He was now beginning to feel the need of food, and stepping into a cottage he asked an old daleswoman who lived there if he might trouble her in the way of trade to make him some breakfast.

The good soul took compassion on the young man's weary face, and said he was welcome to such as she had.

When Robbie had eaten a bowl of porridge and milk, the fatigue of his journey quite overcame him.

Even while answering his humble hostess's questions in broken sentences he fell asleep in his chair.

Out of pity the old woman allowed him to sleep on.