He examined the road cautiously as he went along.

He had gone about half way when the farmer with four of his men armed with pikes suddenly appeared in the road before him.
"Who are you," the farmer asked, "and what would you here ?" "Do you not remember me ?" Malcolm said.

"It is but three months since I was here." "Bless me, it is our Scottish friend! Why, lad, I knew you not again, so changed are you.

Why, what has happened to you ?" "I have had the fever," Malcolm said, "and have been like to die; but I thought that a change to the pure air of your hills and woods here would set me up.

So I have travelled here to ask your hospitality." By this time the farmer had come up and had grasped Malcolm's hand.
"All that I have is yours," he said warmly.