bruise or two was all the harm he had received, so, after stopping a
short time till he had ceased crying and complaining, she put him into
the carriage again, and went on more carefully than before. Norman did
not again insist on her moving faster, as he was occupied in feeling his
elbows and shoulders and wondering whether he was much bruised.

Soon after crossing the stream, they came in sight of Alec Morrison's
cottage. The ground was smooth near it, so Fanny was able to go on
pretty fast, and Norman got into better humour, and shouted and sang as
at first.

As they approached the cottage they saw Robby, who had heard their
voices coming out to meet them. Poor little fellow, as he did not
expect visitors, and the weather was hot, he had very few clothes on,
but he did not think about that.

Fanny, stopping, made Norman get out of the carriage that she might take
out the things which were placed under the seat.

"Here, Robby," she said, as the little boy came up, "we have brought you
some nice fruit, and some cakes, and some picture-books, which Mrs
Maclean gave us for you."

"Thank you, young lady, thank you," exclaimed Robby, receiving them with
delight, as Fanny took them out of the carriage, while Norman stood by,
feeling somewhat jealous that the little beggar boy, as he chose to
think Robby, should have so many things given him.

"Is your grandfather at home?" asked Fanny. "I have been longing to
come and see him, and to thank him for helping us on our way back the
other day."

"No; I am keeping house alone, but grandfather will soon be back, so
don't go away, please, till he comes," answered Robby, who was holding
the things which Fanny had given him in his arms. "Won't you come in,
young lady, and rest?"

"No, thank you, I would rather stay outside in the shade till your
grandfather comes back," said Fanny, as she did not like to go into the
old man's cottage without an invitation from him. "Do you, Robby, go in
with the things, and put them away," she added, for she rather
mistrusted Norman, who continued eyeing the little boy with no very kind
looks.

Robby ran in with his treasures.

"Stupid little brat," observed Norman, "I wonder Mrs Maclean sent him
all those things, I should have thought a piece of bread and cheese was
quite enough for him."

"When we make presents we should try and give nice things, such as
people who receive them will like," said Fanny. "Old Alec could give
his