CHAPTER VIII.
Expert climbers--The crags--Something red--The horrible edge--David Haggart--Fine materials--The greatest victory--Extraordinary robber--The ruling passion.
Meanwhile I had become a daring cragsman, a character to which an English lad has seldom opportunities of aspiring; for in England there are neither crags nor mountains.

Of these, however, as is well known, there is no lack in Scotland, and the habits of individuals are invariably in harmony with the country in which they dwell.

The Scotch are expert climbers, and I was now a Scot in most things, particularly in language.
The Castle in which I dwelt stood upon a rock, a bold and craggy one, which, at first sight, would seem to bid defiance to any feet save those of goats and chamois; but patience and perseverance generally enable mankind to overcome things which, at first sight, appear impossible.
Indeed, what is there above man's exertions?
Unwearied determination will enable him to run with the horse, to swim with the fish, and assuredly to compete with the chamois and the goat in agility and sureness of foot.

To scale the rock was merely child's play for the Edinbro' callants.

It was my own favourite diversion.