ong drying, young gentleman, and you must have
patience till they are dry," he observed; "the shoes, however, will be
somewhat tight, even if they are at all fit to be put on again, but that
won't matter, as you can sit in the carriage while I drag you."

Norman now sat quietly, for he hoped that if his clothes were clean, no
one at home would hear of his misconduct.

"You will not go and tell them that I ran away, will you Fanny?" he
asked, looking round at her as she sat near the table with her bird.

"I cannot make any promise," she answered; "I am, however, very sure
that you ought to tell them how Mr Morrison and little Robby pulled you
out of the bog."

"I would not wish the young gentleman to say anything to get himself
into trouble, but at the same time, I would wish him to speak the truth,
whatever happens," observed old Alec.

Norman did not reply to her, but muttered to himself, "she cares more
for her bird than she does for me, but I will take care she has not much
pleasure from it."

Fanny did not overhear this, and had no idea that her new little friend
was in danger from the jealousy of her brother.

As it was already late, as soon as Norman's clothes were dried old Alec
put them on him again, with Fanny's assistance, and little Robby having
in the meantime washed the carriage, they were ready to start. Robby,
as before, had to take care of the house while old Alec insisted on
accompanying his young visitors.

"You know, Miss Fanny, you must carry the bird, and we shall be able to
get over the ground faster if I drag the carriage."

Fanny was very glad to agree to this arrangement, for as Norman was in a
bad humour she could not tell how he might behave to her, but she knew
that he would be quiet if old Alec was with her. They accordingly set
off, Robby giving them a parting cheer. They went on pretty fast,
Norman having to hold himself into the carriage as it bumped and thumped
over the rough ground.

As Fanny had to carry the bird-cage, Alec went the whole way to the yard
at the back of Glen Tulloch. Norman scarcely thanking him, jumped out,
and ran into the house.

"Oh! do stop, Mr Morrison, till my mamma, and granny, and Mrs Maclean
can see you," said Fanny, "they will wish to thank you, as I do, and as
Norman was much frightened, I hope that they will not think it necessary
to punish him."

"But I did nothing worth speaking of," answered old Alec, "and so just
give my respects to t