o keen hazel eyes, in which the green
predominated over the brown. Its nose was long and solemn, over his
well-made mouth, which rarely smiled, but not unfrequently trembled
with emotion--over his book. For age, Donal was getting towards
fifteen, and was strongly built, and well grown. A general look of
honesty, and an attractive expression of reposeful friendliness
pervaded his whole appearance. Conscientious in regard to his work,
he was yet in danger of forgetting his duty for minutes together in
his book. The chief evil that resulted from it was such an
occasional inroad on the corn as had that morning taken place; and
many were Donal's self-reproaches ere he got to sleep when that had
fallen out during the day. He knew his master would threaten him
with dismissal if he came upon him reading in the field, but he knew
also his master was well aware that he did read, and that it was
possible to read and yet herd well. It was easy enough in this same
meadow: on one side ran the Lorrie; on another was a stone wall; and
on the third a ditch; only the cornfield lay virtually unprotected,
and there he had to be himself the boundary. And now he sat leaning
against the dyke, as if he held so a position of special defence;
but he knew well enough that the dullest calf could outflank him,
and invade, for a few moments at the least, the forbidden
pleasure-ground. He had gained an ally, however, whose faculty and
faithfulness he little knew yet. For Gibbie had begun to comprehend
the situation. He could not comprehend why or how anyone should be
absorbed in a book, for all he knew of books was from his one
morning of dame-schooling; but he could comprehend that, if one's
attention were so occupied, it must be a great vex to be interrupted
continually by the ever-waking desires of his charge after dainties.
Therefore, as Donal watched his book, Gibbie for Donal's sake
watched the herd, and, as he did so, gently possessed himself of
Donal's club. Nor had many minutes passed before Donal, raising his
head to look, saw the curst cow again in the green corn, and Gibbie
manfully encountering her with the club, hitting her hard upon head
and horns, and deftly avoiding every rush she made at him.

"Gie her't upo' the nose," Donal shouted in terror, as he ran full
speed to his aid, abusing Hornie in terms of fiercest vituperation.

But he needed not have been so apprehensive. Gibbie heard and
obeyed, and the next moment H