"Ay, lad, I've got a tough load to carry just now—thee mustna take it ill if I'm a bit silenter and crustier nor usual. Trouble doesna make me care the less for thee. I know we shall stick together o to the last."
"I take nought ill o' thee, Adam: I know well enough what it means if thee't a bit short wi' me now and then."
"There's mother opening the door to look out for us," said Adam, as they mounted the slope. "She's been sitting i' the dark, as usual. Well, Gyp, well! art glad to see me?"
Lisbeth went in again quickly and lighted a candle, for she had heard the welcome rustling of footsteps on the grass, before Gyp's joyful bark.
"Eh, my lads! th' hours war ne'er so long sin' I war born as they'n been this blessed Sunday night. What can ye both ha' been doin' till this time?"
"Thee shouldstna sit i' the dark, mother," said Adam; "that makes the time seem longer."
"Eh, what am I t' do wi' burnin' candle of a Sunday, when there's on'y me, an it's sin to do a bit o' knittin'? The daylight's long enough for me to stare i' th' booke as I canna read. It 'ud be a
