But the chiefs
were noble in their ire---they punished with the
sharp blade, and not with the baton. Their punishments
drew blood, but they did not infer dishonour.
Canst thou say, the same for the laws under whose
yoke thou hast placed thy freeborn neck?''
``I cannot---mother---I cannot,'' said Hamish,
mournfully. ``I saw them punish a Sassenach for
deserting as they called it, his banner. He was
scourged---I own it---scourged like a hound who
has offended an imperious master. I was sick at
the sight---I confess it. But the punishment of
dogs is only for those worse than dogs, who know
not how to keep their faith.''
``To this infamy, however, thou hast subjected
thyself, Hamish,'' replied Elspat, ``if thou shouldst
give, or thy officers take, measure of offence against
thee.---I speak no more to thee on thy purpose.---
Were the sixth day from this morning's sun my
dying day, and thou wert to stay to close mine
eyes, thou wouldst run the risk of being lashed like
a dog at a post---yes! unless thou hadst the gallant
heart to leave me to die alone, and upon my desolate
hearth, the last spark of thy father's fire, and
of thy forsaken mother's life, to be extinguished
together!''---Hamish traversed the hut with an
impatient and angry pace.
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