--West!--By My life, it must be Westburnflat.
"Elshie, just tell me one word. Am I right? Is it Westburnflat? If I
am wrang, say sae. I wadna like to wyte an innocent neighbour wi'
violence--No answer?--It must be the Red Reiver--I didna think he wad
hae ventured on me, neither, and sae mony kin as there's o' us--I
am thinking he'll hae some better backing than his Cumberland
friends.--Fareweel to you, Elshie, and mony thanks--I downa be fashed
wi' the siller e'en now, for I maun awa' to meet my friends at the
Trysting-place--Sae, if ye carena to open the window, ye can fetch it in
after I'm awa'."
Still there was no reply.
"He's deaf, or he's daft, or he's baith; but I hae nae time to stay to
claver wi' him."
And off rode Hobbie Elliot towards the place of rendezvous which he had
named to his friends.
Four or five riders were already gathered at the Trysting pool. They
stood in close consultation together, while their horses were permitted
to graze among the poplars which overhung the broad still pool.
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