irk.
Jessie looked a good deal scandalised at this faint praise; but it was
much from Master Robert, if she had but known all.

Then the question was started whether John would ever preach as well;
and John had to pay the usual penalty of listeners, for all agreed that
this was not to be thought of, at least, not for a long time to come.

This was the beginning of more frequent intercourse between Lilias and
Archie and the manse children. Lilias was not often with them at first,
for the "harvest-play" of the village children did not come so soon as
the town-boys' holidays, and she could seldom be prevailed upon to leave
her aunt alone in the school. But Archie's company soon became
indispensable to the lads in their daily rambles among the hills. He
had explored the country to some purpose; and not even the manse boys
knew so many places of interest as he did, and he was often their leader
in their long excursions.

It was a point of honour with Archie never to confess that he was tired
while he could stand; and it was only a fortunate chance that prevented
these long-continued wanderings from being an injury to him. They went
one day to the top of the highest hill in the neighbourhood. Archie, as
usual, led the way; and they had got well on their return, when he was
obliged to confess to himself (though not to his companions) that he
could go no farther.

They had just left the hills, and stood on the turnpike-road between
Dunmoor and Kirklands, the other lads to go to the manse, and Archie to
go home, a good two miles away yet. It seemed to him that he never
could go so far; and, only waiting till the other lads were out of
sight, he threw himself down on the grass at the roadside, utterly
exhausted. The sound of wheels startled him in a little time, and soon
John Graham, in the manse gig, made his appearance. He drew up at the
sight of Archie, and, in some surprise, asked him what ailed him.

"Nothing," said Archie, rising painfully. "We have been at the head of
the Colla Hill; and I'm afraid I'm tired: that's all."

"And that's enough, I think," said John; for the lad's limbs were
trembling under him. "Really, these lads are very inconsiderate. You
should not have let them lead you such a chase."

"It was me that led them," said Archie,--not exactly liking Master
John's tone. "And I'll soon be rested again."

But the horse's head was already turned, and John's strong arm lifted
the weary boy to