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We now return to Bertram and Dinmont, who continued to follow their mysterious guide through the woods and dingles between the open common and the ruined hamlet of Derncleugh. As she led the way she never looked back upon her followers, unless to chide them for loitering, though the sweat, in spite of the growing season, poured from their eyebrows. At other times she gave a talk to herself in such broken expressions as these: â€کIt is to rebuild the auld house, it is to lay the corner-stone; and did I not warn him? I tell’d him I was born to do it, if my father’s head had been the stepping — stane, let alane his. I was doomed — still I kept my purpose in the cage and in the stocks; I was banished — I kept it in an unco land; I was scourged, I was branded — my resolution lay deeper than scourge or red iron could reach; — and now the hour is come. ’ â€کDon’t fret, my friend, ’ whispered Bertram in return. â€کIf you please, ’ said Hazlewood, â€کI should be most happy to ride in the direction which have taken. I am so well known in the country that i scarce think any outrage will be offered in my presence, and I would keep at such a cautious distance as not to appear to watch Meg, or interrupt any communication which she could make. ’ â€کFear’d! fient a haet care I, ’ said the dauntless player; â€کbe she witch or deevil, it’s a’ ane to Dandie Dinmont. ’. â€کUpon my word, ’ said Pleydell (aside), â€کto be a sprig whom I remember with a whey face and a satchel not so very many years ago, I think young Hazlewood grows an excellent fellow. I am more afraid of a new attempt at legal oppression than at open physical violence, and from that this young man’s presence would deter both Glossin and his understrappers. — Hie away then, my boy; expert out — expert out, you â€کll purchase them somewhere about Derncleugh, or very probably in Warroch wood. ’ ________________________________
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