Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog Oscar (3).pdf/21

his lady mimicked him—and, at this, his daughter and the servants raised a laugh. Inhuman wretches said Duncan, starting up, and pushing them aside, thus to mock the feelings of an old man even although he were not the lord and master of you all; hut take notice, tho individual among you all that dares to offer such another insult to him, I’ll roast on tho fire. The old man clung to him, and looked at him ruefully in the face. You impudent beggarly vagabond! said the lady, do you know to whom you speak?—servants turn that wretch out of the house, and haunt him with all the dogs in the kennel. Softly, good lady, said Duncan, take care that I do not turn you out of the house. Alas, good youth, said the old laird, you little know what you are about; for mercy’s sake forbear: you are brewing vengeance both for yourself and me. Fear not said Duncan. I will protect you with my life. Pray, may I ask you what is your name? said the old man, still looking earnestly at him. That you may, replied Duncan, no man has so good a right to ask any thing of me as you have—I am Duncan Campbell, your own son! M-m-my son! exclaimed the old man, and sunk back on a seat with a convulsive moan. Duncan held him in his arms—he soon recovered, and asked many incoherent questions—looking at the two moles on his right leg—kissed him, and then wept on his bosom for joy. O God of heaven, said he, it is long since I could thank thee heartily for any thing; now I do thank thee indeed, for I have found my son, my dear and only son. Contrary to what might have been expected, Duncan’s pretty only sister, Lexy, rejoiced most of all in his discovery. She was almost wild with joy at finding such a brother. The old lady, her