And I wonna say't for a' the dominies in creation." "But he'll lick ye, Alec; an' I 'canna bide it," said Annie, the tears beginning to fill her eyes.
"Weel, I'll try--to please you, Annie," said Alec, seeing that the little thing was in earnest.
How her heart bounded with delight! That great boy, so strong and so brave, trying to learn a lesson to please her! But it would not do.
"I canna min' a word o' 't, Annie.

I'm dreidfu' hungry, forbye.

I was in a hurry wi' my brakfast the day.

Gin I had kent what was comin', I wad hae laid in a better stock," he added, laughing rather drearily.
As he spoke he looked up; and his eyes wandered from one window to another for a few moments after he had ceased speaking.
"Na; it's no use," he resumed at last.

"I hae eaten ower muckle for that, ony gait." Annie was as pitiful over Alec's hunger as any mother over her child's.
She felt it pure injustice that he should ever be hungry.