Indeed, in the simple and patriarchal state in which the country then was, persons in the situation of David and his sister were sure to be supported.

They had only to apply to the next gentleman or respectable farmer, and were sure to find them equally ready and willing to supply their very moderate wants.

David often received gratuities from strangers, which he never asked, never refused, and never seemed to consider as an obligation.

He had a right, indeed, to regard himself as one of Nature's paupers, to whom she gave a title to be maintained by his kind, even by that deformity which closed against him all ordinary ways of supporting himself by his own labour.

Besides, a bag was suspended in the mill for David Ritchie's benefit; and those who were carrying home a melder of meal, seldom failed to add a GOWPEN [Handful] to the alms-bag of the deformed cripple.