The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

734
^^^ Highland Monthly.
" I have only one desire now," he continued, " and that
is, when I die, I should like to be buried in the little
churchyard yonder, within sound of the murmuring streams;
where the strong gales of winter and the soft breezes of
summer blow over me from the tops of these dear
bens ; where the mavis and the lark sing their morning
song ; and where the little children romp and play, as, on
summer evenings, they drive the cows home from the
hills."
It was not often that Rob Gordon gave way to such
fits of despondency. On the contrary, he was naturally of
a very lively disposition. A stranger coming in contact
with him for the first time would depart with an impression
of a benevolent, genial, and hearty old man, full of humour,
and not devoid of wit. He was passionately fond of
children, and they adored him. He might often be seen
followed by a crowd of urchins, who leaped and gambolled
and screamed in childish glee to attest the pleasure they
derived from the company of their aged friend.
He was a remarkable man. Considerably over ninety
years of age when presented to the reader, he not only
retained possession of all his faculties, but he was
physically wonderfully lithe and active as well. In
personal appearance he was somewhat below the average
height, but sturdy and well made. A pair of beaming
hazel eyes, fringed with dark lashes, a slightly aquiline
nose, a massive forehead, and finely curved lips, were the
salient features of a face that was very pleasing in its
expression. When a young man he was appointed game-
keeper on a part of the Sutherland Estate, and he served
in this capacity till old age compelled him to retire, for
though the " spirit was willing the flesh was weak."
On giving up his favourite occupation, he received a com-
petent allowance, which enabled him and his wife to live
comfortably in their neat little cottage on the brow of a
green hill, where they were often visited by members of
their large family, who had settled down in various parts of
the Highlands.