But naething went as it should hae done.

I could get nae wark, and Bessie fell into vera bad health; but she had a brave spirit, and she begged me to leave her in Carlisle and go my lane to Glasgow.

'For when wark an' siller arena i' one place, Davie,' she said, 'then they're safe to be in another.' "I swithered lang about leaving her, but a good opportunity came, and Bessie promised me to go back to her father until I could come after her.

It was July then, and when Christmas came round I had saved money enough, and I started wi' a blithe heart to Ecclefechan.

I hadna any fear o' harm to my bonnie bit wifie, for she had promised to go to her hame, and I was sure she would be mair than welcome when she went without me.