Scotland/Scots > Wilson's tales of the Borders and of Scotland > Volume 3

14
TALES OF THE BORDERS.
and how dare you, in such a manner, break into my house?
What is your business with me?’
“ ‘ Vast there with your questions, old leprous-livered
knave!’ vociferated Jenkins. ‘As to who I am, lama
better fellow than ever stood in your shoes; and, as to
daring to break into your house, before I leave it, I shall
dare to break your head! And as to my business with you,
I intend to make you sensible of that tooand as he uttered
the word sensible, he shook the piece of rope in his hand,
and continued—‘ Now, I have answered your questions;
answer one to me. Do you remember a lad of the name
of Bill Stanley—eh?’
“ The Squire shook with terror; but endeavouring to
assume an air of authority, stammered out—‘No—no—
fellow; t—I know no such person. Begone, sir. Be—be¬
gone, I say.’
“ ‘ Smash me if I do 1’ added Jenkins. ‘ And belike you
don’t know Polly Danvers, either? Well, perhaps this piece
of old junk may sharpen your memory !’
“ Wates called upon his servants for assistance.
“ ‘ Hands off, ye beggarly swabs! or kiss the boatswain’s
sister!’ continued the sailor, laying lustily around him, and
causing the domestics to shrink back. ‘Vast there!’ he
continued, laying hold of the squire, who attempted to
escape; ‘ not so fast—I an’t quite done with you yet. Now,
you see, I’m an old friend and shipmate of Bill Stanley’s;
and the day that he was pressed, and you were the cause
of it, Bill says to me—‘ Jack,’ says ho, ‘ when I am away,
see that no land-shark comes alongside my Polly.’ ‘Fear
nothing, Bill,’ says I, ‘ hang me if I don’t—there’s my hand
on’t.’ Now, I’ve been at sea ever since, until the other
day, and my old woman tells me that you, you cream-faced
scoundrel, not only had the impudence to pull alongside
Polly Danvers, but had the audacity to propose shiver
me if I can name it—but take that!’