"Tam," says he, "ye hae gotten the better o'me aince mair, and I hope," says he, "ye'll find at least a' that ye expeckit at the Bass." Which have since been thought remarkable expressions.

At last the time came for Tam Dale to take young solans.

This was a business he was weel used wi', he had been a craigsman frae a laddie, and trustit nane but himsel'.

So there was he hingin' by a line an' speldering on the craig face, whaur it's hieest and steighest.

Fower tenty lads were on the tap, hauldin' the line and mindin' for his signals.