The canary sack, unheeding all
probabilities of detection, he declared had been twenty years in the
cellars of Wolf's Crag, "though it was not for him to speak before their
honours; the brandy--it was weel-kenn'd liquor, as mild as mead and as
strong as Sampson; it had been in the house ever since the memorable
revel, in which auld Micklestob had been slain at the head of the stair
by Jamie of Jenklebrae, on account of the honour of the worshipful Lady
Muirend, wha was in some sort an ally of the family; natheless----"
"But to cut that matter short, Mr. Caleb," said the Keeper, "perhaps you
will favour me with a ewer of water."
"God forbid your lordship should drink water in this family," replied
Caleb, "to the disgrace of so honourable an house!"
"Nevertheless, if his lordship have a fancy," said the Master, smiling,
"I think you might indulge him; for, if I mistake not, there has been
water drank here at no distant date, and with good relish too."
"To be sure, if his lordship has a fancy," said Caleb; and re-entering
with a jug of pure element--"He will scarce find such water onywhere as
is drawn frae the well at Wolf's Crag; nevertheless----"
"Nevertheless, we must leave the Lord Keeper to his repose in this
poor chamber of ours," said the Master of Ravenswood, interrupting
his talkative domestic, who immediately turning to the doorway, with
a profound reverence, prepared to usher his master from the secret
chamber.
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