Caleb in the mean
while waited on them with grave officiousness, as if anxious to make up,
by his own respectful assiduity, for the want of all other attendance.
But, alas! how little on such occasions can form, however anxiously and
scrupulously observed, supply the lack of substantial fare! Bucklaw,
who had eagerly eaten a considerable portion of the thrice-sacked
mutton-ham, now began to demand ale.
"I wadna just presume to recommend our ale," said Caleb; "the maut was
ill made, and there was awfu' thunner last week; but siccan water as the
Tower well has ye'll seldome see, Bucklaw, and that I'se engage for."
"But if your ale is bad, you can let us have some wine," said Bucklaw,
making a grimace at the mention of the pure element which Caleb so
earnestly recommended.
"Wine!" answered Caleb, undauntedly, "eneugh of wine! It was but twa
days syne--wae's me for the cause--there was as much wine drunk in this
house as would have floated a pinnace. There never was lack of wine at
Wolf's Crag."
"Do fetch us some then," said the master, "instead of talking about it.
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