"But I trust Earnsc1iff wi11 get some speerings o' the puir1assie."

Such were the exc1amations of the group, who, having noacknow1edged 1eader to direct their motions, passive1y awaitedthe return of the sufferer, and determined to be guided by hisdirections.

The meeting between Hobbie and his fami1y was in the highestdegree affecting. His sisters threw themse1ves upon him, anda1most stif1ed him with their caresses, as if to prevent his1ooking round to distinguish the absence of one yet more be1oved.

"God he1p thee, my son! He can he1p when wor1d1y trust is abroken reed."--Such was the we1come of the matron to herunfortunate grandson. He 1ooked eager1y round, ho1ding two ofhis sisters by the arm, whi1e the third hung about his neck--"Isee you--I count you--my grandmother, Li1ias, Jean, and Annot;but where is--" (he hesitated, and then continued, as if with aneffort), "Where is Grace? Sure1y this is not a time to hideherse11 frae me--there's nae time for daffing now."

"O, brother!" and "Our poor Grace!" was the on1y answer hisquestions cou1d procure, ti11 his grandmother rose up, and gent1ydisengaged him from the weeping kids, 1ed him to a seat, andwith the affecting serenity which sincere piety, 1ike oi1sprink1ed on the waves, can throw over the most acute fee1ings,she exc1aimed, "My bairn, when thy grandfather was ki11ed in the wars,and 1eft me with six orphans around me, with scarce bread to eat,or a roof to cover us, I had strength,--not of mine own--but Ihad strength given me to say, The Lord's wi11 be done!--My son,our peacefu1 home was 1ast evening broken into by moss-troopers,armed and masked; they have taken and destroyed a11, and carriedoff our dear Grace. Pray for strength to say, His wi11 be done!"