was willing to pay for
the accommodation, to which the other replied that they did not take in
strangers. When Foster stated that Long Pete had told him to go there
he hesitated, and finally said, "Weel, ye can come awa' in and see the
mistress."

The flagged kitchen was very clean and a big peat fire burned in the
grate. A black oak meal-chest stood against the wall and old-fashioned
china filled the rack above. On the opposite side, there was a large
cupboard, which Foster thought concealed a bed. The room was warm and
looked comfortable after the wet moor. Then Foster turned to the
red-cheeked old woman who sat knitting by the fire and fixed on him a
quietly-scrutinizing gaze. He explained that he was tired and wanted
to stay the night, adding that Pete had said they would be willing to
accommodate him.

"What for no', if ye're a friend o' his?" she asked. "It's a lang road
to Jedburgh. But ye'll be wanting some supper."

Foster confessed that he was hungry and after a time sat down to a
plain but appetizing meal. When this was over he gave his host his
tobacco pouch and for an hour or two they talked and smoked. The man
farmed a patch of sour moss-land, but he was marked by a grave
politeness and asked his guest no awkward questions. Foster thought
the woman was studying him, but she restrained her curiosity and he
admitted that the manners of both were remarkably good. He was
beginning to understand and like the lowland Scots, though he saw that
some of the opinions he had formed about them were wrong.

They were reserved, essentially practical, and industrious, but they
had, when one came to know them, a certain reckless humor that one did
not often find among Englishmen. Then they were marked by an
individualistic independence of character that made them impatient of
authority. They were not turbulent or given to protesting about
freedom, but they could not be cajoled or driven. It was strange to
find a well-organized fraternity of poachers in a quiet, law-keeping
country, but one must allow something for habits inherited from
moss-trooper ancestors. Foster had noted their respect for good
landlords of ancient stock, but this did not prevent them using the
landlord's salmon and game. Since he had, so to speak, been made a
member of the band, it was comforting to feel that they could be
trusted, and he was somehow sure of this.

He slept soundly in the cupboard bed and made an excuse for sta