Fiction > Book editions > London, 1886 - Kidnapped

I MAKE ACQUAINTANCE OP MY UNCLE.      �3
light of my position, and finding myself all alone with
him, I did not wish him to suppose me helpless.
He seemed to turn this over in his mind; and
then, "Davie, my man," said he, "ye've come to the
right bit when ye came to your Uncle Ebenezer. I've
a great notion of the family, and I mean to do the
right by you; but while I'm taking a bit think to my-
sel' of what's the best thing to put you to-whether the
law, or the meenistry, or maybe the army, whilk is what
boys are fondest of-I wouldnae like the Balfours to be
humbled before a wheen Hieland Campbells, and I'll
ask you to keep your tongue within your teeth. Nae
letters; nae messages; no kind of word to onybody; or
else-there's my door."
"Uncle Ebenezer," said I, "I've no manner of
reason to suppose you mean anything but well by me.
For all that, I would have you to know that I have a
pride of my own. It was by no will of mine that I
came seeking you; and if you show me your door again,
I'll take you at the word."
He seemed grievously put out. "Hoots-toots," said
he, "ca' cannie, man-ca' cannie! Bide a day or two.
I'm nae warlock, to find a fortune for you in the bottom
of a parritch bowl; but just you give me a day or two,
and say naething to naebody, and as sure as sure, I'll do
the right by you."
"Very well," said I, "enough said. If you want to
help me, there's no doubt but I'll be glad of it, and
none but I'll be grateful."