AllparticularsofthislegendHobbiecalledtomindashepassedalongthemoor。Healsoremembered，that，sincethecatastrophehadtakenplace，thesceneofithadbeenavoided，atleastafternight-fall，byallhumanbeings，asbeingtheordinaryresortofkelpies，spunkies，andotherdemons，oncethecompanionsofthewitch’sdiabolicalrevels，andnowcontinuingtorendezvousuponthesamespot，asifstillinattendanceontheirtransformedmistress。Hobbie’snaturalhardihood，however，manfullycombatedwiththeseintrusivesensationsofawe。Hesummonedtohissidethebraceoflargegreyhounds，whowerethecompanionsofhissports，andwhowerewont，inhisownphrase，tofearneitherdognordevil；helookedattheprimingofhispiece，and，liketheclowninHallowe’en，whistledupthewarlikedittyofJockoftheSide，asageneralcauseshisdrumsbebeattoinspiritthedoubtfulcourageofhissoldiers。
Inthisstateofmind，hewasverygladtohearafriendlyvoiceshoutinhisrear，andproposetohimapartnerontheroad。Heslackenedhispace，andwasquicklyjoinedbyayouthwellknowntohim，agentlemanofsomefortuneinthatremotecountry，andwhohadbeenabroadonthesameerrandwithhimself。YoungEarnscliff，"ofthatilk，"hadlatelycomeofage，andsucceededtoamoderatefortune，agooddealdilapidated，fromthesharehisfamilyhadtakeninthedisturbancesoftheperiod。Theyweremuchandgenerallyrespectedinthecountry；areputationwhichthisyounggentlemanseemedlikelytosustain，ashewaswelleducated，andofexcellentdispositions。
"Now，Earnscliff；"exclaimedHobbie，"Iamgladtomeetyourhonouronygate，andcompany’sblitheonabaremoorlikethis——it’sanuncobogillybit——Wherehaeyebeensporting？"
"UptheCarlaCleugh，Hobbie，"answeredEarnscliff，returninghisgreeting。"Butwillourdogskeepthepeace，thinkyou？"
"Deilafearo’mine，"saidHobbie，"theyhaescarcealegtostandon。——Odd！thedeer’sfledthecountry，Ithink！IhavebeenasfarasInger-fell-foot，anddeilahornhasHobbieseen，exceptingthreered-wudraes，thatneverletmewithinshotofthem，thoughIgaedamileroundtogetupthewindtothem，an’
a’。Deilo’mewadcaremuckle，onlyIwantedsomevenisontoourauldgude-dame。Thecarline，shesitsintheneukyonder，upbye，andcracksaboutthegrandshootersandhunterslangsyne——Odd，Ithinktheyhaekilleda’thedeerinthecountry，formypart。"
"Well，Hobbie，Ihaveshotafatbuck，andsenthimtoEarnscliffthismorning——youshallhavehalfofhimforyourgrandmother。"
"Monythankstoye，Mr。Patrick，ye’rekendtoa’thecountryforakindheart。Itwilldotheauldwife’sheartgude——mairbytoken，whenshekensitcomesfraeyou——andmaistofa’ginye’llcomeupandtakeyourshare，forIreckonyearelonesomenowintheauldtower，anda’yourfolkatthatwearyEdinburgh。I
wonderwhattheycanfindtodoamangawheenrankso’stane-
houseswi’slateonthetapo’them，thatmightliveontheirainbonnygreenhills。"
"Myeducationandmysisters’haskeptmymothermuchinEdinburghforseveralyears，"saidEarnscliff；"butIpromiseyouIproposetomakeupforlosttime。"
"Andye’llrigouttheauldtowerabit，"saidHobbie，"andliveheartyandneighbour-likewi’theauldfamilyfriends，astheLairdo’Earnscliffshould？Icantellye，mymother——mygrandmotherImean——but，sincewelostourainmother，weca’hersometimesthetane，andsometimesthetother——but，onygate，sheconceitshersellnothatdistantconnectedwi’you。"
"Verytrue，Hobbie，andIwillcometotheHeugh-foottodinnerto-morrowwithallmyheart。"
"Weel，that’skindlysaid！Weareauldneighbours，anwewerenaekin——andmygude-dame’sfaintoseeyou——sheclaversaboutyourfatherthatwaskilledlangsyne。"
"Hush，hush，Hobbie——notawordaboutthat——it’sastorybetterforgotten。"
"Idinnaken——ifithadchancedamangourfolk，wewadhaekeepititinmindmonyadaytillwegotsomemendsfor’t——butyekenyourainwaysbest，youlairds——IhaveheardsaythatEllieslaw’sfriendstickityoursireafterthelairdhimsellhadmasteredhissword。"
"Fie，fie，Hobbie；itwasafoolishbrawl，occasionedbywineandpolitics——manyswordsweredrawn——itisimpossibletosaywhostrucktheblow。"
"Atonyrate，auldEllieslawwasaidingandabetting；andIamsureifyeweresaedisposedastotakeamendsonhim，naebodycouldsayitwaswrang，foryourfather’sbloodisbeneathhisnails——andbesidesthere’snaebodyelseleftthatwasconcernedtotakeamendsupon，andhe’saprelatistandajacobiteintothebargain——Icantellyethecountryfolklookforsomethingatweenye。"
"Oforshame，Hobbie！"repliedtheyoungLaird；"you，thatprofessreligion，tostiryourfrienduptobreakthelaw，andtakevengeanceathisownhand，andinsuchabogillybittoo，whereweknownotwhatbeingsmaybelisteningtous！"
"Hush，hush！"saidHobbie，drawingnearertohiscompanion，"I
wasnaethinkingo’thelikeo’them——ButIcanguessaweebitwhatkeepsyourhandup，Mr。Patrick；wea’kenit’snolacko’
courage，butthetwagreyeenofabonnylass，MissIsabelVere，thatkeepsyousaesober。"
"Iassureyou，Hobbie，"saidhiscompanion，ratherangrily，"I
assureyouyouaremistaken；anditisextremelywrongofyou，eithertothinkof，ortoutter，suchanidea；Ihavenoideaofpermittingfreedomstobecarriedsofarastoconnectmynamewiththatofanyyounglady。"
"Why，therenow——therenow！"retortedElliot；"didInotsayitwasnaewanto’spunkthatmadeyesaemim？——Weel，weel，Imeantnaeoffence；butthere’sjustaethingyemaynoticefraeafriend。TheauldLairdofEllieslawhastheauldridingbloodfarhetterathisheartthanyehae——troth，hekensnaethingaboutthaenewfanglednotionso’peaceandquietness——he’sa’fortheauld-warlddoingso’liftingandlayingon，andhehasawheenstoutladsathisbacktoo，andkeepsthemweelupinheart，andasfu’o’mischiefasyoungcolts。Wherehegetsthegeartodo’tnanecansay；heliveshigh，andfarabunehisrentshere；however，hepayshisway——Sae，ifthere’sonyout-breakinthecountry，he’slikelytobreakoutwi’thefirst——andweeldoeshemindtheauldquarrelsbetweenye，I’msurmizinghe’llbeforatouchattheauldtoweratEarnscliff。"
"Well，Hobbie，"answeredtheyounggentleman，"ifheshouldbesoilladvised，Ishalltrytomaketheoldtowergoodagainsthim，asithasbeenmadegoodbymybettersagainsthisbettersmanyadayago。"
"Veryright——veryright——that’sspeakinglikeamannow，"saidthestoutyeoman；"and，ifsaeshouldbethatthisbesae，ifye’lljustgaryourservantjowoutthegreatbellinthetower，there’sme，andmytwabrothers，andlittleDavieoftheStenhouse，willbewi’you，wi’a’thepowerwecanmake，inthesnappingofaflint。"
"Manythanks，Hobbie，"answeredEarnscliff；"butIhopeweshallhavenowarofsounnaturalandunchristianakindinourtime。"
"Hout，sir，hout，"repliedElliot；"itwadbebutaweebitneighbourwar，andHeavenandearthwouldmakeallowancesforitinthisuncuItivatedplace——it’sjustthenatureo’thefolkandtheland——wecannalivequietlikeLoudonfolk——wehaenasaemuckletodo。It’simpossible。"
"Well，Hobbie，"saidtheLaird，"foronewhobelievessodeeplyasyoudoinsupernaturalappearances，ImustownyoutakeHeaveninyourownhandratheraudaciously，consideringwherewearewalking。"
"WhatneedsIcarefortheMucklestane-Mooronymairthanyedoyoursell，Earnscliff？"saidHobbie，somethingoffended；"tobesure，theydosaythere’sasorto’worricowsandlang-nebbitthingsabouttheland，butwhatneedIcareforthem？Ihaeagoodconscience，andlittletoanswerfor，unlessitbeaboutarantamangthelasses，orasploreatafair，andthat’snomuckletospeakof。ThoughIsayitmysell，Iamasquietaladandaspeaceable——"
"AndDickTurnbull’sheadthatyoubroke，andWillieofWintonwhomyoushotat？"saidhistravellingcompanion。
"Hout，Earnscliff，yekeeparecordofa’men’smisdoings——Dick’shead’shealedagain，andwe’retofightoutthequarrelatJeddart，ontheRood-day，sothat’slikeathingsettledinapeaceableway；andthenIamfriendswi’Willieagain，puirchield——itwasbuttwaorthreehaildrapsaftera’。Iwadletonybodydothelikeo’ttomeforapinto’brandy。ButWillie’slowlandbred，poorfallow，andsoonfrightedforhimsell——And，fortheworricows，werewetomeetaneonthisverybit——"
"Asisnotunlikely，"saidyoungEarnscliff，"fortherestandsyouroldwitch，Hobbie。"
"Isay，"continuedElliot，asifindignantatthishint——"Isay，iftheauldcarlinehersellwastogetupouto’thegrundjustbeforeushere，Iwouldthinknaemair——But，gudepreserveus，Earnscliff；whatcanyon，be！"
CHAPTERIII。
BrownDwarf，thato’erthemoorlandstrays，ThynametoKeeldartell！
"TheBrownManoftheMoor，thatstaysBeneaththeheather-bell。"JOHNLEYDEN
Theobjectwhichalarmedtheyoungfarmerinthemiddleofhisvalorousprotestations，startledforamomentevenhislessprejudicedcompanion。Themoon，whichhadarisenduringtheirconversation，was，inthephraseofthatcountry，wadingorstrugglingwithclouds，andshedonlyadoubtfulandoccasionallight。Byoneofherbeams，whichstreameduponthegreatgranitecolumntowhichtheynowapproached，theydiscoveredaform，apparentlyhuman，butofasizemuchlessthanordinary，whichmovedslowlyamongthelargegreystones，notlikeapersonintendingtojourneyonward，butwiththeslow，irregular，flittingmovementofabeingwhohoversaroundsomespotofmelancholyrecollection，utteringalso，fromtimetotime，asortofindistinctmutteringsound。Thissomuchresembledhisideaofthemotionsofanapparition，thatHobbieElliot，makingadeadpause，whilehishairerecteditselfuponhisscalp，whisperedtohiscompanion，"It’sAuldAiliehersell！ShallI
gieherashot，inthenameofGod？"
"ForHeaven’ssake，no，"saidhiscompanion，holdingdowntheweaponwhichhewasabouttoraisetotheaim——"forHeaven’ssake，no；it’ssomepoordistractedcreature。"
"Ye’redistractedyoursell，forthinkingofgoingsoneartoher，"saidElliot，holdinghiscompanioninhisturn，ashepreparedtoadvance。"We’llayehaetimetopitowerabitprayer（anIcouldbutmindane）aforeshecomesthislength——God！she’sinnaehurry，"continuedhe，growingbolderfromhiscompanion’sconfidence，andthelittlenoticetheapparitionseemedtotakeofthem。"Shehirpleslikeahenonahetgirdle。
Ireddye，Earnscliff"（thisheaddedinagentlewhisper），"letustakeacastabout，asiftodrawthewindonabuck——thebogisnoabuneknee-deep，andbetterasaftroadasbadcompany。"
[TheScotsusetheepithetsoft，INMALAMPARTEM，intwocases，atleast。ASOFTroadisaroadthroughquagmireandbogs；andSOFTweathersignifiesthatwhichisveryrainy。]
Earnscliff，however，inspiteofhiscompanion’sresistanceandremonstrances，continuedtoadvanceonthepaththeyhadoriginallypursued，andsoonconfrontedtheobjectoftheirinvestigation。
Theheightofthefigure，whichappearedeventodecreaseastheyapproachedit，seemedtobeunderfourfeet，anditsform，asfarastheimperfectlightaffordedthemthemeansofdiscerning，wasverynearlyasbroadaslong，orratherofasphericalshape，whichcouldonlybeoccasionedbysomestrangepersonaldeformity。Theyoungsportsmanhailedthisextraordinaryappearancetwice，withoutreceivinganyanswer，orattendingtothepinchesbywhichhiscompanionendeavouredtointimatethattheirbestcoursewastowalkon，withoutgivingfartherdisturbancetoabeingofsuchsingularandpreternaturalexterior。Tothethirdrepeateddemandof"Whoareyou？Whatdoyouhereatthishourofnight？"——avoicereplied，whoseshrill，uncouth，anddissonanttonesmadeElliotsteptwopacesback，andstartledevenhiscompanion，"Passonyourway，andasknoughtatthemthatasknoughtatyou。"
"Whatdoyoudoheresofarfromshelter？Areyoubenightedonyourjourney？Willyoufollowushome（’Godforbid！’ejaculatedHobbieElliot，involuntarily），andIwillgiveyoualodging？"
"IwouldsoonerlodgebymysellinthedeepestoftheTarras-
flow，"againwhisperedHobbie。
"Passonyourway，"rejoinedthefigure，theharshtonesofhisvoicestillmoreexaltedbypassion。"Iwantnotyourguidance——Iwantnotyourlodging——itisfiveyearssincemyheadwasunderahumanroof，andItrustitwasforthelasttime。"
"Heismad，"saidEarnscliff。
"HehasalookofauldHumphreyEttercap，thetinkler，thatperishedinthisverymossaboutfiveyearssyne，"answeredhissuperstitiouscompanion；"butHumphreywasnathatawfu’biginthebouk。"
"Passonyourway，"reiteratedtheobjectoftheircuriosity，"thebreathofyourhumanbodiespoisonstheairaroundme——thesoundofpourhumanvoicesgoesthroughmyearslikesharpbodkins"
"Lordsafeus！"whisperedHobbie，"thatthedeadshouldbearsiefearfu’ill-willtotheliving！——hissaulmaunbeinapuirway，I’mjealous。"
"Come，myfriend，"saidEarnscliff，"youseemtosufferundersomestrongaffliction；commonhumanitywillnotallowustoleaveyouhere。"
"Commonhumanity！"exclaimedthebeing，withascornfullaughthatsoundedlikeashriek，"wheregotyethatcatch-word——thatnooseforwoodcocks——thatcommondisguiseforman-traps——thatbaitwhichthewretchedidiotwhoswallows，willsoonfindcoversahookwithbarbstentimessharperthanthoseyoulayfortheanimalswhichyoumurderforyourluxury！"
"Itellyou，myfriend，"againrepliedEarnscliff，"youareincapableofjudgingofyourownsituation——youwillperishinthiswilderness，andwemust，incompassion，forceyoualongwithus。"
"I’llhaeneitherhandnorfootin’t，"saidHobbie；"lettheghaisttakehisainway，forGod’ssake！"
"Mybloodbeonmyownhead，ifIperishhere，"saidthefigure；
and，observingEarnscliffmeditatingtolayholdonhim，headded，"Andyourbloodbeuponyours，ifyoutouchbuttheskirtofmygarments，toinfectmewiththetaintofmortality！"
Themoonshonemorebrightlyashespokethus，andEarnscliffobservedthatheheldouthisrighthandarmedwithsomeweaponofoffence，whichglitteredinthecoldraylikethebladeofalongknife，orthebarrelofapistol。Itwouldhavebeenmadnesstopersevereinhisattemptuponabeingthusarmed，andholdingsuchdesperatelanguage，especiallyasitwasplainhewouldhavelittleaidfromhiscompanion，whohadfairlylefthimtosettlematterswiththeapparitionashecould，andhadproceededafewpacesonhiswayhomeward。Earnscliff，however，turnedandfollowedHobbie，afterlookingbacktowardsthesupposedmaniac，who，asifraisedtofrenzybytheinterview，roamedwildlyaroundthegreatstone，exhaustinghisvoiceinshrieksandimprecations，thatthrilledwildlyalongthewasteheath。
Thetwosportsmenmovedonsometimeinsilence，untiltheywereoutofhearingoftheseuncouthsounds，whichwasnoteretheyhadgainedaconsiderabledistancefromthepillarthatgavenametothemoor。Eachmadehisprivatecommentsonthescenetheyhadwitnessed，untilHobbieElliotsuddenlyexclaimed，"Weel，I’lluphaudthatyonghaist，ifitbeaghaist，hasbaithdoneandsufferedmuckleevilintheflesh，thatgarshimrampaugeinthatwayafterheisdeadandgane。"
"Itseemstometheverymadnessofmisanthropy，"saidEarnscliff；followinghisowncurrentofthought。
"Andyedidnathinkitwasaspiritualcreature，then？"askedHobbieathiscompanion。
"Who，I？——No，surely。"
"Weel，Iampartlyofthemindmysellthatitmaybealivething——andyetIdinnaken，Iwadnawishtoseeonythinglooklikerabogle。"
"Atanyrate，"saidEarnscliff，"Iwillrideoverto-morrowandseewhathasbecomeoftheunhappybeing。"
"Infairdaylight？"queriedtheyeoman；"then，graceo’God，I’sebewi’ye。ButherewearenearertoHeugh-footthantoyourhousebytwamile，——hadnayebettere’engaehamewi’me，andwe’llsendthecallantonthepownytotellthemthatyouarewi’us，thoughIbelievethere’snaebodyathametowaitforyoubuttheservantsandthecat。"
"Havewithyouthen，friendHobbie，"saidtheyounghunter；"andasIwouldnotwillinglyhaveeithertheservantsbeanxious，orpussforfeithersupper，inmyabsence，I’llbeobligedtoyoutosendtheboyasyoupropose。"
"Aweel，thatISkind，Imustsay。Andye’llgaehametoHeugh-
foot？They’llberightblithetoseeyou，thatwillthey。"
Thisaffairsettled，theywalkedbrisklyonalittlefarther，when，comingtotheridgeofaprettysteephill，HobbieElliotexclaimed，"Now，Earnscliff，IamayegladwhenIcometothisverybit——Yeseethelightbelow，that’sintheha’window，wheregrannie，thegashauldcarline，issittingbirlingatherwheel——andyeseeyonotherlightthat’sgaunwhiddin’backandforritthroughamangthewindows？that’smycousin，GraceArmstrong，——she’stwiceascleveraboutthehouseasmysisters，andsaetheysaythemsells，forthey’regood-naturedlassesasevertrodeonheather；buttheyconfessthemsells，andsaedoesgrannie，thatshehasfarmaistaction，andisthebestgoeraboutthetoun，nowthatgrannieisoffthefoothersell。——Mybrothers，aneo’them’sawaytowaituponthechamberlain，andane’satMoss-
phadraig，that’sourledfarm——hecanseeafterthestockjustasweelasIcando。"
"Youarelucky，mygoodfriend，inhavingsomanyvaluablerelations。"
"TrothamI——Gracemakemethankful，I’seneverdenyit。——Butwillyetellmenow，Earnscliff，youthathavebeenatcollege，andthehigh-schoolofEdinburgh，andgota’sorto’lairwhereitwastobebestgotten——willyetellme——nothatit’sonyconcernofmineinparticular，——butIheardthepriestofSt。
John’s，andourminister，bargainingaboutitattheWinterfair，andtroththeybaithspakveryweel——Now，thepriestsaysit’sunlawfultomarryane’scousin；butIcannotsayIthoughthebroughtouttheGospelauthoritieshalfsaeweelasourminister——
ourministeristhoughtthebestdivineandthebestpreacheratweenthisandEdinburgh——Dinnayethinkhewaslikelytoberight？"
"Certainlymarriage，byallprotestantChristians，isheldtobeasfreeasGodmadeitbytheLeviticallaw；so，Hobbie，therecanbenobar，legalorreligious，betwixtyouandMissArmstrong。"
"Houtawa’wi’yourjoking，Earnscliff，"repliedhiscompanion，——"yeareangryaneughyoursellifanetouchesyouabit，man，onthesoothsideofthejest——NothatIwasaskingthequestionaboutGrace，foryemaunkenshe’snomycousin-germainoutandout，butthedaughterofmyuncle；swifebyherfirstmarriage，soshe’snaekithnorkintome——onlyaconnexionlike。Butnowwe’reattheSheeling-hill——I’llfireoffmygun，toletthemkenI’mcoming，that’sayemyway；andifIhaeadeerIgiethemtwashots，aneforthedeerandaneformysell。"
Hefiredoffhispieceaccordingly，andthenumberoflightswereseentotraversethehouse，andeventogleambeforeit。HobbieElliotpointedoutoneofthesetoEarnscliff，whichseemedtoglidefromthehousetowardssomeoftheouthouses-"That’sGracehersell，"saidHobbie。"She’llnomeetmeatthedoor，I’sewarranther——butshe’llbeawa’，fora’that，toseeifmyhounds’supperbeready，poorbeasts。"
"Loveme，lovemydog，"answeredEarnscliff。"Ah，Hobbie，youarealuckyyoungfellow！"
Thisobservationwasutteredwithsomethinglikeasigh，whichapparentlydidnotescapetheearofhiscompanion。
"Hout，otherfolkmaybeasluckyasIam——OhowIhaveseenMissIsabelVere’sheadturnaftersomebodywhentheypassedaneanotherattheCarlisleraces！Whakensbutthingsmaycomeroundinthisworld？"
Earnscliffmutteredsomethinglikeananswer；butwhetherinassentoftheproposition，orrebukingtheapplicationofit，couldnoteasilybediscovered；anditseemsprobablethatthespeakerhimselfwaswillinghismeaningshouldrestindoubtandobscurity。Theyhadnowdescendedthebroadloaning，which，windingroundthefootofthesteepbank，orheugh，broughttheminfrontofthethatched，butcomfortable，farm-house，whichwasthedwellingofHobbieElliotandhisfamily。
Thedoorwaywasthrongedwithjoyfulfaces；buttheappearanceofastrangerbluntedmanyagibewhichhadbeenpreparedonHobbie’slackofsuccessinthedeer-stalking。Therewasalittlebustleamongthreehandsomeyoungwomen，eachendeavouringtodevolveuponanotherthetaskofusheringthestrangerintotheapartment，whileprobablyallwereanxioustoescapeforthepurposeofmakingsomelittlepersonalarrangements，beforepresentingthemselvestoayounggentlemaninadishabilleonlyintendedfortheirbrother。
Hobbie，inthemeanwhile，bestowingsomeheartyandgeneralabuseuponthemall（forGracewasnotoftheparty），snatchedthecandlefromthehandofoneoftherusticcoquettes，asshestoodplayingprettywithitinherhand，andusheredhisguestintothefamilyparlour，orratherhall；fortheplacehavingbeenahouseofdefenceinformertimes，thesittingapartmentwasavaultedandpavedroom，dampanddismalenoughcomparedwiththelodgingsoftheyeomanryofourdays，butwhich，whenwelllightedupwithalargesparklingfireofturfandbog-wood，seemedtoEarnscliffamostcomfortableexchangeforthedarknessandbleakblastofthehill。Kindlyandrepeatedlywashewelcomedbythevenerableolddame，themistressofthefamily，who，dressedinhercoifandpinners，hercloseanddecentgownofhomespunwool，butwithalargegoldnecklaceandear-rings，looked，whatshereallywas，theladyaswellasthefarmer’swife，while，seatedinherchairofwicker，bythecornerofthegreatchimney，shedirectedtheeveningoccupationsoftheyoungwomen，andoftwoorthreestoutservingwenches，whosateplyingtheirdistaffsbehindthebacksoftheiryoungmistresses。
AssoonasEarnscliffhadbeendulywelcomed，andhastyordersissuedforsomeadditiontotheeveningmeal，hisgrand-dameandsistersopenedtheirbatteryuponHobbieElliotforhislackofsuccessagainstthedeer。
"Jennyneednahavekeptupherkitchen-firefora’thatHobbiehasbroughthame，"saidonesister。
"Trothno，lass，"saidanother；"thegatheringpeat，ifitwasweelblawn，waddressa’ourHobbie’svenison。"[Thegatheringpeatisthepieceofturflefttotreasureupthesecretseedsoffire，withoutanygenerousconsumptionoffuel；inaword，tokeepthefirealive。]
"Ay，orthelowofthecandle，ifthewindwadletithidesteady，"saidathird；"ifIwerehim，Iwouldbringhameablackcraw，ratherthancomebackthreetimeswithoutabuck’shorntoblawon。"
Hobbieturnedfromtheonetotheother，regardingthemalternatelywithafrownonhisbrow，theauguryofwhichwasconfutedbythegood-humouredlaughonthelowerpartofhiscountenance。Hethenstrovetopropitiatethem，bymentioningtheintendedpresentofhiscompanion。
"Inmyyoungdays，"saidtheoldlady，"amanwadhaebeenashamedtocomebackfraethehillwithoutabuckhangingoneachsideo’hishorse，likeacadgercarryingcalves。"
"Iwishtheyhadleftsomeforusthen，grannie，"retortedHobbie；"they’veclearedthecountryo’them，thaeauldfriendso’yours，I’mthinking。"
"Weseeotherfolkcanfindgame，thoughyoucannot，Hobbie，"
saidtheeldestsister，glancingalookatyoungEarnscliff。
"Weel，weel，woman，hasnaeverydoghisday，beggingEarnscliff’spardonfortheauldsaying——MaynaIhaehisluck，andhemine，anothertime？——It’sabrawthingforamantobeouta’day，andfrighted——na，Iwinnasaythatneitherbutmistrystedwi’boglesinthehame-coming，an’thentohaetoflytewi’awheenwomenthathaebeendoingnaethinga’thelive-langday，butwhirlingabitstick，wi’athreadtrailingatit，orboringataclout。"
"Frightedwi’bogles！"exclaimedthefemales，oneandall，——forgreatwastheregardthenpaid，andperhapsstillpaid，intheseglens，toallsuchfantasies。
"Ididnotsayfrighted，now——Ionlysaidmis-setwi’thething——Andtherewasbutaebogle，neither——Earnscliff，yesawit；asweelasIdid？"
Andheproceeded，withoutverymuchexaggeration，todetail，inhisownway，themeetingtheyhadwiththemysteriousbeingatMucklestane-Moor，concluding，hecouldnotconjecturewhatonearthitcouldbe，unlessitwaseithertheEnemyhimsell，orsomeoftheauldPeghtsthatheldthecountrylangsyne。
"AuldPeght！"exclaimedthegrand-dame；"na，na——blesstheefraescathe，mybairn，it’sbeennaePeghtthat——it’sbeentheBrownManoftheMoors！Owearyfa’thaeevildays！——whatcanevilbeingsbecomingfortodistractapoorcountry，nowit’speacefullysettled，andlivinginloveandlaw——Owearyonhim！
hene’erbroughtgudetotheselandsortheindwellers。Myfatheraftentauldmehewasseenintheyearo’thebloodyfightatMarston-Moor，andthenagaininMontrose’stroubles，andagainbeforetherouto’Dunbar，and，inmyaintime，hewasseenaboutthetimeo’Bothwell-Brigg，andtheysaidthesecond-sightedLairdofBenarbuckhadacommuningwi’himsometimeaforeArgyle’slanding，butthatIcannotspeaktosaepreceesely——itwasfarinthewest。——O，bairns，he’sneverpermittedbutinanilltime，saemindilkaaneo’yetodrawtoHimthatcanhelpinthedayoftrouble。"
Earnscliffnowinterposed，andexpressedhisfirmconvictionthatthepersontheyhadseenwassomepoormaniac，andhadnocommissionfromtheinvisibleworldtoannounceeitherwarorevil。Buthisopinionfoundaverycoldaudience，andalljoinedtodeprecatehispurposeofreturningtothespotthenextday。
"O，mybonnybairn，"saidtheolddame（for，inthekindnessofherheart，sheextendedherparentalstyletoallinwhomshewasinterested）——-"Youshouldbewaremairthanotherfolk——there’sbeenaheavybreachmadeinyourhousewi’yourfather’sbloodshed，andwi’law-pleas，andlossessinsyne；——andyouarethefloweroftheflock，andtheladthatwillbuilduptheauldbiggingagain（ifitbeHiswill）tobeanhonourtothecountry，andasafeguardtothosethatdwellinit——you，beforeothers，arecalledupontoputyoursellinnorashadventures——foryourswasayeowerventuresomearace，andmuckleharmtheyhavegotbyit。"
"ButIamsure，mygoodfriend，youwouldnothavemebeafraidofgoingtoanopenmoorinbroaddaylight？"
"Idinnaken，"saidthegoodolddame；"Iwadneverbidsonorfriendo’minehaudtheirhandbackinagudecause，whetheritwereafriend’sortheirain——thatshouldbebynaebiddingofmine，orofonybodythat’scomeofagentlekindred——Butitwinnagangoutofagreyheadlikemine，thattogangtoseekforevilthat’snofashingwi’you，iscleanagainstlawandScripture。"
Earnscliffresignedanargumentwhichhesawnoprospectofmaintainingwithgoodeffect，andtheentranceofsupperbrokeofftheconversation。MissGracehadbythistimemadeherappearance，andHobbie，notwithoutaconsciousglanceatEarnscliff，placedhimselfbyherside。Mirthandlivelyconversation，inwhichtheoldladyofthehousetookthegood-
humouredsharewhichsowellbecomesoldage，restoredtothecheeksofthedamselstheroseswhichtheirbrother’staleoftheapparitionhadchasedaway，andtheydancedandsungforanhouraftersupperasiftherewerenosuchthingsasgoblinsintheworld。
CHAPTERIV。
IamMisanthropos，andhatemankind；
Forthypart，Idowishthouwertadog，ThatImightlovetheesomething。TIMONOFATHENS
Onthefollowingmorning，afterbreakfast，Earnsclifftookleaveofhishospitablefriends，promisingtoreturnintimetopartakeofthevenison，whichhadarrivedfromhishouse。Hobbie，whoapparentlytookleaveofhimatthedoorofhishabitation，slunkout，however，andjoinedhimatthetopofthehill。
"Ye’llbegaunyonder，Mr。Patrick；feindo’mewillmistrystyoufora’mymothersays。Ithoughtitbesttoslipoutquietlythough，incasesheshouldmislippensomethingofwhatwe’regauntodo——wemaunnavexheratnaerate——itwasamaistthelastwordmyfathersaidtomeonhisdeathbed。"
"Bynomeans，Hobbie，"saidEarnscliff；"shewellmeritsallyourattention。"
"Troth，forthatmatter，shewouldbeassairvexedamaistforyouasforme。Butd’yereallythinkthere’snaepresumptioninventuringbackyonder？——Wehaenaespecialcommission，yeken。"
"IfIthoughtasyoudo，Hobbie，"saidtheyounggentleman，"I
wouldnotperhapsenquirefartherintothisbusiness；butasIamofopinionthatpreternaturalvisitationsareeitherceasedaltogether，orbecomeveryrareinourdays，Iamunwillingtoleaveamatteruninvestigatedwhichmayconcernthelifeofapoordistractedbeing。"
"Aweel，aweel，ifyereallythinkthat，"answeredHobbiedoubtfully——"Andit’sforcertaintheveryfairies——Imeantheverygoodneighboursthemsells（fortheysayfolksuldnaca’themfairies）thatusedtobeseenoneverygreenknoweate’en，arenohalfsaeoftenvisibleinourdays。Icannadeponetohavingeverseenanemysell，but，Ianceheardanewhistleahintmeinthemoss，aslikeawhaup[Curlew]asaethingcouldbelikeanither。Andmonyanemyfathersawwhenheusedtocomehamefraethefairsate’en，wi’adrapdrinkinhishead，honestman。"
EarnscliffwassomewhatentertainedwiththegradualdeclensionofsuperstitionfromonegenerationtoanotherwhichwasinferredInthislastobservation；andtheycontinuedtoreasononsuchsubjects，untiltheycameinsightoftheuprightstonewhichgavenametothemoor。
"AsIshallanswer，"saysHobbie，"yonder’sthecreaturecreepingaboutyet！——Butit’sdaylight，andyouhaveyourgun，andI
broughtoutmybitwhinger——Ithinkwemayventureonhim。"
"Byallmannerofmeans，"saidEarnscliff；"but，inthenameofwonder，whatcanhebedoingthere？"
"Bigginadry-stanedyke，Ithink，wi’thegreygeese，astheyca’thaegreatloosestanes——Odd，thatpassesa’thingIe’erheardtellof！"
Astheyapproachednearer，Earnscliffcouldnothelpagreeingwithhiscompanion。Thefiguretheyhadseenthenightbeforeseemedslowlyandtoilsomelylabouringtopilethelargestonesoneuponanother，asiftoformasmallenclosure。Materialslayaroundhimingreatplenty，butthelabourofcarryingontheworkwasimmense，fromthesizeofmostofthestones；anditseemedastonishingthatheshouldhavesucceededinmovingseveralwhichhehadalreadyarrangedforthefoundationofhisedifice。Hewasstrugglingtomoveafragmentofgreatsizewhenthetwoyoungmencameup，andwassointentuponexecutinghispurpose，thathedidnotperceivethemtilltheywerecloseuponhim。Instrainingandheavingatthestone，inordertoplaceitaccordingtohiswish，hedisplayedadegreeofstrengthwhichseemedutterlyinconsistentwithhissizeandapparentdeformity。
Indeed，tojudgefromthedifficultieshehadalreadysurmounted，hemusthavebeenofHerculeanpowers；forsomeofthestoneshehadsucceededinraisingapparentlyrequiredtwomen’sstrengthtohavemovedthem。Hobbie’ssuspicionsbegantorevive，onseeingthepreternaturalstrengthheexerted。
"Iamamaistpersuadedit’stheghaistofastane-mason——seesiccanband-statnesashe’slaidi——Anitbeaman，aftera’，I
wonderwhathewadtakebytheroodtobuildamarchdyke。
There’sanesairwantedbetweenCringlehopeandtheShaws。——
Honestman"（raisinghisvoice），"yemakegoodfirmwarkthere？"
Thebeingwhomheaddressedraisedhiseyeswithaghastlystare，and，gettingupfromhisstoopingposture，stoodbeforetheminallhisnativeandhideousdeformity。Hisheadwasofuncommonsize，coveredwithafellofshaggyhair，partlygrizzledwithage；hiseyebrows，shaggyandprominent，overhungapairofsmalldark，piercingeyes，setfarbackintheirsockets，thatrolledwithaportentouswildness，indicativeofapartialinsanity。
Therestofhisfeatureswereofthecoarse，rough-hewnstamp，withwhichapainterwouldequipagiantinromance；towhichwasaddedthewild，irregular，andpeculiarexpression，sooftenseeninthecountenancesofthosewhosepersonsaredeformed。Hisbody，thickandsquare，likethatofamanofmiddlesize，wasmountedupontwolargefeet；butnatureseemedtohaveforgottenthelegsandthethighs，ortheyweresoveryshortastobehiddenbythedresswhichhewore。Hisarmswerelongandbrawny，furnishedwithtwomuscularhands，and，whereuncoveredintheeagernessofhislabour，wereshaggedwithcoarseblackhair。Itseemedasifnaturehadoriginallyintendedtheseparatepartsofhisbodytobethemembersofagiant，buthadafterwardscapriciouslyassignedthemtothepersonofadwarf，soilldidthelengthofhisarmsandtheironstrengthofhisframecorrespondwiththeshortnessofhisstature。Hisclothingwasasortofcoarsebrowntunic，likeamonk’sfrock，girtroundhimwithabeltofseal-skin。Onhisheadhehadacapmadeofbadger’sskin，orsomeotherroughfur，whichaddedconsiderablytothegrotesqueeffectofhiswholeappearance，andovershadowedfeatures，whosehabitualexpressionseemedthatofsullenmalignantmisanthropy。
ThisremarkableDwarfgazedonthetwoyouthsinsilence，withadoggedandirritatedlook，untilEarnscliff，willingtosoothehimintobettertemper，observed，"Youarehardtasked，myfriend；allowustoassistyou。"
Elliotandheaccordinglyplacedthestone，bytheirjointefforts，upontherisingwall。TheDwarfwatchedthemwiththeeyeofataskmaster，andtestified，bypeevishgestures，hisimpatienceatthetimewhichtheytookinadjustingthestone。
Hepointedtoanother——theyraiseditalso——toathird，toafourth——theycontinuedtohumourhim，thoughwithsometrouble，forheassignedthem，asifintentionally，theheaviestfragmentswhichlaynear。
"Andnow，friend，"saidElliot，astheunreasonableDwarfindicatedanotherstonelargerthananytheyhadmoved，"Earnscliffmaydoashelikes；butbeyemanorbeyewaur，deilbeinmyfingersifIbreakmybackwi’heavingthaestanesonylangerlikeabarrow-man，withoutgettingsaemuckleasthanksformypains。"
"Thanks！"exclaimedtheDwarf，withamotionexpressiveoftheutmostcontempt——"There——takethem，andfattenuponthem！Takethem，andmaytheythrivewithyouastheyhavedonewithme——astheyhavedonewitheverymortalwormthateverheardthewordspokenbyhisfellowreptile！Hence——eitherlabourorbegone！"
"Thisisafinerewardwehave，Earnscliff，forbuildingatabernacleforthedevil，andprejudicingourainsoulsintothebargain，forwhatweken。"
"Ourpresence，"answeredEarnscliff，"seemsonlytoirritatehisfrenzy；wehadbetterleavehim，andsendsomeonetoprovidehimwithfoodandnecessaries。"
Theydidso。TheservantdispatchedforthispurposefoundtheDwarfstilllabouringathiswall，butcouldnotextractawordfromhim。Thelad，infectedwiththesuperstitionsofthecountry，didnotlongpersistinanattempttointrudequestionsoradviceonsosingularafigure，buthavingplacedthearticleswhichhehadbroughtforhisuseonastoneatsomedistance，heleftthematthemisanthrope’sdisposal。
TheDwarfproceededinhislabours，dayafterday，withanassiduitysoincredibleastoappearalmostsupernatural。Inonedayheoftenseemedtohavedonetheworkoftwomen，andhisbuildingsoonassumedtheappearanceofthewallsofahut，which，thoughverysmall，andconstructedonlyofstonesandturf，withoutanymortar，exhibited，fromtheunusualsizeofthestonesemployed，anappearanceofsolidityveryuncommonforacottageofsuchnarrowdimensionsandrudeconstruction。
Earnscliff；attentivetohismotions，nosoonerperceivedtowhattheytended，thanhesentdownanumberofsparsofwoodsuitableforformingtheroof，whichhecausedtobeleftintheneighbourhoodofthespot，resolvingnextdaytosendworkmentoputthemup。Buthispurposewasanticipated，forintheevening，duringthenight，andearlyinthemorning，theDwarfhadlabouredsohard，andwithsuchingenuity，thathehadnearlycompletedtheadjustmentoftherafters。Hisnextlabourwastocutrushesandthatchhisdwelling，ataskwhichheperformedwithsingulardexterity。
Asheseemedaversetoreceiveanyaidbeyondtheoccasionalassistanceofapassenger，materialssuitabletohispurpose，andtools，weresuppliedtohim，intheuseofwhichheprovedtobeskilful。Heconstructedthedoorandwindowofhiscot，headjustedarudebedstead，andafewshelves，andappearedtobecomesomewhatsoothedinhistemperashisaccommodationsincreased。
Hisnexttaskwastoformastrongenclosure，andtocultivatethelandwithinittothebestofhispower；until，bytransportingmould，andworkingupwhatwasuponthespot，heformedapatchofgarden-ground。Itmustbenaturallysupposed，that，asabovehinted，thissolitarybeingreceivedassistanceoccasionallyfromsuchtravellersascrossedthemoorbychance，aswellasfromseveralwhowentfromcuriositytovisithisworks。Itwas，indeed，impossibletoseeahumancreature，sounfitted，atfirstsight，forhardlabour，toilingwithsuchunremittingassiduity，withoutstoppingafewminutestoaidhiminhistask；and，asnooneofhisoccasionalassistantswasacquaintedwiththedegreeofhelpwhichtheDwarfhadreceivedfromothers，thecelerityofhisprogresslostnoneofitsmarvelsintheireyes。Thestrongandcompactappearanceofthecottage，formedinsoveryshortaspace，andbysuchabeing，andthesuperiorskillwhichhedisplayedinmechanics，andinotherarts，gavesuspiciontothesurroundingneighbours。Theyinsisted，that，ifhewasnotaphantom，——anopinionwhichwasnowabandoned，sinceheplainlyappearedabeingofbloodandbonewiththemselves，——yethemustbeincloseleaguewiththeinvisibleworld，andhavechosenthatsequesteredspottocarryonhiscommunicationwiththemundisturbed。Theyinsisted，thoughinadifferentsensefromthephilosopher’sapplicationofthephrase，thathewasneverlessalonethanwhenalone；andthatfromtheheightswhichcommandedthemooratadistance，passengersoftendiscoveredapersonatworkalongwiththisdwellerofthedesert，whoregularlydisappearedassoonastheyapproachedclosertothecottage。Suchafigurewasalsooccasionallyseensittingbesidehimatthedoor，walkingwithhiminthemoor，orassistinghiminfetchingwaterfromhisfountain。EarnscliffexplainedthisphenomenonbysupposingittobetheDwarf’sshadow。
"Deilashadowhashe，"repliedHobbieElliot，whowasastrenuousdefenderofthegeneralopinion；"he’sowerfarinwi’
theAuldAnetohaveashadow。Besides，"hearguedmorelogically，"whaeverheardofashadowthatcambetweenabodyandthesun？andthisthing，beitwhatitwill，isthinnerandtallerthanthebodyhimsell，andhasbeenseentocomebetweenhimandthesunmairthananesortwiceeither。"
Thesesuspicions，which，inanyotherpartofthecountry，mighthavebeenattendedwithinvestigationsalittleinconvenienttothesupposedwizard，werehereonlyproductiveofrespectandawe。Thereclusebeingseemedsomewhatgratifiedbythemarksoftimidvenerationwithwhichanoccasionalpassengerapproachedhisdwelling，thelookofstartledsurprisewithwhichhesurveyedhispersonandhispremises，andthehurriedstepwithwhichhepressedhisretreatashepassedtheawfulspot。Theboldestonlystoppedtogratifytheircuriositybyahastyglanceatthewallsofhiscottageandgarden，andtoapologizeforitbyacourteoussalutation，whichtheinmatesometimesdeignedtoreturnbyawordoranod。Earnscliffoftenpassedthatway，andseldomwithoutenquiringafterthesolitaryinmate，whoseemednowtohavearrangedhisestablishmentforlife。
Itwasimpossibletoengagehiminanyconversationonhisownpersonalaffairs；norwashecommunicativeoraccessibleintalkingonanyothersubjectwhatever，althoughheseemedtohaveconsiderablyrelentedintheextremeferocityofhismisanthropy，orrathertobelessfrequentlyvisitedwiththefitsofderangementofwhichthiswasasymptom。Noargumentcouldprevailuponhimtoacceptanythingbeyondthesimplestnecessaries，althoughmuchmorewasofferedbyEarnscliffoutofcharity，andbyhismoresuperstitiousneighboursfromothermotives。Thebenefitsoftheselastherepaidbyadvice，whenconsulted（asatlengthheslowlywas）ontheirdiseases，orthoseoftheircattle。Heoftenfurnishedthemwithmedicinesalso，andseemedpossessed，notonlyofsuchasweretheproduceofthecountry，butofforeigndrugs。Hegavethesepersonstounderstand，thathisnamewasElshendertheRecluse；buthispopularepithetsooncametobeCannyElshie，ortheWiseWightofMucklestane-Moor。Someextendedtheirqueriesbeyondtheirbodilycomplaints，andrequestedadviceuponothermatters，whichhedeliveredwithanoracularshrewdnessthatgreatlyconfirmedtheopinionofhispossessingpreternaturalskill。Thequeristsusuallyleftsomeofferinguponastone，atadistancefromhisdwelling；ifitwasmoney，oranyarticlewhichdidnotsuithimtoaccept，heeitherthrewitaway，orsufferedittoremainwhereitwaswithoutmakinguseofit。Onalloccasionshismannerswererudeandunsocial；andhiswords，innumber，justsufficienttoexpresshismeaningasbrieflyaspossible，andheshunnedallcommunicationthatwentasyllablebeyondthematterinhand。Whenwinterhadpassedaway，andhisgardenbegantoaffordhimherbsandvegetables，heconfinedhimselfalmostentirelytothosearticlesoffood。Heaccepted，notwithstanding，apairofshe-goatsfromEarnscliff，whichfedonthemoor，andsuppliedhimwithmilk。
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