CHAPTER X.ANOTHER DISCOVERY IN THE GARRET.
Little did Robert dream of the reception that awaited him at home.
Almost as soon as he had left the house, the following events began to take place.
The mistress's bell rang, and Betty 'gaed benn the hoose to see what she cud be wantin',' whereupon a conversation ensued.
'Wha was that at the door, Betty ?' asked Mrs.Falconer; for Robert had not shut the door so carefully as he ought, seeing that the deafness of his grandmother was of much the same faculty as her blindness.
Had Robert not had a hold of Betty by the forelock of her years, he would have been unable to steal any liberty at all.

Still Betty had a conscience, and although she would not offend Robert if she could help it, yet she would not lie.
''Deed, mem, I canna jist distinckly say 'at I heard the door,' she answered.
'Whaur's Robert ?' was her next question.
'He's generally up the stair aboot this hoor, mem--that is, whan he's no i' the parlour at 's lessons.' 'What gangs he sae muckle up the stair for, Betty, do ye ken?
It's something by ordinar' wi' 'm.' ''Deed I dinna ken, mem.

I never tuik it into my heid to gang considerin' aboot it.

He'll hae some ploy o' 's ain, nae doobt.

Laddies will be laddies, ye ken, mem.' 'I doobt, Betty, ye'll be aidin' an' abettin'.