for
the winning."
"Right; and thou art as thorough-bred a wolf," said the Dwarf, "as ever
leapt a lamb-fold at night. On what hell's errand art thou bound now?"
"Can your skill not guess?"
"Thus far I know," said the Dwarf, "that thy purpose is bad, thy deed
will be worse, and the issue worst of all."
"And you like me the better for it, Father Elshie, eh?" said
Westburnflat; "you always said you did."
"I have cause to like all," answered the Solitary, "that are scourges to
their fellow-creatures, and thou art a bloody one."
"No--I say not guilty to that--lever bluidy unless there's resistance,
and that sets a man's bristles up, ye ken. And this is nae great matter,
after a'; just to cut the comb of a young cock that has been crawing a
little ower crousely."
"Not young Earnscliff?" said the Solitary, with some emotion.
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