They are employed by the peasantry of the country near Bordeaux to traverse those deserts of loose sand called Landes.

S].

But sit thee down--sit thee down--if there is sorrow to hear of, we will have wine to make us bear it .-- Ho! old Pinch Measure, our good host, bring us of thy best, and that in an instant." The well known sound of the Scottish French was as familiar in the taverns near Plessis as that of the Swiss French in the modern guinguettes [common inns] of Paris; and promptly--ay, with the promptitude of fear and precipitation, was it heard and obeyed.

A flagon of champagne stood before them, of which the elder took a draught, while the nephew helped himself only to a moderate sip to acknowledge his uncle's courtesy, saying, in excuse, that he had already drunk wine that morning.
"That had been a rare good apology in the mouth of thy sister, fair nephew," said Le Balafre; "you must fear the wine pot less, if you would wear beard on your face, and write yourself soldier.

But, come--come--unbuckle your Scottish mail bag--give us the news of Glen Houlakin--How doth my sister ?" "Dead, fair uncle," answered Quentin, sorrowfully.
"Dead!" echoed his uncle, with a tone rather marked by wonder than sympathy,--"why, she was five years younger than I, and I was never better in my life.