The neighbouring inhabitants of the dell, particularly those of his own name, had already assembled.The younger part were in arms and clamorous for revenge, although they knew not upon whom;the elder were taking measures for the relief of the distressed family.Annaple's cottage, which was situated down the brook, at some distance from the scene of mischief, had been hastily adapted for the temporary accommodation of the old lady and her daughters, with such articles as had been contributed by the neighbours, for very little was saved from the wreck.
"Are we to stand here a' day, sirs," exclaimed one tall young man, "and look at the burnt wa's of our kinsman's house? Every wreath of the reek is a blast of shame upon us! Let us to horse, and take the chase.--Who has the nearest bloodhound?""It's young Earnscliff," answered another; "and he's been on and away wi' six horse lang syne, to see if he can track them.""Let us follow him then, and raise the country, and mak mair help as we ride, and then have at the Cumberland reivers! Take, burn, and slay--they that lie nearest us shall smart first.""Whisht! haud your tongues, daft callants," said an old man, "ye dinna ken what ye speak about.What! wad ye raise war atween two pacificated countries?""And what signifies deaving us wi' tales about our fathers,"retorted the young; man, "if we're to sit and see our friends'
houses burnt ower their heads, and no put out hand to revenge them? Our fathers did not do that, I trow?""I am no saying onything against revenging Hobbie's wrang, puir chield; but we maun take the law wi' us in thae days, Simon,"answered the more prudent elder.
