The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

"
The Highland Monthly.
every one that does not work for his livelihood should be
hanged ; and deil a ne'er-do-weel, but one who proves him-
self worthy of it, shall get my lands."
" I think you are quite right, and
so independent
assure you Willie is
—
" Oh ! I ken all about it. He's a right good fellow, or
I never would have put myself about for him. I won't
speak of his father's runaway doings again if I can help.
He did flare up when I tried him on that head. Well, I
like the young colt's spirit. Had he been a sneak, he
might float or swim for me. However, let's come to the
point. He must neither be a lawyer, minister, nor guager,
if I am to befriend him. The first are devil's imps, the
second are poor as church mice, and the third—why, I
would rather break stones on the highway than do the
king's dirty jobs. He has no inclination to be a sailor ; as
for soldiers, they are locusts that eat up honest men's gains
—lazy and proud beggars that ought to be hanged, if we
could do without them."
" You mean to make him a farmer then ? "
" Yes, and I'll tell you how. There is abundance of
waste land in that new Australian colony ; what do you
call it?— Queensland. Were I young I would try my
hand there. Let Willie go instead. I ken one of the large
squatters who is making a mint of money. We shall put
Willie in his hands to train; for, you see, T can't. My
system would not do so well in these outlandish places as
at home, yet it's not amiss that he should take your famous
article with him. If Jock Turner gives him a good
character, I'll lend him cash on your security, as I only wish
to have a hold over the youngster, and he is set up for life.
I leave you to make the proposal to Willie. I'll have
nothing to do with him if he refuses."
There was no necessity for the threat. I was quite
mortified at the alacrity with which Willie accepted his
uncle's proposal. Greaves never lost time in carrying out
his resolves. I released Willie from his engagement. He